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BAR OFF BUGS Apple cider vinegar is a staple when it comes to salad vinaigrettes, pickles and marinades, and it turns out that it’s not just us who are drawn to its fruity-acidic taste. The vinegar’s aroma is a favourite of fruit flies and gnats, which means it’s a nifty ingredient in DIY bug traps. (Look, we’re not here to bash bugs, but sometimes they’re not the politest house guests). Simply combine apple cider vinegar with liquid dish soap in a small jar or cup, before covering it up with plastic wrap. Then, use a toothpick to create a few holes in the wrap that are big enough for a fly to enter. Place the jar near any insect hotspots (like in the kitchen or near the bins). The vinegar’s scent will draw the bugs into the jar, where they’ll land in the dish soap and subsequently sink, unable to escape the sticky situation they’ve found themselves in. 

SOOTHE YOUR PIPES Got a case of the ol’ sore throat blues? Before you start chowing down on citrusy fruits (which actually don’t help getting rid of that husky voice, by the way), mix one cup of warm water with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a healthy squeeze of honey (which will help supress coughs). Your soon-to-be happy throat will thank you. If you’re not keen on honey then don’t fret – simply substitute it with green tea, ground ginger, coconut oil or cayenne pepper, which may help in reducing inflammation. 

DRIVE AWAY WEEDS As the saying goes, “the only difference between a flower and a weed is judgement.” But if you’re a green thumb with a penchant for manicuring perfect gardens free from so-called ‘weeds’, then you’re in luck, because apple cider vinegar comes in clutch yet again. It is chock-full of acetic acid which effectively kills any unwanted plants. Just combine it with liquid soap, salt or lemon juice and spray it onto the weeds you’re not a fan of. A word to the wise: apple cider vinegar is very powerful and does not discriminate, so make sure to keep it away from any prize-winning veggies or delicate botanicals. 

GIVE DANDRUFF THE BOOT If your scalp is starting to look like a snow-filled winter wonderland, try treating your itchy noggin to an apple cider vinegar hair soak. Dilute one to three tablespoons of vinegar with warm water and then pour it over your head after your regular shampoo session. Massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for a couple of minutes, before rinsing it clean. However, if you’ve never applied the vinegar to your skin before, then it’s imperative to do a patch test on the back of your hand using the same concoction – you don’t want to give your sensitive scalp an even harder time. 

BOIL BEAUTIFUL EGGS Now, we simply must include at least one tasty recipe in this list – it’s apple cider vinegar we’re talking about, for goodness’ sake! As mentioned before, apple cider vinegar has been a culinary must-have for various sauces and marinades for yonks now, but it also acts as a taste-amplifying elixir for eggs, too! Acetic acid helps break down the eggshells while boiling, making them heaps easier to peel, and it even helps prevent the egg white from spilling out of the cracks while boiling. To cook up the tastiest boiled eggs ever, add one tablespoon of vinegar to the water you’re boiling the eggs in. Let the eggs simmer for around 10 minutes before draining, peeling and digging in to savour their super-yummy and lightly acidic flavour.

UNCLOG STUBBORN DRAINS Think back to those old science projects of yore, where mixing vinegar and baking soda into a barely-hanging-on clay volcano led to its subsequent ‘eruption’. Well, the same chemistry can be applied to household sinks that need a de-clogging eruption of their own. To fix any slow-draining sinks, grab a half-cup of baking soda and a half-cup of apple cider vinegar and pour them down the drain respectively. The mixture will foam up on its own following the chemical reaction. Let the mix sit and cover the drain with a bowl or cup for around 30 minutes. Once you’ve let the drain sufficiently marinate, use a plunger, hanger or drain snake to dislodge any clogging materials. Flush the remaining mixture down the drain with six cups of hot water. Repeat until the sink drains normally but call a professional if nothing seems to be working – sometimes you need something a little stronger than a DIY volcano.

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