Salt and vinegar may be famous as a delicious flavor combo for chips and snacks, but their potential goes far beyond the kitchen. Around the house, these two simple ingredients can be combined in creative and practical ways that make cleaning, maintaining, and even experimenting a breeze. Whether you’re looking for natural cleaning solutions, fun science projects, or ways to simplify daily tasks, salt and vinegar offer a variety of surprising uses. Here are thirteen innovative ways you can put salt and vinegar to work in your home and enjoy the benefits of this dynamic duo.

One of the most common but effective uses of salt and vinegar is as a natural deodorizer. While many people rely on baking soda to freshen up their refrigerators, salt and vinegar can do the job just as well. Simply place a bowl filled with both in any room where odors tend to linger, such as the kitchen or bathroom. The mixture works to neutralize unwanted smells, creating a fresher, cleaner environment without relying on artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.

If you have exposed brick walls or exterior brickwork that’s looking a little worse for wear, vinegar can be a lifesaver. Mix distilled white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the bricks. Let the solution sit for about ten minutes, then scrub with a brush or cloth. This trick removes grime and helps revive the natural color of the bricks, leaving them looking clean and refreshed.

Salt and vinegar are also excellent at unclogging sink drains. Pour the combination down the drain to dissolve grime and buildup, helping water flow freely again. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to chemical drain cleaners and works well in both kitchen and bathroom sinks. Plus, it’s a quick and inexpensive fix when you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink.

If you have brass fixtures, jewelry, or décor that’s showing signs of tarnish, salt and vinegar can help restore their shine. According to GrandBrass.com, mixing two cups of warm vinegar with two tablespoons of salt creates a powerful cleaning solution. Heat the vinegar in the microwave for about a minute and a half (careful, it’ll be hot!), then soak the brass items in the mixture. After they’ve soaked, scrub them with a scouring pad under running water and let them air dry. This method removes corrosion and brings back the natural luster of your brass items.

Beyond household chores, salt and vinegar make for fun and educational science experiments. The chemical reaction between them can be used to create colorful rock formations. To try it at home, mix a quarter cup of salt into one cup of boiling water, add two tablespoons of vinegar, and pour the solution over a sponge with food coloring. Over the next few days, crystals will grow, creating beautiful formations that can entertain and teach kids about science.

The reaction between salt and vinegar also produces sodium acetate, a chemical compound commonly used in industries like food and manufacturing. Sodium acetate can be found in products such as heating pads and IV fluids in hospitals. It’s a fascinating example of how everyday household items play a role in larger industries.

Vinegar alone is also known for its ability to deter ants and kill weeds. Keep a spray bottle of vinegar handy to keep ants away from your outdoor meals or to spray weeds sprouting in your driveway or garden. It’s a natural solution that’s effective without resorting to harsh pesticides.

If your scissors get sticky or dirty, avoid rinsing them with water, which can lead to rust. Instead, wipe them down with vinegar. It cleans off grime and sticky residue and helps prevent rust, keeping your scissors in top condition.

When it comes to cooking, vinegar has a practical use for boiling eggs. Adding two tablespoons of vinegar per quart of water before boiling helps prevent the eggs from cracking and makes them easier to peel later. Just be careful not to add too much vinegar, as it might affect the flavor of the eggs.

Vinegar can also do wonders for hair health. Once a week, mix one to two tablespoons of vinegar with one cup of water and pour it over shampooed hair. Massage it into your scalp and rinse thoroughly before applying conditioner. This age-old method helps remove buildup, leaving your hair shiny and healthy.

Vinegar is even useful for soothing bug bites. Dab a little vinegar on the bite to reduce itching and irritation. However, don’t apply it to open wounds to avoid burning. When camping or hiking, you can use apple cider vinegar as a natural insect repellent to help keep bugs away.

In conclusion, salt and vinegar aren’t just for flavoring your favorite snacks. They’re an incredibly versatile pair that can be used for everything from household cleaning to science experiments and personal care. With so many practical and creative applications, keeping salt and vinegar on hand is a smart move for any household.