Vinegar: Naturally Green

 

White distilled vinegar is eco-friendly, all natural, non-toxic and economical.  Not only that, but distilled white vinegar has so many uses that after I wrote the post on getting a greener kitchen where I mentioned using white distilled vinegar as a cleaning agent, I thought I should also list other ways the product is beneficial for household use.

Laundry

• Adding about 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar to the last rinse cycle will remove soap residue, prevent yellowing of fabrics, act as a fabric softener and will remove mold and mildew.
• Before washing a mustard stain, dab it with white distilled vinegar.
• Remove barbecue and spaghetti sauce as well as ketchup stains with a white distilled vinegar and water solution.

Kitchen

• Clean counter tops with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar or use a water/white distilled vinegar solution.
• Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes then run hot water down the drain.  To deodorize a garbage disposal, use the same method. To deodorize and clean the garbage disposal, you can also use white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them ahead by freezing white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. When cubes are solid, turn on the disposal and throw a few cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.
• Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl.  Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave.  Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear.
• Clean the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.
• For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar. 
• To clean a grill, spray with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar.
• Kill germs all around the kitchen with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Gardening

• Kill weeds by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them.
• Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.
• Clean a birdbath by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.
• Sanitize outdoor furniture and picnic tables with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar and clean plastic patio furniture by using 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
• Keep rabbits from eating your plants by placing balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.

Can you offer more tips on using distilled white vinegar around the house?