Apple cider vinegar—that humble liquid often overlooked on the kitchen shelf—holds more power than you might think. It's not just a salad dressing or pickling ingredient; it's a true multi-tasker that can replace many products in your bathroom and home pharmacy.
Below we reveal 12 surprising uses. apple cider vinegar, to help you with everyday challenges – from hair care to insect bite relief. Get ready to discover natural solutions that are effective, affordable and kind to your body and the environment.
12 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Outside the Kitchen
1. Free your sinuses
Stuffy nose? Mix 1–2 teaspoons of vinegar in a cup of warm water and sip slowly. This mixture can help thin mucus and make breathing easier.
2. Soothing a sore throat
To soothe a sore throat, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a cup of warm water. Gargle or sip slowly to take advantage of the antibacterial properties of both ingredients.
3. Shiny and healthy hair
For natural shine and healthy hair, mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water and pour it through your hair after washing. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. This process can help remove product residue and balance the pH of your scalp.
4. Faster healing of bruises
To speed up the healing of bruises, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in it and place it on the bruise for about 10 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day.
5. Relieves itching from insect bites
To relieve itching and swelling from bites, apply a few drops of vinegar directly to the affected area. Vinegar can help reduce itching and act as a natural antiseptic.
6. Natural flea repellent
To protect your pets from fleas, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray on their fur. Fleas don't like the smell of vinegar, so they will avoid your pet.
7. Refreshing your feet
To eliminate foot odor, prepare a bath of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts warm water. Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes. Vinegar has antibacterial properties that help eliminate odor.
8. Support for varicose veins
Although apple cider vinegar won't eliminate varicose veins, massaging it can improve circulation and reduce the feeling of heaviness in your legs. Apply undiluted vinegar to the affected areas and massage gently twice a day.
9. Natural deodorant
For a natural alternative to deodorant, apply diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar, 1 part water) to your underarms with a cotton pad. The vinegar neutralizes odor-causing bacteria.
10. Supports digestion
To aid digestion and reduce bloating, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink before meals. Vinegar can stimulate the production of stomach acid and enzymes.
11. Buttermilk substitute
If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly and become sour—perfect for baking.
12. Fruit fly trap
For an effective trap, mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with a drop or two of liquid dish soap. detergent into a jar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes in it with a toothpick. The vinegar attracts the flies, and the detergent breaks the surface tension, so the flies sink and can't escape. Goodbye, buzzing pests!
