20 Genius Uses for Vinegar You Need to Try Now
Revive dull fixtures, freshen laundry, and unclog drains with a single kitchen staple.
Vinegar is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s a versatile, inexpensive solution for challenges throughout your home and daily routine. Whether you choose white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or another variety, discover how this age-old remedy can make life a little easier, cleaner, and healthier.
Table of Contents
- Cook Fluffier Pasta
- Soothe a Sunburn
- Trap Fruit Flies
- Substitute Eggs in Baking
- Clean Your Greens
- Release Wrinkles from Clothing
- Make Your Own Dry Shampoo
- Prolong the Life of Cut Flowers
- Freshen, Soften, and Whiten Laundry
- Clarify Cloudy Glassware
- Banish Kitchen and Household Odors
- Deodorize and Clean the Microwave
- Neutralize Smoke and Cooking Odors
- Evict Head Lice
- Remove Sweat Stains
- Shine Faucets and Fixtures
- Unclog Drains Naturally
- Relieve a Sore Throat
- Soothe Bug Bites and Stings
- Tenderize Meat and Boost Marinades
1. Cook Fluffier Pasta
Add one or two teaspoons of vinegar to boiling pasta water. The acidity helps break down some of the starch in the noodles, resulting in a slightly fluffier texture that many cooks swear by. The subtle tang also brightens the noodles’ flavor.
2. Soothe a Sunburn
When your skin gets too much sun, the resulting inflammation can be painful. Make a cool compress by soaking a clean cloth in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Gently apply it to the affected area to help calm irritation and speed up healing. Vinegar’s antiseptic qualities can also help protect compromised skin from infection.
3. Trap Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are drawn to the scent of fermentation. To trap them, pour a little vinegar and a piece of very ripe fruit into a jar. Shape a piece of paper into a cone and place it narrow-end-down in the jar. The flies will funnel in but can’t easily escape, leaving your kitchen bug-free.
4. Substitute Eggs in Baking
Out of eggs and need a binding, leavening agent? For each egg required, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. The chemical reaction creates bubbles and provides lift, mimicking eggs in cakes, muffins, and pancakes. Ideal for vegan or allergy-sensitive bakers.
5. Clean Your Greens
Produce can harbor more than dirt. University studies suggest soaking leafy greens in a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar to 2 cups water for five minutes can help remove surface bacteria. Rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid changing the flavor or texture. Pat dry before serving for the crispest salads.
6. Release Wrinkles from Clothing
No iron? No problem. Fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and three parts water. Mist clothes lightly, shake, and hang to dry. The acidity relaxes fabric fibers, smoothing away minor wrinkles. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.
What others are reading
7. Make Your Own Dry Shampoo
Skip the aerosol can and use white vinegar for a scalp-refreshing, no residue dry shampoo alternative. Dilute 1 teaspoon vinegar in 2 cups water, spritz onto your roots, and let your hair air dry. The mild acidity neutralizes oil while combating bacteria and dandruff.
8. Prolong the Life of Cut Flowers
Add two tablespoons of vinegar and one tablespoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. This simple mixture nourishes stems while retarding bacterial growth, helping your bouquet stay vibrant longer.
9. Freshen, Soften, and Whiten Laundry
- For softer clothes, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar instead of fabric softener to your washing machine’s rinse cycle.
- Banish odors and brighten whites by adding a cup of vinegar to a hot wash.
- Clean your washing machine itself by running a hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar (no laundry).
10. Clarify Cloudy Glassware
To remove mineral deposits and cloudiness from drinking glasses or vases, soak them in undiluted white vinegar for 10–15 minutes. Scrub with a bottle brush, rinse, and enjoy sparkling results.
11. Banish Kitchen and Household Odors
- Set out a small bowl of vinegar in musty rooms, near garbage cans, or in the refrigerator to absorb unpleasant smells.
- Wipe down cutting boards and counters with diluted vinegar to disinfect and remove lingering food odors.
12. Deodorize and Clean the Microwave
Microwave a bowl of equal parts vinegar and water on high for several minutes until steamy. The vapors loosen cooked-on splatters while neutralizing food odors. Wipe clean for a spotless, fresh appliance.
13. Neutralize Smoke and Cooking Odors
Burnt toast, overcooked meat, or cigarette smoke doesn’t have to hang around. White vinegar breaks down the molecules responsible for these unwanted smells. Set a bowl of vinegar in each affected room, or add a cup to your laundry to remove smoke from fabrics.
14. Evict Head Lice
Before using medicated treatments, rinse hair thoroughly with white vinegar. The acetic acid can help loosen the glue nits use to cling to hair strands, making comb-out more effective and less stressful for everyone involved.
15. Remove Sweat Stains
Yellow underarm stains are caused by a buildup of sweat and deodorant. To rescue favorite shirts, pour a small amount of white vinegar directly onto stains, gently rub in, and launder as usual. Vinegar’s acidity dissolves stubborn deposits for brighter, fresher-smelling clothes.
16. Shine Faucets and Fixtures
Dull, spotted chrome and stainless steel regain their gleam with a vinegar wipe-down. Spray or soak paper towels in vinegar, wrap them around fixtures, and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse and polish dry to remove water spots and tarnish with ease.
17. Unclog Drains Naturally
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture fizz for several minutes, then flush with hot water.
- This safe, chemical-free process helps clear minor clogs and keeps drains fresh.
18. Relieve a Sore Throat
Gargle with a mixture of one tablespoon of vinegar in 8 ounces of warm water to soothe throat irritation and leverage vinegar’s natural antibacterial properties (do not swallow the solution). This time-honored folk remedy is even mentioned in medical journals as a supportive measure for mild discomfort.
19. Soothe Bug Bites and Stings
Dab undiluted vinegar onto mosquito bites, bee stings, or minor rashes. The acidity can help relieve itchiness and inflammation while keeping the area clean.
20. Tenderize Meat and Boost Marinade Flavor
Acidic marinades break down meat fibers, resulting in juicier, more tender dishes. Swap part of the liquid in your favorite marinade recipe for vinegar or soak tough cuts in a vinegar-based mixture for an hour before cooking.
Bonus: Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
- Helps regulate blood sugar and may modestly support weight loss.
- Serves as a nontoxic cleaner for surfaces, laundry, and glass.
- Can support gut health and digestion due to natural probiotics (if unfiltered).
Note: Always use vinegar safely—never mix with bleach or strong chemicals. For any topical or health-related uses, test on a small area or consult a professional if you have sensitive skin or health concerns.
Summary Table: 20 Versatile Vinegar Uses
| Use | Type of Vinegar | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fluffier Pasta | Any | Improves texture |
| Soothe Sunburn | White | Reduces inflammation |
| Trap Fruit Flies | Any / Apple Cider | Pest control |
| Baking Substitute | Any | Leavens without eggs |
| Clean Greens | Any (diluted) | Removes bacteria |
| Wrinkle Release | White | Smooths fabrics |
| Dry Shampoo | White | Oil control, scalp health |
| Cut Flowers | White/Apple Cider | Prolongs freshness |
| Laundry Softener | White | Softens, deodorizes |
| Glassware Clarity | White | Removes deposits |
| Neutralize Odors | White | Absorbs smells |
| Microwave Cleaner | Any | Fresh, clean appliance |
| Smoke Odor | White | Breaks down molecules |
| Head Lice Aid | White | Loosens nits |
| Sweat Stains | White | Lifts yellowing |
| Shine Fixtures | Any | Removes buildup |
| Unclog Drains | Any | Non-toxic cleaning |
| Sore Throat Remedy | Any (diluted) | Soothes, antibacterial |
| Bug Bites | Any | Reduces itch |
| Marinade/Tenderizer | Any | Breaks down meat fibers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can vinegar kill all germs or bacteria?
A: Vinegar has some antibacterial properties, but it is not a registered disinfectant for all pathogens. It’s effective for general cleaning and odor removal but should not replace stronger sanitizers in medical or food-safety applications.
Q: Does the type of vinegar matter for these uses?
A: White distilled vinegar is best for cleaning and laundry due to its clarity and high acidity. Apple cider vinegar is often chosen for kitchen or health uses thanks to its nutritional content and milder aroma.
Q: Are there any surfaces or materials I should not clean with vinegar?
A: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone (like granite or marble), cast iron, aluminum, and certain hardwood floors, as acidity can cause damage. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area.
Q: Is drinking vinegar daily safe?
A: Consuming small, diluted amounts of vinegar is generally safe for most people, but excessive intake can damage tooth enamel or irritate the digestive system. Consult your doctor if you have health concerns, especially regarding acidity, stomach ulcers, or medication interactions.
Q: Can I mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia for extra cleaning power?
A: No. Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia, as this creates toxic chloramine or chlorine gas, which is highly dangerous even in small concentrations. Always use one cleaner at a time and rinse thoroughly between products.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g20464600/20-genius-ways-to-use-vinegar-that-youve-never-thought-of/
- https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/20-genius-uses-for-apple-cider-vinegar/
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20485779/apple-cider-vinegar-for-better-health/
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20477585/35-all-time-favorite-natural-remedies/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDJYlx0b9gg
- https://www.prevention.com/health/g20513116/7-natural-remedies-for-indigestion/
- https://www.prevention.com/life/a20463137/natural-remedies-doctors-swear-by/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_L6EEt53H4
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
