10 ways I use vinegar that saved me over $100
Vinegar is one of those cheap pantry staples that ends up being more useful than half the cleaners in your cabinet. A single bottle can cover dozens of jobs, and using it instead of pricier products really does save money over time.
Beyond being inexpensive, it's effective enough to handle everything from laundry freshening to kitchen cleanup. By leaning on vinegar for these tasks, you can cut down on supply costs and skip buying products you don't actually need.
Freshening Laundry Loads
Adding half a cup of vinegar to your washing machine helps neutralize odors and break down detergent buildup. It's especially useful for towels and workout clothes that never seem to smell fully clean.
Instead of buying special odor-fighting boosters, vinegar does the same job for a fraction of the cost. Over time, you save money while extending the life of your fabrics.
Replacing Fabric Softener
Commercial softeners and dryer sheets add up fast. A splash of vinegar in the rinse cycle softens clothes without leaving residue behind.
This swap keeps clothes fresh, prevents buildup on your washer, and saves you from rebuying expensive softeners every month. It's one less product you have to stock.
Cleaning the Coffee Maker
Descaling solutions for coffee machines can run $10 or more per bottle. Vinegar does the same job by dissolving mineral buildup inside the machine.
Running a cycle with vinegar and then rinsing with water keeps your coffee maker working longer. Skipping the branded cleaners easily saves you $30-$40 a year.
Shining Glass and Mirrors
Store-bought glass cleaners cost more than they should. Vinegar mixed with water makes streak-free glass cleaner for pennies.
Spray it on mirrors, windows, or even your car's windshield, and it leaves surfaces clear without the extra chemicals. When you stick with vinegar, you cut out another unnecessary household product.
Unclogging Drains
Before calling a plumber or buying harsh drain cleaners, try vinegar with baking soda. The fizzing reaction helps clear minor clogs and freshens the drain at the same time.
It won't fix serious blockages, but for slow drains, it's often enough. Using this trick saves money on chemical cleaners and keeps you from reaching for costly quick fixes.
Cutting Grease in the Kitchen
Grease sprays and heavy-duty cleaners aren't cheap. Vinegar naturally cuts through grease on stovetops, counters, and even greasy pans.
Spraying vinegar and wiping with a clean cloth gets rid of residue without extra scrubbing. Since you probably already have vinegar on hand, you don't need to buy another specialized product.
Deodorizing the Fridge
Instead of buying separate fridge deodorizers, vinegar does the job. Wiping down shelves with it kills odors and leaves the space fresh.
It's effective against lingering food smells that baking soda alone can't tackle. Keeping vinegar in rotation for this saves you from buying other cleaners or gimmicky odor absorbers.
Keeping Produce Fresher
A vinegar-and-water rinse removes bacteria and helps some fruits and veggies last longer in the fridge. That means less spoiled food and less money wasted.
Instead of tossing out wilted produce, you can stretch its life a few extra days. Over time, those savings add up more than you'd think.
Replacing Floor Cleaners
Multi-surface floor cleaners are another recurring expense. Diluted vinegar works on tile, vinyl, and sealed wood floors, leaving them clean and streak-free.
It's safe, effective, and way cheaper than buying branded floor solutions every month. When you mop with vinegar, you keep the floors clean without a long receipt from the cleaning aisle.
Removing Soap Scum
Shower sprays and scrubbing foams add up quickly. Vinegar breaks down soap scum and water stains with less effort.
Spray it directly on shower walls or faucets, let it sit, then wipe clean. It saves you from buying separate bathroom cleaners and cuts your cleaning supply budget significantly.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
Leave a Reply