10 Apple Cider Vinegar Uses Around the House

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Point2.

In the old days, vinegar was the go-to house cleaning product. And, as we all strive to become more environmentally-minded in recent years, it looks like it’s making a comeback.

Not only is it versatile, but as far as multi-purpose cleaning products go, apple cider vinegar ticks all the right boxes: It’s cheap, effective and, above all, eco-friendly.

Here are ways you can use apple cider vinegar in your home.

1. The Ultimate Mold Remover

Getting rid of black mold can be a real challenge — but not if you have a bottle of apple cider vinegar lying about.

Simply mix equal parts water and vinegar, spray the solution on the mold, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then scrub the surface, rinse with water, and that’s it, you’re done!

If you have mildew in your home, you can also use vinegar to get rid of it. It’s fast, efficient and less dangerous to use compared to bleach.

2. No-Streak Window Cleaner

A water and apple cider vinegar solution will help you clean your windows like a charm. Not only does it remove grime and stains, but it also leaves no streaks behind.

To boost your window cleaning game, you can also use old newspapers for smudge-free results.

3. Deodorizer

Apple cider vinegar is a fantastic odor-remover. You can use it in your kitchen to remove strong cooking smells by simmering it in a pot for 20 to 30 minutes.

Vinegar can also remove unpleasant odors like cigarette smoke or even pet urine.

Fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 water and vinegar mix and use it to mist the air lightly, or spray it directly on surfaces with an unpleasant smell.

4. Quick and Easy Drain Declogger

Blocked sink or shower drain? A bit of baking soda and apple cider vinegar is all you need.

First, pour a pot or kettle-full of boiling water down the drain. Then, pour in a cup of baking soda, a cup of vinegar and cover the drain with a plug.

You’ll hear the mixture work its magic instantly. Leave the plug in for another 10 minutes, then use another pot of hot water to rinse the drain.

5. Floor Cleaner

You can use apple cider vinegar to mop ceramic tiles, laminate and vinyl floors. This will help freshen them up, remove stains and unpleasant smells, and also act as a mild disinfectant.

Also, by regularly mopping your kitchen floors with water and a touch of vinegar, you’re far less likely to have problems with ants later on.

6. Stain Remover

The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar makes it your ally in stain removal. You can use it to get rid of stains in the bathroom, on upholstery, carpets, curtains, even clothes. It’s safer to use than bleach and much more gentle on the fabrics.

Here are some of the stains you can remove with vinegar:

• Hard water stains
• Soap scum
• Tea and coffee
• Tomato and ketchup
• Grass
• Sweat
• Blood
• Ink and crayon
• Rust

You can also add a touch of vinegar when doing laundry in a washing machine. This way, you’ll help remove stains as well as that old, musty washing machine smell.

A word of caution: if adding vinegar to your laundry, avoid using bleach, as this will create toxic chlorine gas.

7. Effective Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies love the smell of vinegar. Unfortunately for them — but luckily for you — this will prove very helpful.

Use a mix of water, dish soap and vinegar placed in a jar to attract them, and they will stick to the mixture.

If you have houseplants plagued by fungus gnats, this solution works wonders against them as well.

8. Mild Disinfectant

Vinegar is effective against some germs and bacteria.

You can use it with great success to sanitize kitchen utensils such as cutlery, jars and glasses, sponges and cloths, or your chopping board.

9. All-Natural Pet Deterrent

If you have a room or part of the house you’d rather keep pet-free, this is a natural, chemical-free way to do so.

Use apple cider vinegar to keep pets out of cabinets and cupboards, away from the garbage bin, or even prevent them from chewing cables and furniture.

Dogs and cats hate the smell of vinegar, so they won’t be tempted to check those areas again any time soon.

10. Homemade Herbicide

If you’re looking for a chemical-free weed remover, look no further than apple cider vinegar.

Use it to get rid of stubborn weeds growing in pavement cracks, along fences, driveways, even in mulch.

Vinegar also works as a great against mushrooms. Just be careful using it too close to shrubs, flowers, or in your vegetable garden, as it can also harm those plants.