Finally spring seems to have found us. With all the melting snow, many are having issues with water in our homes. Whether it in your basement or on the entryway carpet, the solution is to get it dry. If you have a problem with odors of damp carpet or fear mold, white vinegar could be your answer.
White distilled vinegar is likely the most useful household product you own. It’s a natural astringent, so it can disinfect toilets, tubs and kitchen counters alike. It can also remove stains from carpet and upholstery, and if you toss half a cup in your laundry load, then it gets stains out of clothes, too. The acetic acid in vinegar is an effective disinfectant, deodorizer, and cleaner which will cut grease and soap scum, dissolve mineral buildup, and inhibit mold and bacteria growth.
Also, is a natural deodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won’t smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.) With no coloring agents, white vinegar won’t stain grout on tiled surfaces. Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin.
Whenever possible, natural may be a choice you can make. I like that I can get my home clean without the chemicals. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Dow Chemical as much as anyone, but if I can use a household staple that works as well, I will. It is much cheaper this way as well.
Caution: Do not add vinegar directly to materials containing ammonia since this could produce harmful vapors.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, vinegar helps get rid of bad smells, wherever they may be. If that just so happens to be on your feet, try this remedy. Wipe your toes and feet down with a paper towel soaked in apple cider vinegar to combat the odor. The ability of apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of your feet and eliminate odor causing bacteria is what makes it a great natural remedy.
Vinegar has many uses outside in the yard and garden as well. Oh well, that’s a story for another day. Have a great week.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
