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A couple of years ago we were delighted to get an enormous crop of apples from our oldest tree, which we swiftly set about fermenting into cider. Fast-forward 12 months, to the moment when my husband unearthed a large barrel of cider that I’d forgotten to bottle – aargh, disaster! But, to my delight, all was not lost. My delicious cider had undergone the next stage in the fermentation process and turned into a plentiful supply of apple cider vinegar (ACV).

So now that I’ve got an abundance of ACV in my store cupboard, I’ve been looking into the many ways this all-natural product can be used. From its health-boosting attributes to its natural antibacterial and preservative properties, ACV can be used for all manner of different household tasks. Not bad for something that we accidentally produced for free!

Here are a few ways you can use apple cider vinegar at home.

1. Preserving food

Fermented preserved vegetables.
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The mild acidity of ACV inhibits bacterial growth, making it a great natural preservative. It is a common ingredient in many food preservation methods, particularly canning and pickling. I love the smooth, fruity flavor of ACV in our pickled vegetables (which is lucky seeing as we’ve got gallons of the stuff!).

2. Cleaning surfaces

woman cleaning furniture
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ACV helps to dissolve dirt and kill bacteria and can be used instead of harsh chemical-filled household cleaning products. I make up a spray bottle of ACV diluted 1:1 with water which is used to clean countertops, tables, and other surfaces. This method is particularly good for dissolving soap scum on sinks, tubs, and shower surfaces.

3. Disinfecting tools

garden tools
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When pruning and trimming trees, bushes, and plants, it is important to disinfect your tools to avoid spreading diseases. An effective way to do this is by soaking your tools in ACV, as studies have shown that 30 minutes of exposure to acetic acid in vinegar is sufficient to eliminate many strains of bacteria. 

4. Repelling insects

Fruit flies collected in a glass bowl with wine or cider vinegar and soap.
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Feeling bothered by bugs? The good news is that the potent smell of ACV is unappealing to many insects. Create a homemade insect repellent by mixing equal parts ACV and water, and spray around windowsills, doors, or garden areas to deter bugs. Take care when spraying on fabrics and soft furnishings as some staining may occur.

Homemade Fruit Fly Trap with Apple Cider Vinegar

5. Relieving sore muscles

excited woman opening up curtains with sun coming in
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The anti-inflammatory properties of ACV can help soothe sore muscles. Add a cup of ACV to your bathwater and soak to relax muscles and reduce inflammation after a long day on the homestead.

6. Removing odors

A bowl of apple cider vinegar.
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ACV is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes unpleasant smells. Place a bowl of undiluted ACV in areas prone to lingering odors, such as the kitchen, laundry room, and garbage disposal areas.

7. Boosting livestock health

chicken outside
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Adding ACV to your animals’ water supply can support their digestive health by balancing stomach pH and preventing harmful bacteria. We had a real problem with sickly chickens earlier this year, but the whole flock looks far healthier now they have a weekly dose of ACV in their drinking water. Use about 1/4 cup of ACV per gallon of water for chickens and other livestock, replacing it with fresh clean water after 24 hours.

8. Unclogging showerheads

showerhead
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ACV works a treat for dissolving mineral buildup in clogged showerheads. Simply remove the showerhead and soak it in a container of undiluted ACV for a few hours to restore your shower to its full force.

How to Deep Clean a Shower Head with Vinegar

9. Cleaning fruits and vegetables

washing vegetable and fruits
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Soaking fruits and vegetables in ACV can help them stay fresh for longer. Make a solution of one tablespoon of ACV in a gallon of water, soak the produce for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This will reduce bacteria and mold as well as remove traces of pesticides from your food.

10. Natural fabric softener

Cheerful black kid boy helping father at linen in basket while doing laundry near washing machine in flight kitchen in weekend at home
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Did you know that you can save money on expensive laundry products by using ACV as a fabric softener? This natural product ensures that any detergent residue is removed during the rinse cycle, leaving clothes soft with a delicious hint of apple fragrance.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

11. Conditioning hair

Young woman washing hair in bathroom.
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Another top money-saving tip is to use ACV as a natural hair conditioner. It leaves your hair soft and shiny, and may also reduce dandruff thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The exact ratio of ACV will depend on your hair type – start with a mixture of 1:4 ACV and water and adjust according to the final result.

Homemade Hair Conditioner Bar

12. Reducing itching from bug bites

rubbing arm bite with apple cider vinegar
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Certain types of insect bites, such as wasp stings and mosquito bites, can be soothed by the application of vinegar. Take a cotton ball soaked in ACV and dab it onto the bite for immediate relief. Bear in mind that this method doesn’t work for bee stings – you’ll need an alkaline solution such as baking soda for these.

13. Deodorizing shoes

Low section of a girl balancing on a log in white canvas shoes
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Got a smelly shoe problem? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there – particularly after a long, hot day working on the homestead! To return your footwear to its former glory, spray the inside of shoes with a mixture of ACV and water, and let them air dry to remove unpleasant smells.

14. Clearing drains

sink drain
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This trick is like those fun science experiments we used to do in the school lab! Clean and clear blocked drains by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of ACV. Sit back and watch it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water to remove all dirt and debris.

7 Quick and Easy Ways to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

15. Preventing mold and mildew

Image of female hands with detergent washing bath.
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The natural antifungal properties of ACV can help prevent mold growth in damp areas such as bathroom tiles. After your shower or bath, spray undiluted ACV onto tiled areas and let it sit without rinsing to keep your bathroom sparkly clean.

6 Effective Ways to Clean Mold from Shower Caulk and Grout

16. Removing stains from fabrics

thrift store clothes
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ACV can be used instead of white vinegar as an effective stain remover for clothes. The best method is to make a solution of one part ACV to two parts water and soak your stained garments for 15 minutes before washing them as normal. Bear in mind that ACV has a slightly yellow color that could stain light-colored fabrics, so stick to white vinegar for these garments.

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older man gardening
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homemaker rolling dough from scratch
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Close up of young woman hands with gloves cleaning the table with a spray at home windex
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Making your own all-natural homemade cleaner means using safe, eco-friendly ingredients that you may already have at home.

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Kate Chalmers
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Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.

Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.

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