Natural white vinegar is made from fermented corn alcohol. Once the initial alcohol content has been depleted, the vinegar is filtered and diluted to 5 percent acidity. While vinegar is a popular ingredient in too-good-to-be-true, unproven remedies like cancer cures, it's also a versatile ingredient in widely accepted applications, from cleaning and laundry to cooking and gardening.
Loosen Mineral Deposits
Vinegar will loosen mineral deposits from appliances from coffee makers to clothes irons, although you should always check the appliance's documentation for any instructions about using vinegar before you get started.
Glass Cleaner
If you're tired of streaks and film on your glass, mix one part white vinegar and one part warm water, wash the windows thoroughly, then dry with a soft cloth. According to the Vinegar Institute, the vinegar will leave your windows film- and streak-free.
Wood Restorer
If you left a water glass on your hardwood table and can't get rid of the stubborn ring, mix one part vinegar with one part olive oil and rub it into the ring, then polish, to remove the stain. Test the vinegar and oil mixture in an inconspicuous part of the table first to make sure it doesn't affect the finish.
Loosen Food
Loosen burnt-in food from pots and pans by covering the food with one part vinegar and three parts water, then bringing the vinegar-and-water mixture to a boil. Let the vinegar cool in the pan, then pour it out and scrub. You can use this trick with cast iron cookware, because the vinegar won't strip the cast-iron seasoning away like dish soap does.
This also works in the microwave. Mix the vinegar and water in a microwave-safe container and microwave until it boils, which will loosen any stuck-on food inside the microwave.
Deodorizer
Vinegar isn't known for its pleasant aroma, but it does a good job of flushing away other smells, and the vinegar scent fades quickly after use. Heinz recommends freshening your garbage disposal unit by mixing 1 cup of vinegar into enough water to fill an ice cube tray, freezing the mix into ice cubes, then grinding the vinegar cubes through your garbage disposal.
Doggie Deodorant
If your dog stinks, saturate your dog's fur with a mixture of 1 c. white vinegar into 2 gallons of water. Don't rinse the dog, but do towel him off. It's good for his skin, too.
Weed Killer
You don't need harsh herbicides. Spray full-strength white vinegar on weeds or any grass that's grown out of bounds; repeat until the weeds or grass are dead.
Laundry Booster
Add 1 to 2 c. white vinegar during the laundry rinse cycle. Your clothes will come out fresh and fluffy. You can also pre-treat deodorant stains by rubbing any spots with white vinegar before laundering your clothes.
Fluffier Rice
Add 1 tsp. of white vinegar to boiling water before adding rice. According to the Vinegar Institute, the vinegar leaves your rice fluffier and easier to scoop out.
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