If there is one thing we pride ourselves on in LA, it is clean and natural home living. Rather then perusing the household products of your local Whole Foods, we’ve listed below 10 easy ways to use Vinegar as your go-to cleaner.
As an all-natural, all-in-one cleaner, white vinegar really does work wonders in terms of making your home look spic and span. In the kitchen, it cleans out your coffeemaker, removes hard water stains on your glassware, and rinses down your waste bins. In the laundry room, it keeps your colors bright and your whites whitened. Have a pest problem? You won’t for long with the help of white vinegar. It works as a repellent against ants in places where they like to crawl and hide (think: your patio, porch, or picnic table). Pick it up once, and it will become your new go-to cleanser.
-Martha Stewart
Deodorize the Room
Unpleasant odors lurk in the carpets, rugs, and upholstery. To remove these musty smells, fill a dish with half an inch of white vinegar and leave it out in the room until the smell dissipates.
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Dissolve Rust
To clean sharp edges on a dirty knife or pair of shears without cutting yourself, pour white vinegar over the blade. Then sprinkle with coarse salt and rub with a cork. Rinse with water and wipe dry to prevent rusting.
Keep Colors Bright
If you think that the colors of your clothing may run in the wash, try this time-honored treatment: Pre-rinse laundry in a solution of distilled white vinegar and cold water, using 2/3 cup vinegar for each gallon of water. Let the garments soak for up to 15 minutes, then wash and dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clean the Faucet
Cut through the crusty buildup of mineral deposits on your faucet with this trick: Soak a paper towel in full-strength white vinegar, then drape over the buildup. Leave for about an hour, then scrub scum away.
Wash Your Windows and Mirrors
Reflective surfaces such as these should have a streak-free shine. You can make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar and one part water.
Sanitize Your Garbage Disposal
It’s no surprise that a trash bin can harbor the worst odors in your home. But a rinse-down doesn’t always do the trick. After rinsing with fresh water, use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Rinse once more and let dry.
Remove Hard-Water Stains
Use a clean rag to rub each piece with distilled white vinegar. This will remove the hard water’s calcium and magnesium buildup. (And don’t worry—the items won’t smell like vinegar once dried.)
Clean Bath Toys
Wash bacteria and mildew from bath toys by giving them a bath of their own: Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water, adding 1/2 cup white vinegar per gallon of water. Soak toys for 10 minutes, then rub gently with a sponge and allow to dry. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through dirt buildup and works as a natural disinfectant.
Save Your Shoes
Leather and suede are some of the hardest materials to maintain. Stains can easily result when our shoes come in contact with rain or salt. To rid your shoes of unsightly salt spots, rub them down with a paper towel dampened with white vinegar, which dissolves the salt.
Shine the Silver
Silver is easily scratched and tarnished. Restore its sparkle by gently buffing your pieces with vinegar and a soft cotton cloth. Finish by rinsing and drying your silver with the cloth.
Courtesy of: Martha Stewart Home Living
