Vinegar is one of those things we find in most kitchens and it seems content with remaining in the background.

However, it's one of the most versatile items in our kitchen. From removing stains from clothes and China to helping with an upset stomach, vinegar is a star in its own right.

Uses

Vinegar can be used to deter ants. Just spray a little around windows and frames and on ant trails and they will be history.

Men will love this; it's great to use to polish chrome fixtures on the car. Apply at full strength and admire your reflection.

Health

Not only is vinegar good for cleaning and eliminating odours, it also does wonders for the body.

Curb your appetite. Sprinkle a little on prepared food and it takes the edge off the appetite.

Hiccups: We all know how annoying this can be but if you swallow one teaspoon at full strength, it will stop the hiccups immediately. However, we do not recommend this for babies.

No need to get those expensive dandruff-fighting shampoos. After washing, rinse with vinegar and two cups warm water.

It's also soothing for a sore throat. Add one teaspoon of vinegar to a glass of water and gargle, then swallow.

Relieves colds. Mix one quarter cup Apple Cider vinegar with one quarter cup honey and take one tablespoon six to eight times daily.

Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporiser.

Remove stains

From animal stains to perspiration stains, vinegar is great with clothes and those expensive pieces of China.

If you have animals, it's perfect to eliminate animal urine stains from carpet. Blot up urine with a soft cloth, flush repeatedly with lukewarm water then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot, rinse and let dry.

Prevent lint from clinging to clothes: Add one cup vinegar to each wash load.

Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

Removes perspiration stains from clothes by applying one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.

A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from China.

Eliminate onion odour by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.

Clean and disinfect wooden cutting boards by wiping with full-strength vinegar.

Cut grease and odour on dishes by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to hot, soapy water.

Clean the microwave by boiling a solution of one quarter cup vinegar and one cup of water in the microwave. It will loosen splattered on food and deodorise it.

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/homemaking/vinegar.html

Do you have a kitchen remedy that never fails? One that might have been passed down from your great-great-grandmother or one you have discovered over the years? Share it with us at lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.