A gallon of vinegar is an inexpensive purchase and a very useful tool to have at home. Here are five ways you can substitute vinegar for more expensive products and save a lot of money.
Drain Cleaner
Clogged drains can be very frustrating. You see your sink or tub draining slowly, or not at all, and you don’t have any drain cleaner around to clear the clog. A simple and cheap solution is to take half a cup of baking soda and pack the drain. Then slowly pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain. This will create a bubbly reaction and soak the clog. After a few minutes, pour hot water down the drain to clear any remnants away, and your clog is gone.
Egg Substitute
If you enjoy baking you use a lot of eggs. With the price of eggs higher than usual, that can take a big chunk out of your wallet. In the past when eggs were in short supply bakers would use vinegar instead. Adding one teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar to your batter will create a very fluffy cake. If you are baking for someone who is vegan or has an egg allergy, this vinegar tip is a great solution.
Dandruff
Anyone who suffers from dandruff knows how expensive special shampoos and conditioners can be. Instead of buying a name brand product, use apple cider vinegar. According to different studies, apple cider vinegar is a great tool to help with a flaky scalp. Take a couple tablespoons of the vinegar and mix it with warm water. After you’ve washed your hair, massage the solution into your scalp, wait a few minutes, and thoroughly rinse it out.
Smelly Litter Box
Sometimes cat owners will notice that even after replacing the litter in the litter box, there is still an off-putting smell. If you have experienced this, there is a quick and cheap solution. Empty the litter box and pour in a half inch of vinegar. Get a rag and wipe the sides as well. After about 15 minutes rinse the litter box out, let it dry, and fill it back up with litter. This should get rid of that odor.
No More Bugs
From homemade bug spray to bug traps, vinegar is a great form of pest control. Combine vinegar and dish soap to attract fruit flies. Spray vinegar around your surfaces if you see ants to get rid of their scent. You can even use it to deter mosquitos from biting during the summer. Instead of buying fancy sprays and traps, save your money and use vinegar.
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