White vinegar is not just something grandma uses to can pickles with - its an eco-friendly cleaning army in a bottle. Learn how to unleash its power and benefits.
Of course, everyone would like to do something to keep our environment from imploding from our neglect (or we would like to think that is a universal concern). Often people just simply don't know what they can do. They stop by a natural or organic store and find that, while they love the products and how earth-friendly and healthy they are, they are also too expensive. One way to make your own dent in keeping the earth safe without putting a dent in your wallet is to oxidize a solution of acetic acid in fermented maize or other grain and water – or you could just buy that from any grocery's shelf, labelled as White Vinegar and follow some of the helpful hints here.1. Earth Friendly Liquid Softener for the Laundry
White vinegar makes an excellent laundry softener. About 1/4 cup is enough for a full washload. If you prefer a little scent left on your clothes and towels, try adding ten to twenty drops of your favorite essential oil, such as Lavender. To show Mother Earth you love really love her, your liquid softener will follow your homemade laundry detergent. Seal the deal by hanging your laundry on a line instead of using a dryer. You could also add one cup of white vinegar along with the wash cycle for whites.2. All Purpose Kitchen and BathCleaner
Preferrably start out with a recycled spray bottle. If not available, you can buy plain spray bottles from a dollar store or your store of choice. Combine one part vinegar with three parts water and add ten to fifteen drops of lavender or lemon essential oil (which have antimicrobial properties). Good for counter tops (however dilute one part vinegar with six parts water for marble or granite), sinks, and is a good degreaser for areas spattered with grease. It works great on glass, including mirrors.3. Coffee-maker Detox
Use a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar to water and run through coffee maker. Use that same ratio to clean the coffee pot itself or undiluted for stubborn stains or mineral deposits. Make sure to wear gloves when using undiluted or only semi-diluted. Avoid contact with eyes (flush if you get splashed).4. Organic Herbicide
In May of 2002, vinegar got an endorsement from the US Department of Agriculture as an organic herbicide, based on scientific evidence. This can provide a cost-effective solution for farmers and gardeners wishing to conform to organic standards while being able to manage their crops. If treatment is done within the first two weeks, 5% and 10% acidity solutions could be used. The cost goes up if weeds are older than two weeks though, due to the need to increase acidity to 20%. The 20% solution is available commerically through Pharm Solutions under the name of Weed Pharm.5. Floors
Use half a cup of white vinegar for a whole bucket of water. Add your choice of lavender, lemon, pine or spruce essential oils (ten to twenty drops, depending on your own likes).Other Uses of Vinegar
There are many other uses of vinegar – and not just white vinegar. This is just a sampling to get your feet wet and get you started on your way to a greener life.No wonder vinegar has received attention since ancient times. From Prophet Mohammad, who called vinegar the best of condiments* to vinegar's mentions in the Bible, to Roman's drinking vinegar with honey - there are whole books just about the uses of vinegar. When you try some of the suggestions above, you'll find that canning time is not the only time to keep vinegar on your shelf.
(http://lamyaa-hashim.suite101.com/the-many-green-uses-of-vinegar-a42338)
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