Vinegar isn’t just a staple in the kitchen for cooking; its versatility extends well beyond enhancing the flavors of our dishes. From apple cider to white vinegar and more exotic types like coconut and cane vinegar, this acidic liquid offers a range of surprising household applications. Here are eleven practical uses for vinegar that might surprise you.

1. Limescale Remover – Vinegar’s acidity is perfect for dissolving limescale buildup around faucets, showerheads, and even on the iron’s soleplate, all without causing damage to the materials.
2. Sterilizing Sponges – To sanitize kitchen sponges, soak them in a vinegar and water solution, then microwave them on high for five minutes.
3. Oven Cleaner – Boil a pan of water and add a cup of vinegar. Place this mixture in a preheated oven (180 degrees Celsius) for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, use a cloth dampened with this natural cleaner to wipe down the interior.
4. Odor Eliminator – To remove unpleasant odors from plastic food containers, rinse them with a mixture of vinegar and water, then microwave for one to two minutes.
5. Natural Hand Soap – Vinegar can help remove stubborn smells like garlic and onion from your hands.
6. Dishwasher Maintenance – Pour a glass of vinegar into your dishwasher and run a cycle once a month to keep the filters clean and remove any lingering odors.
7. Steel Polish – Vinegar can restore the shine to stainless steel appliances and fixtures.
8. Railing Cleaner – Clean railings effectively by wiping them down with a solution of water, vinegar, and lemon using a microfiber cloth, then dry with another cloth.
9. Drain Unclogger – Vinegar is effective at clearing out clogged sinks by breaking down residue and grime.
10. Carpet Cleaner – Create a powerful cleaning solution for carpets by mixing vinegar with salt and bicarbonate. This is especially effective for stain removal and lifting chewing gum.
11. Window Cleaner – For sparkling clean windows, mix vinegar with hot water. This solution easily removes spots and streaks.

These applications demonstrate vinegar’s impressive range of uses around the home, proving it’s a must-have in any household for more than just culinary endeavors.