There's no place quite like home, hence maintaining it is a high priority for us. However, most of us lookout for outside services to keep up with this recurring requirement. In addition, most of the cleaning products available in the market nowadays contain a considerable amount of harmful chemicals that are toxic too. Fortunately, there is an alternative, which can clean almost all the household surfaces/items and is majorly harmless for humans.

That’s vinegar! It is derived from the French term ‘vin aigre,’ which means sour wine. Hence, vinegar is created by adding bacteria to any kind of alcohol viz. wine, hard cider, beer, etc. It is then fermented and converted into acetic acid. The duration taken for fermentation depends on the ingredient from which it is been made.  

The resultant ‘vinegar’ is quite a magical ingredient, as it is one of those essentials that can sort your zillion issues in no time. The acidity present in vinegar is what makes it such a good cleaner. That’s not all!  It can even dissolve the soap scum, brines left by the hard water and sticker glues left behind. What else one can ask for in life when there’s no need of spending a hefty amount on services or products that are also laden with chemicals. 

So, here’s all that the wonder vinegar can do: 

1) Grease fighter

Tired of the stubborn grease, which is not leaving the pots’ and pans’ surfaces? All you need to do is, put 2 cups of vinegar in the pan/pot, you wish to remove the grease from. Let it boil for 10 minutes. This method will block the grease from sticking for several months!

2) Microwave companion

It acts both as a cleaner and disinfectant for the 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 the food residue. That’s like a two in one solution, isn’t it?

3) ‘Egg’celent! 

Did you accidentally put eggs for boiling in such a way where they cracked a bit? You can still boil the cracked egg, just add some vinegar to the water. The quantity should be nearly around 2 teaspoons to the water. This will ensure to keep the white intact and will stop it every bit from seeping out.

4) Dishes and glassware

Make the glassware and dishes shine by adding 2 cups of white distilled vinegar to the dishwasher bottom. Wash it on a regular basis using the usual amount of detergent. I am sure, these will sparkle so much, that you’ll be able to see your reflection clearly! 

5) Vegetable cleaner

By this method, you can ensure hygienic consumption of vegetables along with the reduction of pesticide residue. Fill a large bowl with 1 glass of plain white vinegar and 4 glasses of water. Soak the fruits or vegetables in it and let it stand for at least 20 minutes. Rinse the fruits and vegetables properly with water. And you are done!

6) Just spread some fragrance around

Are you upset with the stinky smell in your own kitchen? Is it all coming from the drain and you have no idea of how to get it rectified? Don’t worry. Pour a cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain every week at least once. Let it sit for about 30 minutes then flush out with cold water. 

7) Super window cleaner

The kitchen is one such area which is prone to maximum smoke while preparing food, and if windows are very near to the stove area, they can even get oil/food stains frequently. So, to evade all your worries – mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. Apply this liquid onto the windows using a sponge and wipe using a wet squeegee for sparkling clean windows! Tip: You can clean mirrors too, the same way.