Uses of vinegar: Remove limescale from kitchen taps, get rid of odours, use as fabric softener

Vinegar uses: It is an inexpensive all-in-one cleaner that can remove limescale, loosen dirt and grime, and also neutralise smells and odours (Image: Canva)

Did you know that you can replace several of your chemically-made cleaning products with just one vinegar? When diluted with water, or mixed with baking soda, vinegar becomes a power cleaning agent that can be used all around your house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, as well as for laundry.

It is an inexpensive all-in-one cleaner that can remove limescale, loosen dirt and grime, and also neutralise smells and odours.

Here’s a guide to vinegar’s various uses, plus some handy tips and tricks.

• Cleaning uses

• All-purpose cleaner: Instead of using your different chemical cleaners in your kitchen and bathroom, vinegar is a natural all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean kitchen counters, sinks, and floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and watch it cut through grease and grime. Avoid using it on natural stone, as it can damage the surface.

• Window and glass cleaner: Use this mixture to also make your mirrors and windows streak-free. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a spotless finish.

• Descale appliances: Vinegar does an excellent job removing limescale and mineral deposits. Run a vinegar and water solution through your coffee makers, kettles, and dishwashers to have them working like new again.

• Bathroom cleaner: Vinegar and baking soda make an even more powerful combination. Use them to tackle soap scum and hard water stains on tiles, faucets, and showerheads. Leave the solution on for a few minutes and then scrub gently with a soft cloth.

• Microwave cleaner: Heat a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away.

• Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or lavender, to your vinegar cleaning solution to mask the smell and leave a pleasant fragrance.

• Deodorising

• Remove fridge odours: Place a small bowl of vinegar in the fridge to absorb bad smells. Replace every few days to keep your fridge fresh.

• Deodorise trash cans: Spray a vinegar and water solution inside your trash can and let it dry to reduce odours.

• Pet odours remover: Clean pet bedding, crates, and litter boxes with a vinegar solution to eliminate unwanted smells.

• Carpet deodoriser: For stubborn odours, spray vinegar directly on carpets and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting with a damp cloth. This can help lift odours from the fibres.

• Freshen shoes: For shoes that need freshening up, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz the insides. Let them air dry to reduce odours.

• Laundry uses

• Fabric softener: Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener. This can also reduce static cling and make clothes fluffier.

• Odour remover: Vinegar helps eliminate strong smells from clothes, such as smoke or sweat. Add a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle for better odour control.

• Whiten and brighten: To brighten whites, add half a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. The acidity helps break down detergent residues and minerals.

• Prevent lint and pet hair: Adding vinegar in the rinse cycle can reduce static cling, preventing lint and pet hair from sticking to clothes.

• Tip: Avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as the acidity can damage these fibres.

• Kitchen uses

• Fruit and veggie wash: Rather than using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to clean your fruits and vegetables, soak them in a solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for a few minutes to remove pesticide residue and bacteria.

• Clean cutting boards: Spray a mixture of vinegar and water on cutting boards to sanitize them naturally after cutting raw foods.

• Deodorise your sink drain: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain, then rinse with hot water. This does the work of the chemically made Dranex and will help keep your drain fresh and unclogged.

• Egg poaching: Add a splash of vinegar to simmering water to help poached eggs hold their shape.

• Meat tenderiser: Use vinegar to tenderise meat by adding a tablespoon to marinades. The acidity breaks down proteins, making the meat softer.