50 Uses for Vinegar

When you are trying to save money, a good place to start is by minimizing the household products you buy. Some products are thriftier due to their price. Some products are more frugal because they have multiple uses. White vinegar can help you stretch your dollar because it is both inexpensive and has myriad uses around the home. Following are 50 money-saving uses for vinegar.

1. See more clearly. Vinegar makes a great, streak-free glass cleaner. Wipe with old newspaper for a sparkling, buck-stretching finish.

2. Make a science experiment in your kitchen. Clean a slow draining sink by using the old school science project volcano method. Pack the drain with baking soda and pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar to flush grease and gunk. Follow with hot water

3. Clean calcium and mineral build-up from a showerhead: fill a small freezer baggie with a few inches of vinegar; wrap a thick rubber band around the opening, twisting two or three times until snug; stretch the baggie opening over the showerhead and secure the rubber band to the neck; leave overnight. In the morning, remove the baggie and let the water run for a few minutes.

4. Vinegar on the rocks, anyone? Freshen your garbage disposal by making vinegar ice cubes and grinding them in the disposal.

5. Stop seeing spots. Pour vinegar into your dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser for spot-free glassware.

6. Once a month, pour one cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher and run through a full cycle to keep the machine fresh and clean.

7. Use vinegar in place of liquid fabric softener. Your clothes will be soft and your washer will stay clean. Don't worry; it will not stink up the fabrics!

8. Remove sweat, tomato-based, and even grass stains by dabbing with vinegar prior to washing.

9. Saturate pet stains with vinegar, allow to set, and then blot away stains and odors.

10. A bowl of vinegar will remove smoky, musty, or cooking odors from a room or vehicle. (Just don't forget to take it out of your car before you drive off!)

11. Pour vinegar directly on weeds for a safe herbicide. This also works on grass in sidewalk or driveway cracks.

12. Wipe leather shoes and purses with vinegar for a clean shine.