Garden Trees, Shrubs & Vines
Juliana Lumaj
Natural solutions found in the home have become increasingly popular for a wide variety of household tasks. White vinegar, especially, has become a staple many seem unable to live without. It’s frequently combined with other substances, such as baking soda, dish soap, and more, to create a variety of mixtures that can be used for cleaning surfaces, repelling bugs, and removing stains. As of late, countless online tutorials have featured white vinegar as the main ingredient, which continues to be a reliable option among homeowners. It’s also quite affordable; consumers can purchase a 32-ounce bottle for about $2 – compare that to just a small bottle of bug repellent or your favorite cleaner!
If you don’t have a bottle of white vinegar under your sink, trust us when we say you’re missing out. This is especially true if you take great pains to keep a clean, pest-free home but always seem to fall short. Thankfully, using vinegar around the home is almost always easy and safe. Whether you’re creating a protective ant-proof barrier around your home’s entrances or dealing with carpet stains caused by your pet or children, these nifty vinegar uses are perfect for adding to your weekly routine.
Eliminate pests
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With warm weather right around the corner, you’re probably looking forward to entertaining friends and family in your home after some much-needed spring cleaning. However, once the temperature rises, you’ll likely start to notice ants, spiders, and winged bugs enter with your beloved guests. If you, like many others, prefer that bugs stay outside rather than inside the home, white vinegar may be the solution.
One tactic is to fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water. Use this to spray your home’s entryways and window sills, especially those near trees or bushes. Don’t worry, it won’t leave a lingering smell once the liquid dries. The acid in vinegar is harmful to a wide variety of insects, such as spiders. It can be sprayed directly to kill them or diluted and sprayed around the home to prevent pests from congregating in your kitchen, near entrances, or around other bug hotspots. If you notice an orderly line of ants marching toward your kitchen, simply spray them with vinegar to disrupt their plans. It can also be used as a mosquito repellent during the summer since they dislike the smell.
Disinfect bathroom
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White vinegar can also be used to clean your entire bathroom. For instance, when cleaning the toilet, pour a single cup of vinegar into the bowl and allow it to treat the bacteria overnight. If you’re used to dealing with persistent stains, draining the water in your toilet before adding the vinegar will help. You can also supercharge this method by sprinkling in some baking soda before giving it a good scrub in the morning.
To clean your shower, you’ll first want to boil some white vinegar before scrubbing vigorously with the warm liquid. Next, find something to watch on Netflix, because you’ll want to wipe down the shower walls approximately every five minutes for about half an hour to ensure they stay wet. Once time is up, grab a soft sponge and dip it in white vinegar before sprinkling on some baking soda and scrubbing. Once done, you should notice that the mold, dirt, and grime have disappeared from your shower. If you’re dealing with a dirty drain, you’ll want to block it off and pour some vinegar around it to break down the residue. Then, simply scrub and rinse the drain after a few hours have passed.
Stain removal
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Aside from repelling bugs and cleaning bathrooms, white vinegar is also a convenient stain remover. If you’ve accidentally ruined your favorite shirt with food, deodorant, or sweat, pour some vinegar onto the spot. Then, gently rub the liquid into the stain so that it’s thoroughly absorbed by the fibers. Once you’re done, clean it as you normally would by tossing it into the washing machine. Not only does this miracle product fight stains, but it also has a brightening effect, can soften fabrics, and breaks down soap residue. Don’t worry. Although acidic, white vinegar is a safe option that won’t ruin your clothes.
If you’re the proud owner of a new puppy, you may be more concerned with stains on your carpet than on your clothes. So instead of freaking out after an accident, grab a spray bottle and thoroughly mix a cup of distilled white vinegar, a cup of water, and a couple of teaspoons of baking soda. You can then spray your cleaning solution on the stain, and after a few minutes, you’ll be able to quickly blot up the urine with an old towel.
