We have all heard somewhere that distilled white vinegar can be beneficial in and around the house. But, just how beneficial are we talking about? I’m talking about multiple uses. There are so many things that we can replace with distilled white vinegar with, which will save you so much money in the long haul. Vinegar is super cheap and a little goes a long way. Let’s take a deep dive into the many uses for distilled white vinegar. You can be the judge and determine for yourself if you wish to make the switch and make distilled white vinegar a part of your home and your everyday life.
What is distilled white vinegar?
What is vinegar and how is it made? Vinegar is a sour liquid obtained by fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative. It is made by using a grain alcohol (vodka based) and when exposed to oxygen, over time bacteria will grow. This will cause the acetic acid to form. The sour vinegar taste comes from the acetic acid.
What is the difference between distilled white vinegar and white vinegar?
Although they both sound similar, they are different. Distilled white vinegar contains 5% acetic acid contents. This makes it perfect for using in the kitchen and around the house. White vinegar or also known as cleaning vinegar has a 6% acetic acid content. This 1% difference may seem small, but it is not. That difference in acetic acid makes white vinegar 20% stronger than distilled white vinegar. White vinegar having the higher acid levels means that if you use this vinegar to clean your home, this vinegar will damage a ton of your surfaces. Also, white vinegar should not be used with food or be ingested.
Why should I use white distilled vinegar?
I am sure you may be wondering if it is even worth using distilled white vinegar. The answer is yes! There are so many things you can use distilled white vinegar for, and a lot of the uses that will be listed below will also replace products (some containing chemicals) that will in turn save you so much money. But I will let the list persuade you. Let’s get into it!
Uses for Distilled White Vinegar
Homemade Cleaners
Create your own homemade natural non-toxic cleaners. Use to make an all-purpose spray, glass cleaner, and even floor cleaner. However, distilled white vinegar cannot be used on all types of flooring. Avoid using on real hardwood floors, vinyl and linoleum. Also avoid using on stone surfaces.
WARNING! Do not mix vinegar with these chemicals. Bleach, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. Mixing these chemicals with vinegar will cause a chemical reaction and for toxic gases. Vinegar+ bleach forms toxic chlorine gas, vinegar+ ammonia forms chloramine vapor, vinegar+ hydrogen peroxide forms peracetic acid. Also, do not mix with baking soda in a closed container. The chemical reaction will cause the container to explode.
Cleaning
Here is a list of what can be cleaned, and not by the homemade cleaners listed above.
Kitchen
- Microwave- in a small bowl, add some vinegar and turn the microwave on for 2 minutes. Remove the bowl (be careful, it will be hot) and wipe out your dirty microwave with ease. No scrubbing all the caked-on food splatters. This will also deodorize any lingering food smells.
- Dishwasher– fill a cup with vinegar and run the dishwasher. The vinegar will help break up any mineral deposits as well as deodorize.
- Coffee maker– Empty any remaining water from the water reservoir, fill up the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. After the vinegar has been through the coffee maker, fill the water reservoir up with water and run that through as well to rinse out the vinegar. This will help remove any mineral build-up. Be sure to check your manufacture manual.
- Tea Kettles– Put one part vinegar and three parts water into your tea kettle. Bring to a boil. Allow to sit for about 20 minutes to cool. Pour out the vinegar-water mix and rinse very thoroughly with water. This removes any build-up inside of the tea kettle.
- Stainless– In a spray bottle, put one part vinegar and one part water. Shake to mix. Spray on the stainless steel and wipe from top to bottom. Use a dry cloth after to buff.
- Produce Wash– Add one part vinegar to four parts water into a large bowl.
Bathroom
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner– Add a cup of vinegar to toilet bowl and let sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle baking soda and scrub with toilet brush. Flush.
- Showerhead– Pour vinegar into a sandwich bag and with a rubber band, fasten the bag to the showerhead. Make sure the showerhead is submerged in the vinegar.
- Removes mildew– Spray on affected areas, let sit for a few minutes and wipe away.
- Unclog Drains– Pour boiling water down drain, add one cup baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes and pour more boiling water down the drain.
- Removes soap scum– Spray of affected areas, let sit for a few minutes and wipe away/
Laundry
- Brighten whites
- Liquid fabric softener– Add a small splash to your clothing. This will deodorize and soften your clothing (don’t worry about the vinegar smell. It does not linger).
- Homemade Dryer Sheets
- Clean washer– Add one cup to washer and run the washer
Misc. in and around the home
- Weed killer– Spray on weeds. Be careful not to spray the plants you wish to keep. Vinegar will kill any plant. Also be sure not to soak the soil. It can spread and kill neighboring plants.
- Deodorize shoes
- Removes onion smell on hands
- Pest Control– Deter ants from your home
- Stop windshield from freezing– Mix three parts vinegar and one part water. Spray windshield and wipe away. Repeat every few weeks.
- Helps with dogs itchy ears– Put some vinegar on a washcloth and gently rub the inside of your pups ear.
- Disinfectant
- Dye Easter eggs
- Canning
- Cooking
- Baking
Sources
Vinegar Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
Cleaning Vinegar vs. White Vinegar: Uses Around the House | HowStuffWorks