Hi Everyone. I’m Fran. When I need tips or information fast, I’m just like you. I'm looking for the same answers. But sometimes these things don’t always pop up, say, on your search engine of choice…I hear you. Looking for everyday tips for everyday life? Let's figure out how, together.
One of my favorite, all purpose products is vinegar. Vinegar is so useful, I cannot remember what I ever did before I incorporated it into my everyday routine.
For this week's tip, I want to share my go-to uses for White, Balsamic, and Apple Cider vinegars.
White Vinegar: For Cleaning the Bathroom and Cleaning Coffee Stains
We have all heard of cleaning with white vinegar before, but I personally only added it to my weekly chores after reading an article on La Cucina Italiana about prepping for the holidays. It's natural, inexpensive, and truly indispensible. How did I ever live without using it prior?
In my bathroom, I keep a spray bottle of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water. I clean with it the way I would with any other spray cleanser. For stubborn soap scum, I wipe it down with a Swiffer dry sheet, soaked in white vinegar and then rinse the entire area thoroughly with water.
I also use white vinegar for cleaning all my coffee things~the Keurig, the drip coffee maker, the French Press, even my mugs. It knocks out the stains with minimal effort. I descale with pure vinegar first, then do two full rinses with warm water. I also use vinegar soaked Q-tips for smaller areas, like the insides of mugs and the opening of the coffee drip. White vinegar also works for cleaning tea stains.
(Some people also use white vinegar to descale their shower heads, clean their ovens and refresh their washing machines).
Balsamic Vinegar: For Heartburn and Indigestion
We all love balsamic in salad, on chicken and as a sauce reduction. But my favorite use for balsamic is as a natural antacid. I first heard of using balsamic this way at a Sicilian cooking class I once took at Sur La Table.
I take 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Then I drink a half a cup of water as a chaser. You might think the balsamic will taste strong, so do take the water after.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For a Healthful "Tea"
I go to Florida every year and sometimes more than once. I always get Floridian honey because I find it to be the best I have ever tasted. I really like saw palmetto honey. I found a recipe on the back for a palmetto honey and apple cider vinegar tea. Honey and apple cider vinegar have been widely considered to help with detoxification, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin. This is my favorite drink when I am feeling blah or if I sense a cold coming on.
Healthful Honey Tea (recipe courtesy of Tropical Blossom Honey Co., Inc.)
- 1 tsp. Saw Palmetto Honey (or any type of 100% honey, made in the USA)
- 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Cup of hot, but not boiling water
Mix all ingredients until honey and vinegar dissolves. Drink while still warm.
So there you have my favorite ways to incorporate vinegar into my regimens. If you use vinegar in your own everyday routine, please share in the comments below.
*I make the disclaimer that the above are my own tips and in following them, please proceed with normal caution. I do not make claims that vinegar will help you the way that it helps me. If you are concerned about using any type of vinegar, please ask your doctor or other trusted source.
