If you’re not aware of the versatile uses apple cider vinegar provides, it might just become your new favorite pantry staple. Besides adding a bite to your favorite salad, this elixir has many benefits for odors, home surfaces and even your skin. Here are a few unexpected wonders of ACV.

What exactly is apple cider vinegar?

Much like the name implies, apple cider vinegar does come from apples. It’s made through a meticulous process that involves fermenting apple cider. This process gives it a distinctive tangy flavor and a host of potential health benefits. First, the apples are carefully selected and crushed to extract their precious juice. Then, this juice is left to ferment, which basically means it’s left to mingle with some friendly bacteria and yeast.

This is where the magic happens. The natural sugars in the apple juice are converted into alcohol, and acetic acid bacteria convert it into acetic acid, giving the vinegar its signature tangy flavor.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the vinegar is left to age gracefully. This aging period allows the flavors to develop and deepen, resulting in a rich and complex taste that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. It then undergoes subtle changes in flavor, aroma, and color, thanks to the interaction of acids and other compounds present in the liquid.

The Many Faces of Apple Cider Vinegar

It is edible, so using it in your cooking is a great way to add a brightness of flavor and acidity to your dishes. From salad dressings to marinades, sauces to soups, the possibilities are truly endless.

1. A Natural Cleaner

Not a fan of chemical cleaners? Bidding farewell to chemical-laden cleaners is a breeze with ACV’s natural cleaning prowess. Blending equal parts ACV and water creates a potent solution that effortlessly tackles grime and grease on various surfaces. You can use it on countertops and sinks to cut through stubborn stains, leaving behind a gleaming, chemical-free shine that’s both safe and satisfying.

2. Pest Repellent

Ants invading your kitchen? This can come to the rescue as a formidable pest repellent. Just dilute one part apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle with four parts water and spritz along entry points and ant trails. This disrupts their pheromone trails, deterring them from infiltrating your space. While the scent may not be appealing to ants, it’s certainly a victory for you in the battle against unwanted critters.

3. Hair Rinse

Transforming your hair care routine is as simple as incorporating it as a clarifying rinse. Additionally, it’s great for breaking down product buildup and dullness all while it restores your scalp’s pH balance, leaving your locks lustrous and rejuvenated. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, pour over shampooed hair, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly for silky-smooth strands that radiate natural beauty.

4. Relaxing Bath Soak

Adding a cup of it to your bathwater can relax tired, aching muscles and balance your skin’s pH levels for a revitalizing experience. Let the acidic properties of this wonderful stuff melt away tension, leaving you refreshed and renewed, ready to face whatever tomorrow brings.

5. Natural Fertilizer

Nurture your indoor garden with the gentle touch of this stuff. Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and use it as a natural fertilizer to promote robust growth and ward off pests. Your leafy companions will flourish under the nutrient-rich boost, showcasing vibrant health and vitality.

6. Clean Windows

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create an effective window cleaner that cuts through grime and leaves glass surfaces sparkling.

7. Instant Fresh Sinks

Do you have fruit flies or unsavory odors coming from your kitchen sink? Apple cider vinegar neutralizes bad smells and gets rid of the buzzing unwanted guests. Just pour a cup of it down the drain, followed by hot water, to neutralize odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.