Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most versatile household items, known for their wide range of uses from cleaning to cooking. When combined or used separately, they can solve a multitude of everyday problems. Here are ten fantastic ways to use baking soda and vinegar around your home:
- Natural Drain Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of table salt and pour down the drain. Follow with 1 cup of heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble, cleaning and deodorizing the drain. Flush with hot water after 15 minutes.
- Grease and Odor Remover for Dishes: Add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to your dish soap to boost its grease-cutting power. For smelly dishes, soak them in a mixture of baking soda and water overnight before washing.
- Weed Killer: Mix vinegar with a teaspoon of liquid soap and a pinch of salt in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto weeds in your garden to kill them without using harmful chemicals.
- Coffee Maker Cleaner: Run your coffee machine with equal parts water and vinegar to clean and descale it. Afterwards, run it with just water a few times to rinse any vinegar residue.
- Carpet Stain Remover: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain first, then spray with a mixture of vinegar and water. Let it fizz and then scrub gently to remove stains from carpets.
- Window Cleaner: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine.
- Pet Odor Neutralizer: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and pet bedding, let sit for several hours, then vacuum up to neutralize pet odors.
- Bathroom Scrub: Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar to use as a scrub for bathroom tiles and fixtures. It’s effective at removing water stains and soap scum.
- Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water, then add a tablespoon of baking soda. Use this solution to spray on fruits and vegetables, then rinse to remove pesticides and bacteria.
- Unclog and Deodorize Your Refrigerator’s Drain Hole: If your refrigerator is emitting bad smells or you notice it is not draining properly, use baking soda and vinegar to clean and deodorize the drain hole. First, pour some baking soda down the drain, then follow with vinegar to create a fizzing action that cleans the drain.
These are just a few of the many ways you can utilize baking soda and vinegar around your home. Not only are they effective, but they are also environmentally friendly and economical alternatives to many chemical-based products.