Things you never
thought you could
do with vinegar
WE AT COSTCO KNOW that the 128-ounce jug of white vinegar we sell in our
warehouses may be a lot to swallow. That’s why Household Almanac editors
were thrilled when we came across these helpful hints from writer Earl W.
Proulx in the 1989 edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Air freshener. Set out a shallow dish of white vinegar.
Aluminum pans. Remove dark stains by boiling water containing 1 tablespoon white vinegar for each quart of water.
Aluminum screens. For corrosion, apply white vinegar, let stand a few
minutes, then scrub off.
Chrome fixtures. Clean off soap and stains with a mixture of 1 teaspoon
salt dissolved in 2 tablespoons white vinegar.
Clogged drains. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup
vinegar. Close the drain and let work for a while, then open the drain and let
hot water pour through for 3 or 4 minutes.
Clogged shower head. To unclog, soak in diluted white vinegar overnight,
or put some vinegar in a plastic bag, tie it around the shower head and leave
in place overnight.
Garbage disposal. If the rubber shield smells after much use, remove it
and soak it in a pan of white vinegar.
Hair care. After washing, rinse hair well with 1 cup water containing
11 tablespoon white vinegar. This removes soapy film.
Itching relief. White vinegar is a time-honored remedy for wasp stings,
bruises, chapped hands, sunburn and hives. It relieves the itching of mosquito
and other insect bites. Apply full strength unless area is raw.
Oven. Dampen a cleaning rag in vinegar and water, and wipe out the
interior. This will prevent grease buildup.
Pest fighter. A teaspoon of vinegar for each quart of drinking water helps
keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. (This ratio is for a 40-pound animal.)
Plastic antistatic. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to each gallon of
rinse water when washing plastic curtains. Vinegar cuts down on the attraction of dust. Plastic upholstery also can be wiped clean with a damp cloth
wrung out from a water-and-vinegar solution.
Plastic shower curtains. Wash them in the washing machine with a bath
towel. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Briefly tumble dry.
Stainless steel. White hard-water stains can be removed by rubbing with
white vinegar.
Wood paneling. To clean, mix 1 ounce olive oil with 2 ounces white vinegar and 1 quart warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with this and wipe the paneling; then wipe with a dry soft cloth. A
Cask for making vinegar
Vinegar in it
Tips for using vinegar are one of the
oldest of standbys for almanac editors.
Here are two we found in a classic called
Household Discoveries and Mrs. Curtiss’
Cook Book, An Encyclopedia of Practical
Recipes and Processes, written by Sidney
Morse and published in 1908 by the
optimistically named Success Company.
Moist hands. If the hands are constantly moist from too much perspiration,
bathe them frequently either in salt water,
which acts as a stimulant or tonic, or in a
solution of vinegar or lemon juice, which
acts as an astringent.
Lamp wicks. Wicks should be
changed occasionally and may be
cleansed by boiling them with vinegar
and afterwards drying thoroughly
before using.
