Frugal Tip of the Week-Vinegar

With Easter around the corner, vinegar is on sale. This week Walgreens has it and I'm sure that many other stores will have it next week. Which makes this the perfect week to talk about why you should stock up on vinegar.

Unless you manage to get your cleaning products completely free (which isn't unheard of, but not the easiest thing to do), then vinegar is ounce for ounce, the cheapest way to clean your home. It's one of the safest too, since there are no caustic chemicals in it (so if you kid drinks your pretty cleaning solution, it doesn't require a trip to the emergency room!).

According to one site, there are over 1,000 ways to use vinegar. This includes cleaning your home, laundry and automobile!

Personally, I use vinegar to clean all sorts of things. Grab a reusable spray bottle (if you don't have one, check your local big box store, either in the hair department or cleaning. I've found them in both.). Fill the bottle with half water (warm to hot water works best when you first mix it) and half with vinegar. If the smell of vinegar bothers you (it does Dave and my mom) add about 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil (I found mine at a health food store). I used orange but whatever scent you like. Shake the bottle well so everything mixes. Then spray and clean! It works just like your normal all purpose cleaners.

If your drain or garbage disposal starts having a bad smell, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the disposal, followed by a 1/2 cup vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes and flush out with warm water.

Trash stink no matter what you do? Add a little vinegar to the bottom of the can before you put the trash bag in. It will help absorb the odors.

Almost every surface in your house can be cleaned with vinegar (I wouldn't try it on your nice couch though!). It deodorizes and kills germs. It's safe for your family and it's incredibly cheap to buy white distilled vinegar (which is the most common form of it and the stuff we use to dye Easter eggs!). Next time you're short on cleaning supplies, try vinegar first, you'll be amazed at the results!