Who would ever think that an ordinary kitchen pantry regular has several uses? Vinegar is widely known and no kitchen cabinet is without it. Vinegar is made of acetic acid and water. Acetic acid is produced when ethanol is produced by acetic acid bacteria.

There are several varieties of vinegar. All of them are not just being used for culinary purposes or as condiments; they are also utilized for domestic and medical reasons. There is malt vinegar variety, which came from malting barley and commonly used as seasoning for chips. Apple cider vinegar is popular, and so is balsamic vinegar, which is made from the concentrated juice of white grapes. In Asia, rice vinegar has always been widespread in many cuisines. Fermented coconut water is also popular in Asia, and so is palm and cane vinegar. In Italy, Spain and France, rare honey vinegar is commercially available. Fruit vinegars are also popular. Depending on the pH level of the vinegar, they are effective in several situations.

The US Food and Drug Administration have set a guideline as to how specific vinegar should be manufactured. But vinegars may be made at home. Using it however will only be effective depending on its acidity. Below are some of the uses of vinegar. There are perhaps hundreds of uses for this material, but here are some:

1. Prevents dandruff and softens hair

   Those who have dandruff or wanted to soften their hair may want to try the powers of vinegar. Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is considered to be an inflammation of the skin that causes redness, flaky white scales. Dandruff may be remedied using chemical agents, such as vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a popular choice to prevent dandruff. For those with short hair, a cup of apple cider vinegar is mixed with water. After cleaning the hair in the shower, the mixture is poured slowly into the hair. The vinegar-water mixture is then massaged into the scalp and left to dry. Another method is to massage 3 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and leaving it for 15 minutes before shampooing. These techniques will prevent dandruff from developing, and there are also indications that vinegar produces soft shiny hair.

2. Gets rid of warts

   Skin warts are generally harmless, yet there are those which are signs of skin cancers. Common warts are caused by viruses invading the skin. The virus, particularly the human papillomavirus (HPV), is contagious; that’s why warts are often common in one household. Warts are found in hands and feet. There are various ways to eliminate warts in the body. One of which is the use of apple cider vinegar. The method is by soaking a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar, applying it into the wart and leaving it overnight with an adhesive bandage. There are so many praises regarding this method to eliminate warts, since compared to salicylic acid and other products, vinegar soaking is the most effective method. If apple cider vinegar us not available, white vinegar may be used. According to studies, it is the acetic acid that reacts towards the virus. With an acidic environment, the virus is eliminated, leaving the skin dark-colored until the wart is completely gone.

3. Treats yeast infections

   The medical term for yeast infection is Candidiasis. Candidiasis is due to a fungus called Candida. Yeast is common inhabitants of the human skin. Healthy persons usually have Candida fungus in the body. When a part of the body is thoroughly cleaned, or an antibiotic is taken, the normal flora of the skin or the organ is eliminated. Candida is opportunistic pathogens. Because the normal pathogens are decreased, the Candida fungi will thrive and will cause yeast infection. In order to treat the yeast infection, the normal flora of the skin or in most cases, the vagina, must be restored. Using vinegar may aid in the restoration of the normal flora by eliminating the Candida colony. By filling in the bath tub with a cup of white vinegar into warm water and lying down for 30 minutes, yeast infection is treated. If candidiasis is on the mouth, gargling white vinegar helps eliminate the yeast infection. If there are parts of the body that really itches due to the fungi, vinegar may be rubbed it directly. Just make sure not to overdo it or else the skin will become irritated due to the high acid content of the vinegar.

4. Freshens breath

   There are individuals who are more prone to developing halitosis. Halitosis, or bad breath, has several causes. Not only is bad breath due to inadequate oral hygiene, but it can also be due to the foods that is ingested, or worst, due to some internal metabolic disorders that causes foul smelly breath. If this is the case, then the underlying disease must be resolved first. If not, regularly downing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before meals may help in preventing bad breath since vinegar can help in the digestive process. Gargling vinegar regularly may also provide fresh breath.

5. It is a good household cleaning agent

   Cleaning with vinegar is common anywhere. Because of its high acidity level, it can help in killing bacteria, molds and other types of microorganism that creates a habitat anywhere in your own home. Vinegar may be used in cleaning the counter tops using vinegar soaked cloth. Deodorizing the trash bin may also be possible using a half cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar poured into the container. Refrigerators, microwaves, dining plates and others may also be cleaned using vinegar. Vinegar has many uses, not just for the human body, but also for the home.

6. It is good for your laundry

   The idea of adding vinegar into your laundry may make one crinkle his nose. Who would want to use clothes that smell sour? But with the right amount, vinegar is so beneficial in your laundry. Vinegar actually has the power of boosting the capability of detergent to remove stains and eliminate microorganisms. Depending on the type of laundry, vinegar is useful in eliminating odor and in removing stains. Vinegar is also useful to those who are using the washing machine, since it prevents the lint from clinging into the clothes. Moreover, vinegar is useful in cleaning the washing machine itself, since it kills molds that may build-up while the machine is not being used.

Sources
naturalhomeandgarden.com
versatilevinegar.org
apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com
medicinenet.com
vinegartips.com