White Vinegar

           We've all seen miracle products advertised on TV - those cure-alls that can be used for practically any purpose you can think of. Many of these products are not as amazing as manufacturers may claim, but every now and then, these products truly live up to the name of miracle-worker.

           One such project is white vinegar. While it may not seem very impressive at first, that is why it truly shines as a household item. It is versatile, available at almost every supermarket imaginable, and most importantly, quite inexpensive. Here are just a few of the many ways you can use white vinegar around the house:

Restoring Salt-Stained Boots

Salt can ruin the leather on your boots. You can easily remove it by combining equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a bowl, dipping a cotton swab into the liquid and dabbing it on any stains. The acidic vinegar will dissolve the salt crystals, destroying the stains - without destroying the leather.

Get Rid of Paint Fumes

A quick fix is to leave a few bowls of vinegar around the room. They will absorb paint vapors, eliminating the strong odor. Pour the vinegar down the drain as soon as the smell is gone.

De-Grime an Iron

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar in the water tank, then set the iron upright and run on the steam setting for 5 minutes. Pour out any remaining liquid, fill with water and repeat the process.

Deodorize a Litter Box

To eliminate the odor for good, wash the box with soap and water, then pour a 1/2" layer of vinegar into the box. Let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly before refilling with litter.

Unclog a Drain for Pennies

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The fizz formed by the chemical reaction between the acidic vinegar and alkaline baking soda will dissolve blockages. Wait 5 minutes, then pour cold water down the drain.

Make Kitchen Appliances Shine

To remove them, add 1 cup of vinegar to an 8-oz. spray bottle and spritz the appliance's surface liberally, then wipe with a soft cloth.

Help a Manicure Last Longer

To help those nails last longer, before applying the first coat of polish, moisten a cotton ball with vinegar and wipe it over your nails. 

Prevent Bruising

Saturate a piece of gauze in white vinegar and apply it to the skin. Hold the gauze in place with bandages or medical tape. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm watter. Vinegar enhances circulation near the skin's surface so blood won't pool, preventing an ugly bruise from forming.

Sanitize a Cutting Board

Saturate a paper towel in white vinegar and use it to wipe the board after each use. Vinegar's acids are a known disinfectant and will eliminate harmful bacteria that might be on the board.