Vinegar is more than just a kitchen staple. It’s a versatile household item with a multitude of uses that extend far beyond cooking. From cleaning to personal care, vinegar can do it all.
What Type of Vinegar Works Best for Different Uses?
Not all vinegar is the same, and using the right type can make a big difference. White vinegar is the strongest and best for cleaning, while apple cider vinegar is popular for health and beauty. Balsamic vinegar is mostly used in cooking, but it can also work as a natural polish for certain surfaces.
If you’re cleaning, stick with distilled white vinegar—it has the highest acidity and leaves no sticky residue. For skin and hair care, apple cider vinegar is the best choice because it contains natural enzymes and beneficial acids that help balance pH levels. When using vinegar for weed control, make sure you’re using industrial-strength vinegar (20% acetic acid) instead of regular kitchen vinegar, which isn’t strong enough to kill stubborn plants.
Here are 20 surprising ways you can use vinegar that you probably didn’t know about.

ELECTRONICS CLEANER: KEEP YOUR GADGETS DUST-FREE
Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water to clean your computer, printer, and other electronics. Use a cloth to wipe down the surfaces and cotton swabs for those hard-to-reach areas.
SMOKE ODOR ELIMINATOR: FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACE
To get rid of lingering smoke smells, place a bowl filled three-quarters with white or cider vinegar in the affected room. For a quicker solution, dampen a cloth with vinegar and wave it around.
MILDEW REMOVER: SAY GOODBYE TO STAINS
For heavy mildew, use undiluted vinegar. For lighter stains, a vinegar-water mix will do. A vinegar mist can also prevent mildew on carpets and rugs.
CHROME AND STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER: MAKE IT SHINE
Spray undiluted white vinegar on chrome and stainless steel fixtures. Wipe down with a soft cloth for a brilliant shine.

STICKER AND GLUE REMOVER: NO MORE STICKY RESIDUE
Use full-strength white vinegar to remove stubborn stickers, decals, and glue. An old credit card can help scrape off the residue.
BRICK BRIGHTENER: REVIVE YOUR FIREPLACE
Mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water to clean dingy bricks around your fireplace.
WOOD PANELING REVITALIZER: BRING BACK THE LUSTER
Combine warm water, white or apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to polish dull wood paneling.
CARPET STAIN LIFTER: ERASE THOSE SPOTS
For light stains, a mix of salt and white vinegar works wonders. For tougher stains, use a vinegar-cornstarch paste.
FROST-FREE CAR WINDOWS: CLEAR VISION AHEAD
Spray a 3-to-1 mixture of white vinegar and water on your car windows to prevent frost.
REFRIGERATOR FRESHENER: BANISH BAD SMELLS
Use a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water to clean and deodorize your fridge.
MICROWAVE CLEANER: STEAM AWAY GRIME
Fill a bowl with water and vinegar, microwave it, and use the cooled solution to wipe down the interior.
CUTTING BOARD DISINFECTANT: KILL GERMS SAFELY
Use full-strength white vinegar to disinfect wood cutting boards and countertops.
DISHWARE BRIGHTENER: SPOTLESS AND SHINY
Add a few ounces of vinegar to your dishwasher to prevent hard-water stains.
FRUIT FLY TRAP: CATCH THOSE PESTS
Fill an old jar halfway with apple cider vinegar, punch holes in the lid, and say goodbye to fruit flies.
MEAT TENDERIZER: MAKE EVERY BITE JUICY
Soak lean cuts of meat or seafood in full-strength vinegar overnight to tenderize them.
DANDRUFF CONTROLLER: FLAKE-FREE HAIR
Rinse your hair with a mix of apple cider vinegar and cold water to control dandruff.
SUNBURN AND ITCH RELIEF: SOOTHE YOUR SKIN
Apply white or cider vinegar with a cotton ball to sunburns, rashes, or insect bites for relief.
EYEGLASS CLEANER: SEE CLEARLY NOW
Use a few drops of white vinegar on glass lenses to remove dirt and smudges. Avoid using on plastic lenses.
COLOR PROTECTOR: KEEP YOUR CLOTHES VIBRANT
Soak new clothes in undiluted white vinegar to prevent colors from running.
SEED GERMINATION BOOSTER: JUMPSTART YOUR GARDEN
Soak woody seeds in a mix of apple cider vinegar and warm water overnight to speed up germination.
Can Vinegar Be Used as a Natural Disinfectant?
Vinegar has antibacterial properties, but it’s not a true disinfectant like bleach or alcohol. While it can kill some bacteria, it won’t eliminate all germs, especially viruses like the flu. However, it’s still great for everyday cleaning—removing grime, breaking down grease, and freshening up surfaces.
For an effective natural cleaner, mix one part vinegar with one part water and add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lemon for extra antibacterial power. Just be aware that vinegar shouldn’t be used on granite, marble, or natural stone, as the acidity can cause damage over time.
Vinegar in the Garden: Does It Really Kill Weeds?
Yes! Vinegar is a natural weed killer, but it works best on young, shallow-rooted weeds rather than deep-rooted ones. The acetic acid in vinegar dries out the plant’s leaves, causing them to wither and die. However, since vinegar doesn’t kill the roots, weeds may grow back if they have strong underground systems.
For the best results, spray full-strength white vinegar directly on weeds on a hot, sunny day. Avoid getting it on plants you want to keep, as it can harm them too. If you need a stronger solution, mix vinegar with a small amount of dish soap and salt—this helps it stick to the leaves and enhances its effectiveness.
Does Vinegar Extend the Life of Fruits & Vegetables?
One of the best-kept secrets of vinegar is that it helps keep produce fresh longer. A simple vinegar rinse removes bacteria, mold spores, and pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables, which can slow down spoilage.
To wash your produce, mix one part vinegar with three parts water and let fruits and veggies soak for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water. This is especially helpful for berries, which tend to mold quickly. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before storing to prevent excess moisture from causing early spoilage.
Can Vinegar Be Used on Pets?
Vinegar is often recommended as a natural flea repellent, but it’s important to use it carefully. While the strong smell may help deter fleas, vinegar doesn’t actually kill them. However, diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a gentle skin rinse for dogs with itchy or irritated skin.
If you’re using vinegar for pet-related cleaning, make sure to rinse surfaces well afterward—some pets dislike the strong scent, and undiluted vinegar can be too harsh for their sensitive noses and paws. Always check with your vet before using vinegar on your pet’s skin, especially for treating conditions like ear infections or hot spots.
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