5 Ways with... Vinegar

By , SparkPeople Blogger
From our partners at Woman's Day

Learn how to make the most of common household items, like hair dryers, dryer sheets and toothpicks, when you watch our 5 Ways video series! Each week we will feature a different item, which you most likely have lying around the house, and show you five new uses for it—surprising even the most savvy homemaker. For instance, did you know the absorbent powders in sidewalk chalk can soak up stains on clothing? Or that dryer sheets can calm frizzy-hair flyaways? Today, tune in to their latest installment, in which WomansDay.com Assistant Editor Brynn Mannino demonstrates five new ways to put white vinegar to use as a cleaning product, gardening tool and more!



Tips:
    1. Clean cloudy glassware. Soak a paper towel or cloth in white vinegar and use it to cover both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass; let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse clean. Acetic acid, the main ingredient in vinegar, will work to dissolve any lingering mineral deposits, grease and soap scum that’s dulling the glass.

    2. Make towels more absorbent. Add a solution of 1 cup white vinegar to your regular rinse cycle once the machine is filled at least a quarter-way with clean water. The acid will break down minerals, salt and other chemicals that have accumulated on your towels, leaving the fabric more absorbent.

    3. Tackle weeds. Spray unwanted plants or weeds with white vinegar. The acid acts as an eco-friendly herbicide, and will work to destroy the growth with just a few applications.

    4. Remove rust. Acetic acid, found in vinegar, can easily dissolve rust. Revive old tools by soaking them in undiluted vinegar for several hours, then rub away any stubborn residue with an old rag.

    5. Clean salt off shoes. Has winter sidewalk salt tarnished your leather shoes? Simply dip a cloth in white vinegar and wipe away the marks. The acid will dissolve rock salt residue and restore shine.


Do you use vinegar for anything aside from cooking? What?

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