Vinegar is great for a lot more than cooking. In fact, vinegar is more versatile than almost any of us ever even knew! Vinegar has many great, effective uses and is fairly cheap to buy also. Try some of these unique hacks.
Clean Your Fridge
Mix 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar into a spray bottle and use it to spritz on the shelves and on the insides of your fridge to help clean it. It works very effectively and is much cleaner and more sanitary than many cleaning products advertised for such purposes.
Brighten Your Dishes
Vinegar is a great way ingredient to use to help spruce up your dishes. Anything from stainless steel like silverware to coffee mugs and back.
Use as a Dusting Spray
Spritzing vinegar through a spray bottle on furniture before dusting is a great way to give your furniture an extra shine. It also won't damage any finishings on woodwork or other surfaces throughout your home.
Kill Bathroom Germs
Cleaning the bathroom with vinegar is a great way to kill germs without having to use bleach and other harsh, often harmful chemicals. It's a much gentler clean, with the same results in cleanliness and sanitation as commercial cleaners.
Soak for Smooth Feet
Soaking your feet in vinegar may sound crazy, but it works to give you soft, smooth feet. It's also much more affordable than getting pedicures and foot soaks every single week!
Eliminate Odors
Spraying vinegar in the air works just as effectively as using any fancy spray that can cost $5 or more for one bottle! Vinegar is much cheaper but equally effective at removing virtually all odors but for a small fraction of the price.
Kill Bacteria in Meat
Adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to your marinade for meats can help ensure that the harmful bacteria are killed. Let it soak 20 to 25 minutes to ensure that all bacteria is killed and that meat is fully flavored. Then cook the next morning without rinsing.
Assuage Sore Throats
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for soothing sore throats. Be sure not to use it undiluted though. Mix one tablespoon thoroughly with one cup of water before having your senior gargle.
Clean Carpet
A paste of two tablespoons of vinegar and 1/4 cup of salt or baking soda can help remove carpet stains. Be sure to test the least visible part of the carpet first. If it is safe, rub the paste into the stain and vacuum up the residue in the morning.
Remove Sweat Stains
You can replace your chemical stain removers in the laundry room with plain white vinegar. For perspiration stains, soak the stained areas in full strength vinegar and just enough water to cover the stain. Let the fabric soak for 10 to 15 minutes and then launder as usual. The stains should be gone.
Clean Your Dishwasher
Some manufacturers suggest running an empty dishwasher with bleach instead of your normal dishwasher detergent one a month. This is done to remove stains and break down hard water deposits that can clog the pump or jet spray. The only problem is that bleach can damage the seal and your dishwasher can develop a leak over time. Running your dishwasher with vinegar will give you same benefits, without the risk of damage.
Remove Soap and Hard Water Residue
Glass Shower enclosures are beautiful, but difficult to clean. Vinegar will make the job easier. To clean the glass doors, heat vinegar on the stove and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the warm liquid on the doors, let it work its magic for a few minutes, then wipe the mess away.
All-Natural Furniture Spray
You can even use vinegar to clean and protect your wooden surfaces as you dust. In a spray bottle mix a cup of water, ¼ cup of vinegar, and two teaspoons of olive oil. You can also add 10-15 drops of a citrus essential oil if you want to add fragrance. You will be protecting the wood and leaving a clean, fresh scent behind. You will want to shake the bottle before each use.
At Caring Senior Service, our expert staff is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted professionals who take pride in helping your loved one manage their daily activities. Contact a Caring team near you today to learn more!