11 things you didn't know you could do with vinegar

When we say vinegar, your first thought is probably 'on your fish and chips', but there's loads more to this magical substance than just its tangy taste...

Different varieties of vinegar can be used for anything from cleaning to weight loss to getting rid of ants, and you may even be surprised to find that they do the job better than your normal product would anyway.

Here are 11 things you didn't know you could do with vinegar - now raid the cupboards and get to work!

Remove burnt food

If you've left something cooking in your frying pan a little too long, simply add two cups of white vinegar to the pan, boil on the hob for five minutes, and rinse. The dirt should shift like magic.

Unclog your drain

Whether it's in the kitchen or the bathroom, a slow-draining sink is no fun for anyone. Remedy yours by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup hot water. Be warned, it will fizz, but once the bubbling has subsided, your drain should be in much better working order.

Prolong the life of flowers

Flowers are expensive. Make sure you get your money's worth by adding a dash of apple cider vinegar to the water in your vase, replacing the mixture for a fresh solution every couple of days. Your blooms will last longer, because the vinegar prevents bacteria from growing in the water. Clever, no?

Shift sticky marks

Kids craft, sticker books, labels that somehow end up stuck to the walls... the causes of sticky marks are numerous, but a spray of white vinegar can tackle them all. Simply spritz, leave and scrub, and then repeat the process until it's gone. Just FYI, this also works for any areas of wall that your little cherubs might have scribbled on (thank you, vinegar gods).

Breathe life into your laundry

As you've probably realised by now, white vinegar is your BFF when it comes to shifting stubborn stains. Add a capful to each load of washing and you should find that your clothes come out brighter, stain free and smelling fresher to boot. For really stuck-on stains, apply directly to the area and blot before washing.

Clean your brushes

First of all, you need to know when you should throw out your expired make up, then you can tackle the build-up on your brushes. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to hot water and a squeeze of soap, soak the brushes for around 10 minutes, then clean and air dry them as you normally would - this will cut down on bacteria and minimise your chances of clogging your pores and getting spots. Rinsing your hairbrush in white vinegar also helps to keep it clean.

Extend the life of your razor

Your reusable razor will stay sharp and germ-free for longer if you rinse it in vinegar after each use. This is again thanks to the antibacterial properties, which reduce build-up and help to prevent rusting.

Brighten your glasses

Tired of smudgy fingerprints all over your lenses? Use a spray of white vinegar and a soft cloth to buff the marks away - they'll be gleaming and print-free in no time.

Perfect your poached eggs

Adding a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the pot of boiling water will help your egg whites to stay formed during poaching. This is also true of boiled eggs - if any of them accidentally crack, the whites won't leak out if there's a dash of vinegar in the pan.

Keep pets at bay

Got a sofa or other precious item of furniture that Fido or Puss just won't leave alone? Animals tend to hate the smell of vinegar, so if you spray even a small amount on the fabric, they'll leave well alone, without the need to use chemical products that could potentially cause them harm.

Lose weight

As if all this wasn't enough, apple cider vinegar is thought to have a number of health benefits, including better digestion, a suppressed appetite and even a boosted metabolism. Interested in giving it a go? Our apple cider vinegar diet has all of the details you need.

Do you know a secret trick with vinegar that we've missed from our list? Let us know in the comment box below.