It’s cheap, lasts forever, and somehow helps with everything from cleaning to cooking. Not bad for something that costs £7.95 for 10 litres.

I mostly use vinegar for everything, including cleaning countertops, floors, and dining room tables. I also use it in a spray bottle with lemon juice all around the house.

It’s really good for removing limescale from kettles, taps, and showerheads, especially if you live somewhere with hard water. You don’t need loads of expensive sprays when a bit of vinegar and hot water usually does the job just as well. It’s also great for windows and mirrors because it doesn’t leave streaks everywhere.

LaundryA lot of people add vinegar to laundry, too. It helps freshen clothes, soften towels, and remove lingering smells, especially in gym clothes or pet blankets. Don’t worry, your washing won’t come out smelling like a chip shop either. I’ve also been trying to use more reusable household items lately instead of constantly buying disposable plastic products. Even simple things, like a proper washing line such as this Eco Friendly Laundry Line, make laundry feel less wasteful.

KitchenIn the kitchen, vinegar has loads of uses. And there are a wide variety of vinegars.

White vinegar is handy for cleaning:

Malt vinegar is mostly used on chips, as well as for pickling and preserves.

Apple cider vinegar is used in dressings and marinades, and to help restore stomach acid for digestion. It’s also sometimes used as a toner on the skin.

GardeningI also use vinegar outside for little garden jobs like tackling weeds between paving stones, although you do have to be careful not to spray your actual plants. It’s also great for cleaning rust off garden tools; if you soak them, they come out sparkling. I’ve been trying to buy better quality gardening basics lately, instead of replacing cheap things every year, which ends up more expensive, for example, this Canvas Gardening Apron that is really good quality

Once you start using vinegar for little things around the house, you realise why so many people keep a bottle of it nearby all the time. It’s a great savings as it can replace so many chemical household cleaners. The only real downside is the smell while you’re using it, but it fades pretty quickly, and you can add a little lemon juice or essential oil to give it a lovely, fresh scent.

Our grandparents seemed to use it for absolutely everything.

I love the old-fashioned way; it’s so full of wisdom.💛

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. It genuinely helps support my writing and content creation, so thank you so much if you do

If you enjoy simple home tips, old-fashioned wisdom, natural household ideas, and cosy lifestyle content, consider becoming a paid subscriber for extra articles, exclusive home hacks, budgeting ideas, wellness-inspired living, and behind-the-scenes content 💛

Your support genuinely helps me continue creating independent writing and content like this.