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How to Use Vinegar to Clean Your Kitchen Cupboard
Using vinegar instead of chemical
cleansers is not only safer for the environment, but
safer for you. Chemical cleansers can encourage hardy
strains of resistant bacteria. However, use caution
and do your own research when living with individuals
with immunosuppressant disorders or other conditions
since natural cleansers such as vinegar have not passed
government tests that certify their antibacterial abilities.
Vinegar is a 10,000 year old accident according to the
Vinegar Institute (versitilevinegar.org).
The name vinegar comes from the French
'vinaigre' which means sour wine. Ever since the discovery
was made of a past-its-prime wine, vinegar has been
used throughout history for everything from a preservative,
condiment, and beverage to medicinal treatment.
Vinegar's adaptability for use comes
from its acidic makeup. It is produced by any sugar
that is fermented. Depending on the original sugar source,
a different vinegar is formed. Although over the centuries
herbed vinegars have been used for flavoring, today
upwards of 29 varieties of vinegar can be found on your
grocer's shelf. The most common vinegar purchased by
consumers is white vinegar - 46% according to ACNielsen
reports.
Vinegar also appears to have an indefinite
shelf life. Although some changes may occur to the coloration
or clarity - vinegar remains safe for food or other
use.
Although no vinegar based products have
been registered with official claim to being an equal
alternative to chemical disinfectants, there have been
several studies published (including one by the EPA)
to impart to the industry that vinegar has strong anti-microbial
properties.
While the official debate continues
with some less favorable studies in the mix, according
to the Vinegar Institute vinegar has been used to "To
reduce microorganisms in slaughterhouses and poultry
plants...To clean vehicles and equipment used in the
construction industry...To wash and rinse walls and
ceilings in restaurants and food establishments"
as well as other uses.
If you are considering using vinegar
as a natural and biodegradable alternative to chemical
cleansers most experts suggest using white vinegar at
full strength. You can also use diluted vinegar in a
spray bottle or boiled on the stove as an air freshener.
The vinegar scent itself will dissipate while removing
other strong odors such as from cooking.
Vinegar can be used to clean glass,
mirror and chrome leaving a shiny finish. Wiping with
crumpled newspaper will prevent streaking.
Half a cup (up to two cups) of vinegar
in the laundry will give you bright colors, prevent
color bleeds and act as a fabric softener.
In the kitchen use vinegar to disinfect
cutting boards, shine cutlery and clean ovens, microwaves,
pots and even remove tea and coffee stains on china.
Boiling water with a mixture of vinegar and filling
a teapot, or running vinegar through the coffee machine
or dishwasher will remove deposits. Rubbing vinegar
on your fingers before and after cutting onions will
remove the odor from your hands.
Half a cup of vinegar in the bath water
will give you soft skin (and a clean bathtub!). A cup
of vinegar and warm water makes a good conditioning
rinse for hair. And use apple cider vinegar as an astringent
for acne prone skin.
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