Vinegar is usually seen as a kitchen staple for dressings, marinades, and pickling—but this humble ingredient does far more than flavor food. Thanks to its acidity, affordability, and eco-friendly nature, vinegar is a powerful alternative to many commercial cleaners.

Below are ten surprising (and incredibly useful!) ways to use vinegar throughout your home—whether your goal is to save money, clean more naturally, or simply learn new household hacks.

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1. Remove Coffee Stains from Mugs

Coffee and tea stains can cling stubbornly to your favorite mugs. Fill the mug with equal parts vinegar and hot water, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. For stains that won’t budge, add a little baking soda and scrub again.

2. Clean and Unclog Shower Heads

Hard-water mineral buildup can block your shower head over time. Remove it (if possible) and soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes to overnight. If it can’t be removed, secure a vinegar-filled plastic bag around it. The vinegar dissolves the minerals and restores water flow.

3. Deodorize Your Microwave

Mix ½ cup vinegar with ½ cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 5–10 minutes. The steam loosens grime and neutralizes odors. Simply wipe the interior clean afterward.

4. Repel Fruit Flies

Create an easy fruit fly trap by filling a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and covering it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the top. Flies enter attracted by the scent—but can’t escape.

5. Freshen Up Your Laundry

Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove detergent residue, eliminate odors, and naturally soften clothes. It also helps dark fabrics maintain their color.

6. Polish Glass and Mirrors

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz onto mirrors or glass and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for a streak-free shine. Avoid spraying directly onto wooden frames.

7. Kill Weeds in Your Garden

Vinegar works as a natural weed killer. Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto unwanted weeds on a sunny day. The acetic acid dries them out—just be careful not to hit nearby plants.

8. Remove Sticky Residue

Sticker residue and adhesives come off easily with vinegar. Place a vinegar-soaked cloth on the sticky area for a few minutes, then wipe or gently scrub. Rinse with water afterward.

9. Naturally Soften Fabrics

Use vinegar as a chemical-free fabric softener by adding ½ cup to the softener compartment of your washing machine. It breaks down soap buildup, leaving clothes softer—great for sensitive skin.

10. Disinfect Cutting Boards

Spray cutting boards with undiluted white vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. For a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda first, then spray vinegar to create a fizzing scrub.

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11. Refresh Your Dishwasher

Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of vinegar on the top rack. Run a hot, empty cycle. Vinegar removes odor, buildup, and mineral deposits, leaving your dishwasher fresh and clean.