11 Ingenious Uses For Vinegar Around the House

Updated on 6/1/2018 at 8:26 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Adrian Busse

Keeping your house livable and clean is a tricky and sometimes expensive job. From the showers to the sinks, even to the microwave and dishwasher, there are multiple products you seemingly have to buy to keep it all tidy and together. But what if I told you there really was no need to invest in all of those fancy home cleaning products any longer? That's right — you have a multipurpose product sitting in your pantry right now that you can use in all areas of your home: vinegar. Read on to learn just how many ways you can use vinegar around your house for a quick and simple fix.

Steam Clean Your Microwave

Mix 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of vinegar in a glass bowl, then microwave on high for five minutes. The steam will help to loosen up all of the grime, making your cleanup super easy.

Brighten Dishes

Adding white vinegar to the rinse aid dispenser of your dishwasher will give your plates and glasses the sparkle they have been missing.

Keep Windows Spotless

Mix up equal parts of white vinegar and water to create your own window cleaning solution. Apply the mixture with a sponge and your windows will be spotless in no time.

Trap Fruit Flies

Simply fill a mason jar up halfway with apple cider vinegar, punch a few holes in the lid before screwing on tight, and place in any room in your home. You will never have to worry about those pesky fruit flies again!

If you're not into DIYs, this fruit fly trap from Amazon will do the trick.

Eliminate Wine Stains

Blot white vinegar on wine-stained clothing and wash as directed, making accidental wine spills a problem of the past.

Clean the Coffee Machine

Fill your coffee machine's water reservoir with 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Run through the brew cycle twice and your machine will be as good as new.

Freshen Up Flowers

Are your fresh flowers looking a little droopy? Spruce them up by adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar plus 2 tablespoons of sugar into the vase.

Put an End to Cat Litter Odor

Pour white vinegar into your empty cat litter box, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse out with water. All traces of odor will vanish!

Make a Homemade Scrub For Pots and Pans

Make your own pot and pan scrub by adding equal parts salt and flour and then a little touch of vinegar. This will create a substantial scrubbing paste for all of your cookware.

Sanitize Your Loofah

Soak your loofah overnight in a white vinegar and water mixture whenever it needs a little refresher.

Rinse Sinks and Showers

Mist and scrub your shower, sinks, and even your tile floors with white vinegar, followed by a quick water rinse. This will even help to whiten the grout.