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The Wonders of Vinegar…
For centuries vinegar has been used in such a variety of ways - and it's no different today. For such a common and inexpensive item, it has a lot of uses and helps save money AND is safe. It may not smell that great - but it works. Here are some ways that you can use vinegar around your house…

1. Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a water bottle and use as an all purpose cleaner (mirrors, window, sinks, toilets, etc.). Not only does it clean the surface, but it disinfects as well.
   
   
2. Find it hard to clean the hard food left splattered in your microwave? Place a bowl of straight vinegar and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Remove bowl and wipe down with damp rag, or use your vinegar and water all purpose cleaner.
   
   
3. For mopping ceramic or tile floors, fill bucket with HOT water and add ½ cup vinegar to water. You can also add about 2tbsp of castile soap or laundry detergent with it if it's really dirty. If you use soap, pour out water when you are done and go over floor a 2nd time with plain HOT water.
   
   
4. Use vinegar and water to soak brushes and combs to keep them clean and free from styling product buildup. Using a bucket or other plastic container or the sink, mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts warm/hot water. Place items in and let them soak for at least an hour. Remove items and rinse thoroughly.
   
   
5. I learned this from my vet. Instead of buying ear cleaner for your dog or pot-bellied pig at the pet store, use a mixture of water and vinegar. Not too much vinegar though, you don't want it to sting their ears if there happens to be a scratch inside. By dripping a small amount in the ear (as you would any ear cleaner), squeeze the ear to push the solution around. Using a cotton ball, remove the build - up that is
   loosened in the ear. If you just want to clean the surface of the ear, place the solution on a cotton ball and rub gently on the surface until ear is clean.
   
   
6. To clear and deodorize drains, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain and add 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Pour about 4 cups of HOT water in the drain to flush it.
   
   
7. Vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) is good for cleaning door jams and casing where dirty fingerprints always end up.
   
   
8. When cleaning your refrigerator, after washing down with soap and water go over with your vinegar and water solution (1:4 ratio) to help disinfect and remove odors.
   
   
9. Apply vinegar to your hands after (even before) cutting onions and garlic will help remove the odor from your hands.
   
   
10. Also apply vinegar to hand that are stained by fruit or vegetables (carrots tend to leave your fingers orange).
    
    
11. Use vinegar to clean appliance cords (UNPLUGGED) that are now greasy, dusty or have food dried on them.
    
    
12. A cup of vinegar poured in your washer (while washing clothes) will help keep whites white and colors bright.
    
    
13. I've read many times that applying vinegar to washable garments that have been stained by deodorant or antiperspirant to remove the stain. I have not tried it yet, but I am sure that it works.
    
    
14. Even though it is found on the directions of dye colors, most people don't always read them. When dying fabric, add a cup of vinegar to the mix when hand dying and a cup to the rinse cycle if you are using the machine. It helps set the color into the fabric.
    
    
15. Pour vinegar into a bottle and place a chile pepper in it for flavored vinegar. As the vinegar gets low, just keep adding more - the chile pepper is potent enough to last a LONG time.
    
    
16. To cut back on lint in your laundry, add ½ cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
    
    
17. To clean glasses, prescription or not, just use a dab of vinegar on each lense.
    
    
18. Add vinegar (at least ¼ cup) to bath water to help soothe itchy or sunburned skin.
    
    
19. Cleaning the bottom of the iron is now made easy by using vinegar with a mixture of baking soda. On stains/scorches that aren't as heavy, making a paste of baking soda and water will usually do the trick.
    
    
20. Vinegar is a great meat tenderizer. Soak your chicken and steaks in white vinegar (alone or with spices) overnight for soft and delicious meat.
    
    
21. You can remove soap build-up from dishwashers by running a cup of vinegar through the wash cycle. So this at least once a month.
    
    
22. You can keep your cut flowers looking fresher by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your flowers. You can also add about 1 ½ tsp sugar to them as well.
    
    
23. Pouring full strength vinegar on weeds to kill them. Pour around the base of the weed so it will soak to the root. You may have to apply a couple times to complete the job. This will take a couple days as well.
    
    
24. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to your shampoo to help remove product build up and grease.
    
    
25. Vinegar also helps with dandruff. After shampooing, rinse your hair with vinegar then follow with warm water. If you can't stand the smell, add a couple of drops of an essential oil (like peppermint or lavender) to the vinegar and shake before each use.
    
    
26. Use vinegar to clean and disinfect cutting boards (any kind). After washing with hot water, wipe with vinegar and do not rinse.
    
    
27. Extra caution is required when cleaning china and crystal. It's best to use tepid water when cleaning. As a final rinse, add a cup of vinegar to sink of clean tepid water. Dip the china or crystal in the water mixture and let them air dry.