13 Innovative Ways to Use Salt and Vinegar at Home

Salt and vinegar are more than just a popular snack flavor—they are a powerful duo with countless household uses. From cleaning solutions to DIY beauty treatments, this common kitchen combo can freshen your home, improve your health, and even tackle tough stains.

Here are 13 clever ways to put salt and vinegar to work in your everyday life.

1. Deodorize Any Room

✔ Eliminate odors by placing a bowl of salt and vinegar in musty areas like closets, fridges, or basements.
✔ This natural deodorizer absorbs bad smells without using harsh chemicals.

2. Restore Old Bricks

✔ Mix distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
✔ Let it sit on brick surfaces for 10 minutes, then wipe away grime with a brush or cloth.
✔ Works on both indoor and outdoor bricks.

3. Unclog a Sink Drain

✔ Pour ½ cup of salt down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar.
✔ Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.
✔ This chemical-free trick breaks down grease and buildup.

4. Remove Corrosion from Brass

✔ Mix 2 cups of warm vinegar with 2 tablespoons of salt.
✔ Soak brass items for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a scouring pad.
✔ Air dry for a shiny, polished look.

5. DIY Science Experiments

✔ Salt and vinegar cause cool chemical reactions—great for kids’ science projects!
✔ Try making colorful rock formations by pouring the solution over a sponge soaked in food coloring.
✔ Watch as crystals form over a few days!

6. Clean Sticky Scissors

✔ Water can cause rust, but vinegar dissolves sticky residue without damage.
✔ Simply wipe the blades with a vinegar-soaked cloth for a quick clean.

7. Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs

✔ Prevent cracked eggs by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar per quart of water before boiling.
✔ This also makes peeling easier—but be careful not to add too much vinegar, as it can slightly alter the taste.

8. Natural Ant & Weed Repellent

✔ Spray vinegar in entryways, patios, or near food storage to deter ants.
✔ Pour vinegar directly on weeds to kill them without harmful chemicals.

9. Hair Detox & Shine Treatment

✔ Mix 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 cup of water.
✔ Pour over shampooed hair, massage into roots, then rinse and condition as usual.
✔ Helps remove buildup and leaves hair shiny and smooth.

10. Relieve Bug Bites & Itchy Skin

✔ Dab apple cider vinegar onto bug bites to reduce itching and irritation.
✔ Avoid using on open wounds, as vinegar can cause burning.

11. Brighten Laundry & Remove Stains

✔ Add ½ cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt to your laundry.
✔ This helps brighten whites, remove sweat stains, and soften fabrics naturally.

12. Clean Windows & Mirrors

✔ Brew a vinegar and salt solution, then wipe onto glass surfaces for streak-free shine.
✔ Removes smudges, fingerprints, and water spots.

13. Freshen Up Dish Sponges

✔ Soak dirty sponges in a bowl of vinegar and salt for 10 minutes.
✔ This kills bacteria and extends the life of your sponge.

Final Thoughts

Salt and vinegar aren’t just for snacks—they’re versatile, eco-friendly, and powerful in countless ways. From household cleaning to beauty treatments and DIY projects, this simple combination can save you money and reduce chemical use in your home.

Try one of these hacks today and see how much you can accomplish with just salt and vinegar!