Salt and vinegar aren’t just the perfect pair for potato chips—they’re a surprisingly powerful combo for cleaning, freshening, and even home remedies. This everyday duo has so many uses that once you learn them, you’ll never look at salt and vinegar the same way again.
Freshen the Air Naturally with Salt and Vinegar
Instead of baking soda, try a bowl filled with salt and vinegar to neutralize odors in your fridge or living spaces. This easy trick absorbs unpleasant smells and leaves the air feeling fresher without chemicals.
Bring Old Bricks Back to Life
White vinegar is a natural cleaner that works wonders on dull or dirty bricks. Mix vinegar with water in a spray bottle, spritz it over the brick surface, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub with a cloth or brush, and watch the bricks brighten up. (Pro tip: vinegar is also used as a gentle ear rinse for dogs—but always check with your vet first.)
Unclog Drains with Salt and Vinegar
Got a slow drain? Pour salt and vinegar down the sink, and let the fizzing reaction break down gunk and buildup. This natural method can clear minor clogs without relying on harsh store-bought chemicals.
Shine Brass and Remove Tarnish
Mix equal parts warm vinegar and salt to create a powerful solution for restoring brass. Soak your brass items for a few minutes, scrub with a scouring pad, and rinse. Let them air dry, and they’ll look shiny and new again.
Turn Salt and Vinegar into a Fun Science Experiment
The reaction between salt and vinegar is fascinating—and perfect for hands-on learning with kids.
- Grow Colorful “Rocks”: Mix salt, vinegar, and food coloring, then pour over a sponge. In just days, you’ll see crystal-like formations appear.
- Create Sodium Acetate: This reaction produces a compound used in food manufacturing, medicine, and even in hospital IVs for hydration and electrolyte balance.
Vinegar Alone Works Magic Too
- Keep Ants Away: Spray vinegar around windows, doorways, or picnic tables to stop ants in their tracks.
- Kill Weeds Naturally: A quick spray of vinegar on garden weeds helps keep them from taking over.
Clean Scissors Without Rust
Water can damage scissors, but vinegar cleans sticky messes and prevents rust at the same time. Just wipe the blades with a vinegar-dampened cloth.
Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
Adding a splash of vinegar to boiling water prevents shells from cracking and makes peeling much easier. Just keep in mind a little goes a long way, since too much vinegar can slightly change the flavor.
Boost Hair Health with a Vinegar Rinse
Mix 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar with a cup of water and pour it over shampooed hair once a week. Massage into your scalp and rinse. This age-old trick removes buildup, balances scalp health, and leaves hair looking shiny and refreshed.
Soothe Bug Bites Fast
Dab a little vinegar on itchy bug bites to calm irritation. Just avoid applying it to broken skin. Apple cider vinegar also works as a natural insect repellent—perfect for camping or backyard barbecues.
Salt and vinegar are more than just kitchen staples—they’re versatile tools for cleaning, self-care, and even DIY projects. From deodorizing your fridge to soothing itchy skin, this powerful pair proves that sometimes the best solutions are already sitting in your pantry.
