6 Remedies & Household Uses for White Distilled Vinegar

White vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used for more than just cooking. Here are some additional ways vinegar can be used at home.

Household Uses for White Vinegar

1. As a Natural Pest Control
The smell and taste of vinegar may help repel common household pests like fleas and ants. Mix one part water with one part vinegar then spray the solution on the pest-infested areas.

2. As a Mold Remover
Vinegar is often touted for its cleaning benefits. The acidic property of vinegar could help kill 82% of mold species. Spray white distilled vinegar on mold-infested surfaces then wipe the area with water after an hour has passed.

3. As a Grass & Weed Killer
White or pickled vinegar can be used to kill grass and weed. Vinegar will work best on small grassy areas and during hot, sunny conditions. It doesn’t discriminate so make sure you don’t spray the vinegar solution on plants you want to keep.

4. As a Cut Flower Freshener
Vinegar could help keep cut flowers fresh for a longer period of time by inhibiting bacterial growth. Add two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar to the vase water.

5. As a Dish Washer Cleaner
Minerals can build up in dish washers if the tap water is hard (higher concentration of calcium and magnesium content). White vinegar can help remove those buildups. Pour two cups of white vinegar in a bowl then place the bowl on the bottom rack. Let the dishwasher run on a normal wash cycle. Don’t run on any extreme hot-water cycle.

6. As a Rust Dissolver
The acetic acid in white vinegar reacts with the rust. Soak the rusted object (e.g. old rusty pocket knife) in a bucket of white vinegar for 24 to 48 hours.

Once you have soaked and scrubbed off the rust, neutralize the acid by soaking the object in a bucket of water and baking soda for about ten minutes. We advise you don’t do this for items that are delicate or valuable as the acid may also remove some of the original metal.