by Rachel Funk

Created on: September 28, 2009

One of the most economical purchases you can make for your home may come as a surprise to some. It's a bottle of white vinegar. Typically, prices at pennies per ounce, the versatility of this investment is priceless. Within the nondescript clear plastic bottle lies literally the answer to thousands of problems that arise in life. From cooking, gardening, cleaning to pet ownership can all benefit from that acidic, pungent solution that no home should be without.

With a rich history, vinegar has been a part of people's lives for over ten thousand years, it's no surprise there are countless ways people use them. From the serious, vinegar can be used as an antiseptic on cuts and scrapes. To the strange, placing a chicken bone in vinegar for 24 hours will make it rubbery. Vinegar is one of the most versatile substances known to man.

WHAT A DISH

Vinegar, white, cider and all of the flavors you can imagine are common in the kitchen. But did you know that if you accidentally add too much salt to a dish that a spoonful of white vinegar and a spoonful of sugar, just might fix it right up. Vinegar can be used as a tenderizer for ribs and roasts, as well as an ingredient in the sauce for your steak and your salad. You'll even find vinegar in your dessert. When added to meringue it makes it fluffy and perfect. Worried about the frosting on your cake? Add a little vinegar and it will keep it from sugaring, will also keep white frosting bright and shiny.

IN THE HOME

Vinegar, despite its strong odor, has freshening capabilities. Making vinegar ice cube, running them down the garbage disposal while flushing with cold water will deodorize the disposal and clean the blades. If you sponge the inside of a freshly cleaned oven with diluted vinegar, you will remove the chemical smell of the cleaner. Vinegar can clean mineral deposits from coffee pots, as well as be used to polish metal surfaces.

FOR YOUR HEALTH

When the bug bite and sting, take the sting away with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar, the acidity neutralizes the sting, leaving your skin soothed. Also, vinegar can sooth the sting of a sunburn. Brushing your teeth twice a week with vinegar will whiten them and freshen your breath. And to get rid of embarrassing foot odor, soak them in undiluted cider vinegar for ten minutes after washing with soap. Not only will your feet smell better, you'll cure your athlete's foot, as well. Got a sore throat? Mix yourself up some cider vinegar, water and honey and sooth it the

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