8 Unexpected Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Around the House
Updated: Jun. 05, 2019
Apple cider vinegar is for more than just your health.
Apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV) has been used in medicine for hundreds of years. Lately, folks have been drinking apple cider vinegar straight to enjoy its benefits. Natural remedies aside, here are eight apple cider vinegar uses that don’t involve drinking it at all (though here’s our go-to recipe if you do want to try it!).
1. Never use that blue window spray again
To clean your windows and glass surfaces without alcohol or other chemicals, mix a quarter cup ACV to one pint of water in a spray bottle and use like you’d use the blue stuff. Stock up on ACV so you don’t have to worry about relying on your old cleaner ever again.
2. Trap those pesky flies
If you’ve got flies in your kitchen, you’ve got a problem, but here’s the Maid Brigade’s ACV-based solution: “Clean and dry any damp areas to get any old fruit, spoiled foods or old trash out of your home. Next, set up a mixture of soap and apple cider vinegar in a small cup or jar. The flies will be attracted to the mix and will get trapped in the solution.”
3. Wave bye-bye to bleach-based mold killers
For an effective mold killer that doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals, mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Spray on mold, and leave it to dry. “The vinegar by itself will kill most molds, but if you dislike the scent of vinegar, the tea tree oil will cut that scent plus add even more anti-microbial strength,” according to the Maid Brigade.
4. Get your fine china to sparkle, safely
To get your fine china to sparkle—without damaging it—mix baking soda with a few drops of dish detergent and enough ACV to make a paste.
5. Clean your wood floors
You might already know that you can use apple cider vinegar to clean your vinyl and ceramic floor tiles (use one cup of ACV to a gallon of warm water). But did you know you can clean your wood floors with the same solution? Just be sure to wring the mop as dry as possible and dry the floor immediately with a soft cloth.
Did you know these natural cleaning products are safe for the environment, too?
6. Wave sayonara to soap scum
Apple cider vinegar will also clean the soap scum off your bathtub, shower door, faucets and vanity surfaces. Just spritz and clean as normal!
7. Deodorize your drains
Apple cider vinegar can clean and deodorize your drains. Simply pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of ACV. Allow it to sit for a half hour and then follow with hot water.
8. Swab the deck
You can use apple cider vinegar to make your deck sparkle, according to cleaning experts at The Maid Brigade. They recommend using straight ACV for this purpose. Simply pour it on and let it sit for about an hour in the sunlight. Rinse with water and repeat as needed.
Next, learn the proper way to use ACV for your skin and check out delicious recipes featuring ACV.
