Distilled Vinegar Remedies

Because of it's acidic qualities, distilled vinegar remains a household staple for cooking, cleaning and even homemade health remedies. Whether used as a non-toxic additive to your laundry, an odor remover or even a facial toner, vinegar is truly an al-purpose product.

Health Remedies

Stop itching from insect stings and bites by using a vinegar-soaked cotton ball as a pain reliever. It also works as an antiseptic for minor cuts, scrapes and burns by substituting it for a general purpose medical wash. Spray sunburned skin with white distilled vinegar, which cools the skin and helps with blistering and peeling. Vinegar has cosmetic uses, as well. Use vinegar as an aftershave lotion if commercial products cause rashes. Splash it on in the same manner as you would the commercial brand. Make a skin toner out of vinegar and water by combining the two in equal parts. Apply with a cotton ball.

Pets

Distilled vinegar is a "must have" product if you have pets. From cleaning to training animals to stay away from certain areas in the house, vinegar does the trick in almost all circumstances. Spray furniture lightly with a mixture of vinegar and water to deter cats from scratching. Cats do not like the smell of vinegar, and this method will help to stop them from using your sofa as a scratching post. Treat areas where your cat is "marking" its territory for the same effect. Prevent ear infections in your dog by wiping out its ears with undiluted vinegar once a week. Dip a cloth in undiluted vinegar, and wipe gently taking care not to probe the ear canal too deeply. To remove pet odors, remove debris and sprinkle baking soda over soiled area. Let it stand overnight and then vacuum up. Wash the area with distilled vinegar, rinse and let dry. For more odor control, place small bowls of vinegar around the house. The vinegar will absorb the odor.

Laundry

Use vinegar as an everyday additive to your laundry. Remove perspiration and deodorant stains from clothing with distilled vinegar. Pour it full strength on soiled areas of clothing before throwing it in with a regular load of laundry. For cleaner and brighter laundry, add about 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washer. It will prevent yellowing, act as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and also keep your laundry smelling fresh.