13 Innovative Ways To Use Salt and Vinegar Around The Home

Salt and vinegar are common kitchen items, but they have many uses beyond flavoring food. Let’s explore some innovative ways to use these simple ingredients around your house.

1. Naturally Deodorize Your Home

You might already know that salt and vinegar make a great cleaning team, but did you know they can also eliminate odors? Instead of using baking soda, try placing a bowl or glass filled with a mixture of salt and vinegar in any room or in your refrigerator. This simple trick can help absorb unwanted smells.

2. Revitalize Old Brickwork

Vinegar alone is a powerful cleaner. If you have brick walls or surfaces inside or outside your home, you can keep them looking fresh. Mix distilled white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the brick, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then wipe it away with a cloth or scrub brush. This will help remove dirt and grime.

3. Unclog Stubborn Sink Drains

Salt and vinegar work wonders for unclogging drains. According to sources like HowStuffWorks, this combination can help break down blockages and keep your sink running smoothly. You can use this method instead of harsh chemical drain cleaners.

4. Remove Unsightly Corrosion from Brass

If you have brass items that have become tarnished or corroded, salt and vinegar can help restore their shine. GrandBrass.com suggests a “1 to 1” ratio of warm vinegar and salt. Warm the vinegar in the microwave for about a minute and a half, but be careful as it will be hot. Soak the brass items in the mixture for a while, then use a scouring pad and running water to remove the tarnish. Let the brass air dry for a polished finish.

5. Fun and Educational Science Experiments

Salt and vinegar can create some fascinating chemical reactions. It’s a great way to introduce kids to science in a fun and engaging way.

6. Grow Colorful “Rock Formations”

You can create beautiful crystal formations using salt and vinegar. Sciencing.com explains how to mix 1/4 cup of salt with 1 cup of boiling water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Add food coloring to a sponge, and then pour the salt and vinegar mixture over the sponge. Over a few days, you’ll see colorful crystals grow.

7. Create Sodium Acetate

When you combine salt and vinegar, you create a chemical compound called Sodium Acetate. PubChem notes that this compound is used in various industries, including food and manufacturing. It’s even found in hospital IVs to help hydrate patients and balance electrolytes.

8. Naturally Deter Ants

Vinegar is a powerful natural agent. Spraying vinegar around your picnic area or outdoor dining space can help keep ants away. This is a simple and safe way to protect your food from unwanted visitors.

9. Clean Sticky Scissors

Cleaning scissors with water can lead to rust. Instead, use vinegar to remove sticky residue and prevent rust. Vinegar cleans the blades effectively and helps keep your scissors in good condition.

10. Achieve Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs

Adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar per quart of water before boiling eggs can help prevent them from cracking. It also makes the eggs easier to peel. However, be mindful that too much vinegar might slightly alter the taste.

11. Improve Your Hair’s Health

Once a week, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to rinse your hair after shampooing. Apple cider or white vinegar works well. This helps remove buildup from your scalp and leaves your hair shiny and healthy.

12. Simple Hair Rinse Recipe

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 cup of water. Pour the mixture over wet, shampooed hair and massage it into your roots. Rinse thoroughly and apply conditioner as usual. This age-old remedy can make a noticeable difference in your hair’s appearance.

13. Soothe Bug Bites and Repel Insects

Vinegar can help relieve itching and irritation from bug bites. Dab a small amount of vinegar onto the bite for relief. However, avoid using it on open wounds as it may cause burning. For hiking or camping, you can apply apple cider vinegar to your skin or keep some nearby to help repel insects.

Salt and vinegar are truly versatile ingredients with many practical uses around your home. From cleaning and deodorizing to science experiments and personal care, these simple items can make a big difference.