Frugal Uses For Vinegar

***This is an old post moved here from my old blog.*** 

    Vinegar is Versatile!

    Vinegar is inexpensive and very versatile. It tastes great in a salad dressing, and it adds that something special to a homemade barbecue sauce. But, did you know that there are many other things you can do with vinegar?
Check out this post for an easy way to use vinegar for cleaning your microwave!

Here are a few frugal uses for distilled white vinegar:

• Disinfectant/Cleanser- Use full strength vinegar and a sponge to disinfect counter tops, sinks, toilets, tubs and showers. It will also help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
• Clean your coffee maker- Run a cycle of full strength vinegar through your automatic drip coffee maker, followed by 2-3 cycles with plain water to rinse.
• Clean windows and mirrors- Use a solution of half vinegar and half water. Wipe with newspaper, and dry with a dry newspaper for a streak free clean.
• Clean your dishwasher- Run a full (empty) cycle with a cup of vinegar once a month to clean and prevent build-up.
• Clean greasy dishes, pots, and pans- Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your dish soap to help cut the grease.
• Clean no-wax or linoleum floors- Mop with a mixture of one gallon of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
• Remove "pet accident" stains and smells from carpet- Soak a cloth in a mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 quart of water, then blot the area several times.
• Polish patent leather- Put a bit of vinegar on a clean cloth and use it to polish patent leather purses or shoes. Wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.
• Remove rings left by wet glasses on wooden tables- Use a solution of equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Rub with the grain and polish.
• Keep car windows from frosting over- Use a solution of one part water and three parts vinegar. Wipe the windows of your car the night before a frost.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables- Mix 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 pint water to use as a wash for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Keep cut flowers fresh- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a 1 quart vase of water. Make a diagonal cut to the stems of your flowers and place them in the vase.
• Soothe a sore throat- Add a teaspoon of vinegar to a cup of warm water, gargle, then swallow.
• Use as a bug spray- Combine equal amounts of water, vinegar, and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray on skin as a bug spray. Reapply as needed.
• Soothe stings- Douse bee or jellyfish stings with vinegar.

    What other frugal uses for vinegar do you have?