Wonder of Vinegar!

From showerheads to soapy heads, copper to microwaves, vinegar (especially distilled white vinegar) is a versatile, environmentally safe alternative to store-bought cleaner — and it’s inexpensive, too. Take a look at some of the remarkable uses for this cleaning wonder.

Keep cut flowers fresh

Fresh flowers last longer if you add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in a 1-quart vase. Trim stems and change the water every few days or when water starts to get cloudy.

No-wax floors

For rinse-free cleaning, mop using a solution of ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to a half gallon of warm water. Change water as it gets dirty.

Microwave

Boil a solution of ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave until steam forms on the window. Wipe away food residue.

Hair rinse

After every few washings, remove shampoo buildup by rinsing hair with a solution of 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar) and 1 cup of water. Adjust the amount of vinegar to suit your hair type — using less vinegar for dry hair and more vinegar for oily hair. A second rinse with plain water is optional. Hair will be silky and shiny.

Cleaner dishes and glasses

For sparkling results, add 1½ to 2 cups white distilled vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher. Wash on regular cycle using the usual amount of detergent.

Copper, brass and pewter cleaner

To effortlessly remove tarnish, apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup of white distilled vinegar and enough flour to make a paste. Apply to the metal and allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Rinse with clean water and polish with a soft, dry cloth. (The flour keeps the vinegar and salt in contact with the tarnished surface.)

Bathtub film

Remove bathtub film by wiping it first with white distilled vinegar, then with baking soda. Rinse away grime with clean water.

Shower doors

To prevent soap scum buildup, wipe shower doors with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar. There's no need to rinse.

Clogged showerhead

Use vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup in showerheads. Add a cup of vinegar to a plastic storage bag. Position the bag so the showerhead sits in the vinegar. Allow it to soak overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and turn on the shower to rinse.

Boiling a cracked egg

When boiling a cracked egg, add some vinegar to the water — about 2 teaspoons to a quart of water. This will keep the white from seeping out.

Pet urine in carpets

Blot up as much of the urine as possible by laying several paper towels over the area and walking on them (the extra pressure increases absorption). Replace towels and blot until most of the urine is removed.

Before treating the area with vinegar, test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous place. If colors don’t run, saturate the stain with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Allow it to sit on the area for 10 minutes. Blot as before, replacing towels as needed. When the carpet is mostly dry, sprinkle baking soda on the area. This will help absorb odors. Vacuum in about an hour.