One of the best ways to save money and have a clean conscience is to use everyday, ordinary white vinegar as the main ingredient in much of your household cleaning. When used outdoors, vinegar leaves no chemical run-off or residue to harm plants and animals.
The acidity of vinegar makes it a good germ-killer, too.
According to information at life.gaiam.com, there are a number of studies that show white vinegar can kill up to 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold and 80 percent of viruses.
White distilled vinegar is usually best because cider vinegar, with its brown color, can stain some fabrics, surfaces and materials.
Here are some basic uses for vinegar. Many more can be found on-line at sites like versatilevinegar.org, vinegartips.com and ecomaidsofla.com.
In the laundry:
• Prevent lint by adding a cup of vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
• Remove perspiration or smoke stains and odors by spraying spots or soaking entire garments. If you’ve forgotten a load overnight, run the washer on warm with a couple of cups of vinegar to remove the musty smell.
• Remove mineral deposits from your steam iron by filling the water reservoir with half vinegar, half water. Turn the iron on and let the steam escape for a few minutes. Shake excess out onto an old towel.
In the garden:
• Kill weeds by spraying roots with full-strength vinegar.
• Clean your hummingbird feeder and bird bath with vinegar as it won’t leave any chemical residue that might harm birds.
• Keep ants away by spraying areas with vinegar (This has also been rumored to work with cats).
In the bathroom:
• Clean tile with a solution of one cup of white distilled vinegar, one cup of ammonia and 1/2 cup of baking soda to a gallon of warm water.
• Clean toilets by pouring vinegar in and letting is sit for a few minutes. Follow with a healthy does of baking soda, then scrub.
• Clean surfaces by spraying with full-strength vinegar, then wipe clean.
• Kill germs and remove mildew with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Remove soap scum by spraying surfaces with vinegar, then scrubbing with baking soda.
In the kitchen:
• Cut grease on surfaces with full-strength vinegar.
• Make window cleaner with about 1/4 cup of vinegar added to a 32 ounce spray bottle filled with water.
• Remove odors and berry stains from your hands by rubbing them with vinegar.
• Get rid of kitchen odors by boiling a small amount of vinegar in a pan of water.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
About the Author