7 Clever Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in the Kitchen

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Heinz Vinegar, to share clever ways to use vinegar in the kitchen. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and as a thank you for participating.

“Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don’t do it.” – Unknown… The kitchen is usually the center of the home, so it makes sense that it’s often the messiest part of the home too. 3 meals a day are created there, mail is sorted there, kids rummage through cupboards for snacks, the dog’s dish might be there, and in our house – it’s the main entrance we use when coming and going every day. So between dishes, the garbage, the pets, and the clutter – I feel like it’s a constant battle to keep things clean and germ-free! And, to add another bonus layer of challenge, I’m really trying to cut back on using store-bought cleaners that contain a lot of toxic chemicals and additives. I mean, if I wouldn’t want it to go into the kid’s mouths, why would I rub it all over the counters that their food touches, right? Let me share one amazing product that can help solve the majority of your kitchen-cleaning dilemmas – Apple Cider Vinegar.

Kitchen Tips: How to Use Vinegar in the Kitchen

Since so many traditional cleaning supplies are filled with harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to kids and pets, apple cider vinegar provides a cheaper, safer alternative that can clean, absorb odors – and even has antibacterial properties too. Check out all of these clever ways to use apple cider vinegar in your kitchen:

1. Full strength cleaner. Use undiluted apple cider vinegar, right from the bottle, on counter-tops and other surfaces in your kitchen. This will disinfect them and leave them smelling super fresh and apple scented.

2. Diluted cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water; this solution can then be used to clean microwaves, windows, glasses and even mirrors.

3. Make a homemade fabric and air freshener. Dissolve a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle of water, then spray in the air or spritz lightly on furniture, curtains, and rugs to eliminate odors.

4. Homemade floor cleaner. Simply mix one part apple cider vinegar to one part water, and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on hard surfaces such as hardwood floors, bathroom tiles then wipe it off with a rag.

5. Natural drain cleaner. if you have drains that are partially clogged {this won’t work on major blockages, so be sure to use it before things get too bad} – you can mix up this natural drain cleaner for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the store. Mix 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda, the pour the mix down the drain. Wait a few minutes, then follow with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda will react with each other, and create a carbon dioxide gas {harmless, I promise.} Give it about 2-3 hours to unclog the drain, then flush well with water.

6. You can clean your cutting boards with apple cider vinegar too. Pour undiluted Apple Cider Vinegar into a clean spray bottle. Spray onto surface, and then immediately afterwards spray the surface with a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide. Wipe it all clean and rinse with water for disinfected, cleaned up cutting boards.

7. Use apple cider vinegar to clean your produce. To get all of those nasty pesticide chemicals off of your fresh fruits and veggies, mix together a 50/50 solution of Apple Cider Vinegar and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, and use that as a produce wash.

Apple Cider Vinegar recipes rock

Apple cider vinegar is so super duper crazy-versatile in the kitchen – it can clean, disinfect, and make things sparkle. But – it’s also an amazing ingredient in so many different types of recipes too. If you do any canning, I’m sure you’re already familiar with how great it is. But did you know it’s awesome in dressings and sauces, is the secret ingredient in recipes like Slow Cooked Spiced Pork and Apricot Curry Chicken, and can even add some zing to drinks too? You’ll find all of these apple cider recipes and more on the Heinz Vinegar website – be sure to check it out. And you can find even more cool ideas by visiting their Pinterest page too.

For more than 140 years, Heinz has maintained its simple, all-natural vinegar recipe

You’ll find two varieties available at local retailers, to fit any kitchen needs you have. Apple Cider Vinegar starts with the highest quality apples and crystal clear water, to create a clean, mellow flavor perfect for marinades and sauces. And it has the full 15% acidity needed for canning and pickling. Unflitered apple cider vinegar retains a compound called the “mother” of the vinegar – making it the perfect addition to salads and main dish recipes. You’ll also find a ton of other specialty vinegars from Heinz too – malt vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and more. Learn more on HeinzVinegar.com.

{Photo credit: BrittneyBush via photopin cc. Photo credit: robbplusjessie via photopin cc.}