How to Use Vinegar to Control Odor

Vinegar can improve your home's smell.

Vinegar is something of a miracle liquid. Countless civilizations have made use of vinegar as everything from something to use to speed the wine-making process to an after- surgery antiseptic. One of the most beneficial usages of vinegar is in controlling odors. It is an effective and cheap means of eliminating pungent aromas. It can also has the added advantage of not effecting most sensitive people.

Things You'll Need

• White Vinegar
• Spray Bottle
• Baking Soda
• Water
• Funnel/Strainer
• Sage or Rosemary or Mint

Instructions

How to Use Vinegar to Control Odor.

1. Use vinegar to create an air spray. You can create a refreshing air spray that neutralizes odors by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of white vinegar with a pint of water. After the liquid stops foaming, using a funnel fill a spray bottle. Mist the area and the odors will be eliminated. To create a more fragrant air freshener, simple add one-quarter ounce of sage, rosemary, or mint to your cleaning solution. Leave the solution to rest in a warm place for about a week. Strain and funnel the liquid into a spray mister. You can substitute apple cider vinegar, but if you do, do not spray on fabric or absorbent materials because it can stain.

2. Remove the odor of onions. Wipe the cutting board with white vinegar before and after chopping onions to remove the odor. You can also rub white vinegar on your hands after chopping onions to remove the odor from your hands.

3. Use white vinegar to remove cooking odors. It always seems that the best-tasting foods produce the most pungent aromas. White vinegar can quickly eliminate the problem by simply boil a teaspoon of white vinegar with a half pint of water immediately after cooking.

4. Remove the smell of animal urine with white vinegar. Simply press the area dry with a cotton cloth and then rinse with warm water. Mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar to a quantity that will cover the size of the area. Apply the solution and let it stand for a minute or two and then press the area with a cotton rag to remove excess liquid. Allow the area it to dry before walking over it or allowing the pet to return.

5. Use white vinegar to wipe out smoke. Eliminating the odor of stale smoke is quite easy with an effortless mixture. Visitors that smoke can leave a residual odor, even when they are not smoking in your home. Simply mix a teaspoon of white vinegar to a pint of fresh water, pour into a sprayer and mist to quickly neutralize the odor. Wait until your guest has left, obviously.

6. Remove the smells of sickness. When a person gets sick they tend to generate odors. No odor is as noxious as the smell of vomit, when they don’t quite make it to the restroom in time. If you have children then you can expect it to happen. Simply clean the area with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Follow by placing a bowl of the mixture in the area and allow it to sit overnight or for at least 10 hours. When someone gets sick in a car, simply make the same mixture and leave the bowl in the car, with the windows up and the doors shut for at least 8 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Use white vinegar never cider or red wine vinegar which can stain.

• Vinegar is acidic so always protect your eyes.

Resources

• Vinegar Tips