Vinegar is a frugalista's BFF. It's not just for cooking, salads or to clean out your coffeepot. It's cheap and can replace many products in your home. Some people complain about the smell. Once you've used vinegar in your home for a while, you get used to the smell and will find it's mild compared to many cleaning products you were accustomed to using. During your transition, you can add essential oil, citrus or herbs to your vinegar to cut the smell a bit. There are hundreds of uses. How do you use vinegar in your home?
AIR FRESHENER: You don't have to buy a variety of products to get a fresh, clean scent in your home. You can pour vinegar into a spray bottle, add 20 drops of essential oil (optional), and spritz the air. Open a window, and let fresh air in, too. If you prefer not to spray it, you can pour some into a small bowl and set it on a table. Don't toss it out when you're done. Use it to clean your microwave. Add some water to your bowl of vinegar. Place it in your microwave, and set it to high for 3 minutes. Once it steams, turn it off. Wipe the interior clean.
HAIR RINSE/SHINE: Removes soap buildup. Combine 3 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar and 2 cups warm water. Use on your hair after you shampoo to give it shine. Once your hair is dry, you won't smell the vinegar. One reader, Heather in Michigan, adds: "I use vinegar on my hair, and I can't tell you how many compliments I get on how shiny it is. It keeps me from getting dry scalp (restores the pH balance), too.
RINSE-AID: Use as a rinse-aid in your dishwasher to prevent spots or as a fabric softener in your washing machine. This will help clean the soap build up in these machines, too. It can help your garbage disposal smell better or help to unclog a drain. For clogs, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and then 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain. Let stand for 10 minutes, and then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.
CLEANER: Straight vinegar will work fine to clean your windows or eyeglasses, but for excellent results, mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap in a spray bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with water. The same mix works well as a quick spray for dirty dishes, too. Try straight vinegar on your shower, shower doors or curtains, walls or counters (will help deter ants, too), or add vinegar to your toilet bowl and let it stand for an hour. Use some baking soda to scrub. Flush clean.
SKIN APPLICATION: Before buying over-the-counter medications, try apple-cider vinegar. It often works well as a remedy for a mild sunburn, poison ivy, warts, acne, rash, mosquito bites and athlete's foot. Simply soak a cotton ball and apply to the affected area, or add some vinegar to your bathwater. Try it as an alternative to deodorant or to remove cooking smells from your hands. Another reader, Bella in Minnesota, shares: "My husband's uncle said that he used to suffer from terrible headaches. His mother used to soak a cloth in vinegar and place it on his forehead. Sounds a bit iffy, but he says it worked for him!"
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
