10 Uses for White Vinegar!

Did you enjoy the different uses for baking soda?  Well, as a second installment, I decided to list some uses for white vinegar, baking soda’s older brother.  I say this because they go together a lot and their relationship is usually explosive.    As you can see, we always buy it in bulk!  White vinegar, while sometimes smelly, really gets the job done.  Here’s ten ways how!

1.  Rinse Agent in your dishwasher.  Just pour it in the little space dedicated to those costly rinse agents and watch your dishes come out looking squeaky clean!  No odor either!

2.  Microwave Cleaner.  I pour a few capfuls of white vinegar into a bowl of water and heat it in the microwave for about 5 minutes, or until it comes to a boil.  Then all you have to do is wipe clean.  It loosens tough stains!

3.  Have any scratched DVDs?  Try rubbing them with a soft cloth and some vinegar.  It should stop the skipping.  Just make sure you let it dry before playing.

4.  Prevent frost from forming on your car window.  Mix a spray bottle with 3 parts water to one part vinegar.  Then spray your window before you park outside in the winter.  This recipe should keep your windows frost-free for weeks!

5.  Ketchup is tasty but who knows about all the sugar and weird stuff in it.  Guess what?  It’s easy to make and it has vinegar in it.  This recipe came from SkinnyTaste!

Homemade Ketchup

6 oz can tomato paste

1/4 Cup honey (you can use agave too)

1/2 Cup white vinegar

1/4 Cup water

1 tsp sugar

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp garlic powder

Combine everything in a saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk until smooth.  When it’s boiling reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.  Stir constantly.  Remove from heat and cover until it cools.  Chill and store in a covered container.

6.  Tub and Shower Cleaner.  If you mix 1.5 cups of White vinegar (heated until hot) and 1.5 cups of Dawn dish detergent, you can make a fantastic cleaner.  Put it in a 24 ounce spray bottle.  A little goes a long way.  Always spot test first but this recipe works wonders on your bathroom and your wallet!  It can be used in the kitchen too.

7. Refrigerator Pickles.  Come on.  A vinegar list without pickles!?!?  You must be crazy!  This is the Duggar Family recipe.

4 cups white vinegar
2 cups water
8 teaspoons salt
8 teaspoons pickling spice (optional but can be found at a local amish market)
4 large cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch slices

Combine white vinegar, water, salt, and pickling spice in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil.  Place cucumbers in a clean, dry glass container just large enough to hold all the slices.  Pour boiling brine over cucumber slices to cover completely. If all cucumbers are not submerged, add cold water to cover.  Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour.  This makes 2 Quarts and lasts about 10 days.

8.  Drain Cleaner.  I put this on the baking soda list but it works so well that I need to include it again.  Just pour baking soda down the drain and then pour the vinegar down.  Let it sit for about a half hour and then run hot water down the drain.  You might need to repeat it for really tough clogs but it works!

9.  Olive Garden Salad Dressing.  Who doesn’t love their salad dressing?!?!  Most of the ingredients are things you have on hand and believe me, it’s worth making.

1/2 cup olive oil

1 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup white vinegar

1 teaspoon dried Italian spices

1 teaspoon salt

black pepper

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

9 tablespoons water (that’s 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon)

2 envelopes Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix (each envelope is .7 oz)

Combine all ingredients in a blender on high until combined, or about 30 seconds.  Store in a covered container in the fridge and stir before serving.  It makes a ton and you can even use it as a gift!

10.  Sore Throat Remedy.  Just a warning.  This works really well but it doesn’t taste that great.  Mix hot water, 2 Tablespoons honey, 2 Tablespoons vinegar,  2 Tablespoons lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon.  Drink it all.  I promise.  This recipe is worth saving.

Any uses that I forgot that you can’t live without?  I’m sure there are tons more but these are just a few of my favorites.  Enjoy!