Safe and Green Living: Vinegar - Other Uses

shoe cleaner
Remove winter salt stains from shoes by wiping with a cloth dampened in a vinegar solution. Use 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup (225ml) of water.

cleaning raw wood
White vinegar can also be used to clean raw wood, such as a wooden cutting board. Pour undiluted vinegar onto the wood and then use a sponge to literally push the dirt away. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the wood grain, starting at one end and working to the other. This way the dirt you are trying to get rid of won't be pushed back into the wood grain.

wood glue softener
1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar

When repairing antique furniture or other wooden items, it's important to get rid of old glue beforehand to ensure the best bond possible. To soften the glue and make scraping it away much easier, use about 1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar. For better access to wooden joints, fill a small medicine dropper with vinegar (the plunge-style dropper made for infants works well) and use it to squirt a small amount right where you need it. Naturally, vinegar also works well on cleaning up glue spills. Note: Vinegar may not be effective on more modern furniture that has been assembled with epoxy glues.

plastic shower curtain cleaner
laundry detergent
1 cup (250ml) vinegar

Soap scrum and soap film on a plastic shower curtain can make it look dingy and old. Plus,, there's the problem of mold and mildew that can accumulate. To remove soap scum and keep mold problems at bay, place the shower curtain in the washing machine with a few large towels. Add detergent and the vinegar and wash on the gentle setting. Remove the curtain right after the spin cycle, and hang it back in the shower. Tip: To prevent future buildup after laundering, dip a clean washcloth in a cup (250ml) of vinegar, coat the curtain with a final dose of vinegar, and allow to air-dry.

No wax floor cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1 gallon of warm water

Wet mop no-wax floors with solution of vinegar and water to remove spills and kill many germs. Should not remove 'Perma-wax seal'.

new wicks
Soak new propane lanterns wicks in vinegar for several hours. Let them dry before using. The wicks will burn longer and brighter.

septic tank users
If you have a septic tank, use vinegar instead of harsh chemicals to clean the toilet bowl. Leave overnight if you can. It will help to keep the germs down.

cleaning dentures
To clean dentures leave them in vinegar for as long as you would leave them in a denture cleanser - about 15 minutes to half an hour. Then brush them thoroughly.

cleaning fluid for copper and brass
Make a brass and copper cleaner by combining equal parts of lemon juice and vinegar. Wipe it on a paper towel and then polish with a soft, dry cloth.

removing stains from flowerpots
That staining that occurs in clay and plastic flowerpots and their saucers comes right out without scrubbing. Just fill the kitchen sink with cold water and add plain white vinegar about 2/3 water to 1/3 vinegar. Soak the pots and saucers until they look clean and new. This may take up to an hour. Wash with soap and water before reusing.

Swimmer's ear prevention
2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar
2 tablespoons (30ml) isopropyl alcohol

Swimmer's ear is the name for bacterial infection that occurs in the outer ear canal (versus deep inside like a normal ear infection). It commonly occurs after the day of swimming when the protective layer of wax that covers this sensitive skin can be worn away. To help get rid of bacteria-rich water in the ears after swimming, and, thus, lower the risk of an infection developing later, make a solution of equal parts vinegar and isopropyl alcohol and pack it in your beach bag. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and squeeze a few drops into each ear after swimming.

blocked drain?
Use half a box of baking soda with a cup of warm vinegar. let this work for an hour or two, then pour down a lot of very hot water. An alternative is to use equal measures of baking soda and table salt, washed down with boiling water.

cleaning photocopier glass
Keep a solution of one to two tablespoons vinegar and water in a small spray bottle for cleaning grass screens.

Seed germinator
1 teaspoon (5ml) vinegar
3 tablespoons (45ml) water

Most seeds require damp conditions for optimal germination; unfortunately, the same conditions are also ideal for a variety of molds that can threaten a young seedling. If you start to see mold spores collecting, take matters into your own hands and fill a small spray bottle with the vinegar and water. Spray seedlings lightly to clean them off, and then transfer to a new container. Spritz seeds regularly with this diluted mixture while you wait for them to sprout.

keeping cats away
Pour vinegar around the children's sand box to keep cats from using it as their litter box. Reapply about every two months just to be sure. Also you can sprinkle a little vinegar on your garden paths and patios to help keep cats away.

removing fruit stains
To remove fruit stains from your hands, rub them with a little white vinegar and wipe with a cloth.

cleaning work surfaces
Wipe all kitchen work surfaces down with full-strength white vinegar to clean them and reduce bacteria.

removing white marks when letting hems down
When you let hems down on children's clothes, such as skirts and dresses, there is often a white mark where the fabric was turned up. Warm up your iron, and with an old toothbrush dipped in a little vinegar diluted with a small amount of water, scrub the mark and press. It usually comes right out. If not, then repeat.

Safe and Green Living