Vinegar is truly a kitchen powerhouse—affordable, natural, and incredibly versatile. From trapping pesky mosquitoes to deep cleaning your microwave, this humble ingredient can tackle numerous household and beauty tasks. Whether you want to deodorize, disinfect, or beautify, vinegar’s natural acidity and antibacterial properties make it a go-to solution.

In this article, explore 17 practical ways to use vinegar around your home and in your personal care routine, along with tips to get the best results.

1. DIY Mosquito Trap That Works

To make an effective mosquito trap, dissolve ¼ cup brown sugar in 1 cup hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap and about a gram of yeast, then stir in some apple cider vinegar. Place the trap in a sunny, well-lit area. The mixture attracts mosquitoes who get trapped in the soapy water.

2. Microwave Cleaning and Deodorizing

Combine 1 cup water with ¼ cup white vinegar in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave on high for several minutes until the solution steams and loosens grime. Let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping down the interior with a damp cloth. This method effortlessly removes food splatters and odors.

3. Removing Burnt Residue from Pans

Fill burnt aluminum pots or pans with water mixed with white vinegar. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a scouring pad. Rinse and wash with dish soap. This softens stubborn burnt-on residue without harsh chemicals.

4. Repairing Scratches on Wooden Furniture

Mix equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and rub it on scratched wood surfaces. The vinegar cleans while the oil nourishes, minimizing the appearance of scratches and restoring shine.

5. Wrinkle-Removing Spray for Clothes

Create a wrinkle-release spray by mixing 3 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, and a few drops of lavender or jasmine essential oil. Lightly spritz clothes and allow to air dry. Vinegar relaxes fabric fibers, reducing wrinkles without ironing.

6. Easy Sticker Removal

Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and apply it over sticky residues or labels. Let it sit to dissolve the adhesive, then scrape off gently. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

7. Cleaning Copper Cookware

Make a paste of white vinegar and salt, apply to copper pots or pans, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft, non-abrasive pad to scrub tarnish away, then rinse and wash with dish soap for a gleaming finish.

8. Removing Ink Stains from Clothes

Dab white vinegar onto ballpoint ink stains with a cloth. Rub gently and repeat until the stain fades. Wash clothing as usual to remove vinegar odor.

9. Eliminating Pet Stains and Odors on Carpets

Mix ½ cup vinegar with ½ cup warm water. Pour over the stained area and let soak for 10 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush, blot dry with a towel, then vacuum once dry. Vinegar neutralizes odors while cleaning.

10. Scalp Cleanser to Reduce Hair Fall

Mix apple cider vinegar with "the mother" and water. After shampooing, massage the solution into your scalp and rinse after 10 minutes. This treatment balances scalp pH, removes buildup, and promotes healthier hair growth.

11. Erasing Water Rings from Wood

Apply a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and olive oil to water rings on wood furniture. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff off with a clean cloth to restore wood’s natural finish.

12. Tackling Tea and Coffee Stains on Carpets

Blot stains with a paper towel first. Then apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dab gently until the stain lifts, then blot dry and vacuum once fully dry.

13. Cleaning Window Blinds Easily

Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe down your window blinds to remove dust and grime effectively.

14. Deodorizing and Unclogging Drains Naturally

Pour ¼ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water to clear buildup and neutralize odors.

15. Fruit Fly Trap

Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap along with a banana peel. The scent attracts fruit flies, which get trapped and drown, reducing infestations naturally.

16. Polishing Stainless Steel Fixtures

Spray undiluted white vinegar onto stainless steel faucets or appliances and wipe clean with a soft cotton cloth for a streak-free shine.

17. Homemade Weed Killer

Combine 1 gallon vinegar, 1 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon dish soap. Spray directly on unwanted weeds, avoiding desirable plants. The vinegar’s acidity dries out weeds safely and effectively.

Bonus: Flea Repellent for Pets

Add coconut oil to your pet’s diet for skin health. For a natural spray, mix 8 oz water, 4 oz apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Spray daily to help deter fleas.

Why Vinegar Is a Household Essential

Vinegar’s natural acidity makes it a powerful, eco-friendly cleaner and deodorizer. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and multipurpose—ideal for those who prefer natural alternatives to harsh chemicals.