Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may liven up salads and relieve coughs, but ACV is also a "miracle liquid" that you can use to keep your home clean instead of cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals.
ACV has antimicrobial properties, which make it an excellent natural cleaner. Unlike commercial household cleaning products, ACV contains no toxic ingredients. It is also very affordable and something you're likely to have in your pantry.
Here are five ways you can use ACV to clean your home:
1. Stain remover
ACV can remove stains and grime from clothes. To make an all-natural stain remover, combine one tablespoon of ACV and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply to the stain and let sit for a few minutes before washing it.
You can also use ACV to remove stains from your carpets. Just mix one tablespoon of ACV with one tablespoon of cornstarch. Rub the paste onto the stain and let sit for at least two days. The stain should be gone after you vacuum your carpet. You can also mix equal parts water and ACV to get rid of grease stains on your pans.
Additionally, you can use ACV to remove stains from your coffee mugs or wine glasses. Just add a quarter cup of ACV to your dishwasher before running it. You can also add ACV to your liquid dishwashing soap to make it more effective for regular, day-to-day cleaning.
2. Fruit and vegetable wash
Many people get sick because they eat dirty produce. In fact, you don't have to be a meat eater to get food poisoning from foods contaminated with common pathogens like Escherichia coli.
Cleaning fresh produce with water alone won't cut it. The easiest way to clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly is to soak them in a solution made of ACV and water. This solution can eliminate pathogens and traces of pesticides on the produce.
To make a fruit and vegetable wash, combine water and ACV in a 3:1 ratio. Soak your fruits and vegetables in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
3. Weed killer
If you want to get rid of weeds in your garden without using harsh chemicals, use ACV. You can pour it directly onto weed-prone areas if they aren't close to your vegetables or flowerbeds.
Alternatively, you can mix one gallon of ACV with an ounce of orange essential oil and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture so you can target weeds that have popped up among your plants. (Related: Exploring the use of natural products as alternatives to chemical herbicides.)
You can also mix 10 ounces of vinegar with 10 gallons of water to make a great natural fertilizer for your garden soil.
4. Drain cleaner
If your bathroom or kitchen sink is draining more slowly than usual or starting to smell bad, use ACV to unclog it. First, pour a few tablespoons of baking soda down the clogged drain. Follow it with a cup of ACV. Let the mixture fizz for 30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. Wait five minutes before flushing it again with cold water.
5. Wood polisher
Forget chemical wood polishers. To freshen up your wooden floors or furniture, combine half a cup of ACV and half a cup of vegetable oil. Dip a clean cloth or paper towel in the mixture and use it to polish wooden surfaces.
Learn more about how to use other natural ingredients to keep your home clean at Homesteading.news.
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