White Vinegar Uses

White vinegar is obtained by the oxidation of any distilled alcohol. Oxidation changes the chemical composition of the alcohol, thereby resulting in a liquid that has far different properties than that of the alcohol. Another method of making white vinegar includes mixing acetic acid with water. However, white vinegar resulting from this mixture is sour to taste and not fit for human consumption. It is mostly used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes whereas other common types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar and red vinegars are mostly preferred for cooking.

Domestic Cleaning
Uses of white vinegar for domestic cleaning are infinite. It is widely used for cleaning floors, bathroom tiles, windows, glass etc. A mixture of white vinegar and detergent in lukewarm water gets rid of most of the stains from the carpet. Cleaning the windows with white vinegar solution in warm water leaves them stainless and gleaming. Besides, white vinegar is also a great kitchen cleaner. Cleaning the microwave, refrigerator and other kitchen appliances with white vinegar gets rid of all kinds of offensive odors. Similarly running white vinegar solution through kitchen drain and garbage disposal also cleans them thoroughly. White vinegar can also be used to clean and disinfect bathrooms and toilets.

Gardening
Spraying white vinegar in garden destroys weeds, grass and any other unwanted vegetation. It can also be used for increasing the iron content and acidity of the soil. Some plants like rhododendrons, gardenias, azaleas etc. prefer acidic soil for their growth. Hence, mix a cup of white vinegar in one gallon of water and use this solution to water the plants. An equal proportion of white vinegar and sugar mixed in water is used to retain the freshness of flowers for a longer duration. Change this solution every 5 days.

Laundry Cleaning
White vinegar also finds uses in laundry cleaning. Apart from removing a variety of stains, it also cleans the dirt, grime off the clothes. Adding a spoonful of white vinegar to baby clothes while washing, disinfects them and makes them soft and fresh. It is also used to retain the color of clothes for a longer time. Besides, it is also used to make the cotton and woolen clothes soft and fluffy.

Cooking
White vinegar forms an integral part of almost all fish recipes. Besides, it is also a major ingredient of all marinade recipes. Washing fruits and vegetables with vinegar solution kills bacteria and makes them safe for consumption. Beating eggs with 1 tsp white vinegar makes them fluffy. You may also add a spoonful of white vinegar while cooking rice to make it less sticky and fluffy.

Medicine
White vinegar soothes all sorts of irritations and inflammations. Therefore, it is a great remedy for bee or jellyfish stings. It is also used to get rid of dandruff and cure toenail fungus. A concoction made from apple cider vinegar and honey relieves morning sickness. Applying icecold vinegar on burned area prevents formation of blisters. Chest congestion and arthritis relief are some other health benefits of white vinegar. The disinfecting properties of white vinegar are also used extensively in the field of medicine.

The list of white vinegar uses is very long. Apart from the categories mentioned above, it also finds its uses in various scientific experiments for kids, cleaning automobile parts and as a bug repellent. You should go only for a specific variety of white vinegar depending upon your purpose.