I have issues with any heavy detergents, so when I learned some of these uses for vinegar I jumped for joy. Not only would I not have to wear gloves, but it is cheaper and works better than all those chemical cleaners I have tried! And once the vinegar dries there is no lingering smell.
- Mix a little vinegar with water in a spray bottle; it works well as a general purpose cleaner. I have found it works great on floors, counter tops, walls, and mirrors; it even gets built up dog slobber off windows better than any other cleaner I have tried. Some people like to add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture, but I have had great results without it.
- For hard water build up in an electric kettle or any pot, fill it halfway, put in about two tablespoons or so of vinegar and bring to a boil; then let cool. If there is a great deal of build up just bring the water/vinegar mixture to a boil again and repeat as necessary. You do not need to change the water/vinegar mixture; I just turn the kettle on again and go about my day.
- Once the kettle has no more buildup, bring that same water/vinegar mixture to a boil again and pour it on any weeds that are hard to pull. Be careful not to pour it on any plants you want to keep. I love this for the weeds that grow from under the patio or the grass encroaching in the beds that I cannot seem to pull.
- I have a steamer mop and occasionally will mix a little vinegar with the water in the mop reservoir. This serves two purposes, it removes the hard water build up from the steaming mechanism in the mop and it helps to break up any build up on the floor making it easier for the mop to clean. Once again, this is useful for cleaning dog slobber.
- Vinegar and baking soda can be used to keep drains open, avoiding those nasty clogs. Pour boiling water down the drain (or after a really hot shower), pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour one cup vinegar down the drain and let it stand for 5 minutes or so, then slowly pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain. Do this quarterly to help keep drains running clean and to help avoid plumbing bills.
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