18 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar That Will Surprise You

hand reaches for flip-top glass jar of ACV on floating kitchen shelf

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Apple cider vinegar is an amazingly versatile ingredient. From cleaning and disinfecting to cooking and beautifying, it seems there are few household problems that apple cider vinegar can’t help solve. Ever since I discovered its countless uses, the big jug that used to sit mostly abandoned in my pantry now sees daily action, its usefulness extended beyond the occasional salad dressing. Check out the following list and, soon, you too will find yourself incorporating apple cider vinegar (ACV) into your life!

1. Natural toner

person's profile of them rubbing ACV as natural toner on face with cotton pad

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural (and cheap!) toner for your skin, since it neutralizes pH and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft. If the smell is too strong, dilute 50/50 with water and wipe over your face.

2. Hair conditioner

person sprays ACV in glass bottle on damp hair as natural hair conditioner

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Use ACV to condition your hair. This is necessary after a baking soda wash to neutralize the overly basic soda, but it can add extra conditioning even after using regular shampoo. It will also make your hair shiny.

3. Tub time

overhead look at glass bottle of apple cider vinegar being poured into bubble bath

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Add a cup of ACV to the bathtub for a relaxing soak. It can calm itchy skin and relieve sunburn.

4. Soothing aftershave

product display of ACV, hairbrush, cotton balls, shaving cream, and metal razor

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Apple cider vinegar can be a natural soothing aftershave. Dilute 50/50 with water, shake well, and apply to face.

5. Tummy calmer

person in cream top pours ACV from glass bottle into large glass cup of water

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Aid digestion, gas, and bloating by drinking 1 tbsp ACV mixed into a cup of water before meals. ACV contains pectin, which calms intestinal spasms, and it can fight bacteria that cause diarrhea.

6. Fungus fighter

flip-top glass bottle of ACV on white shelf next to spices and plant

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Get rid of toe fungus and warts by applying undiluted apple cider vinegar. For warts, you can tape on an ACV-soaked cotton ball and leave overnight for as long as it takes.

7. Halt hiccups

person slowly pours ACV from glass flip-top bottle into silver spoon

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Stop hiccups with a spoonful of pure ACV. The idea is it over-stimulates the nerves in the throat that are responsible for spasms.

8. Soothe a sore throat

standing person's profile holding a spoonful of ACV to ingest orally

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Cure your sore throat by gargling with a 50/50 mix of water and ACV. It will kill off germs that can’t survive in an acidic environment.

9. Nasal cleanser

Clear your nasal passages by adding 1 tsp ACV to a glass of water. The acetic acid kills off bacteria, and the potassium in ACV thins the mucus.

10. Bye bye, dandruff

woman sprays back of scalp with apple cider vinegar in glass bottle to prevent dandruff

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Eliminate dandruff by spraying a 50/50 mix of water and ACV onto your scalp. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then rinse out. The smell will disappear once your hair dries.

11. Reduce swelling

hand pours ACV in flip-top glass bottle into white tub with blue tile

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

ACV can reduce swelling when massaged into swollen parts of the body.

12. Energy boost

side view of person pouring ACV from glass bottle into clear glass mug of water

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Boost your energy by adding a tablespoon of ACV to a glass of water. It contains potassium and enzymes that can help prevent a sense of exhaustion.

13. Stop stinky breath

woman in tan sweater with open mouth holds spoonful of ACV up to her face

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Get rid of bad breath by gargling with water and ACV for 10 minutes.

14. DIY facial

flat lay ingredients of diy facial mask including bentonite clay, honey, and ACV

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Use ACV to make a homemade facial mask. Mix with bentonite clay and honey, apply to skin, and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

15. Lighten liver spots

Treat liver spots on your skin with undiluted ACV. Dab it on, leave overnight, then rinse off.

16. Neutralize B.O.

ACV is a natural deodorant. Apply to your armpits and it will neutralize odours.

17. Chemical-free cleaning

person's hands spray apple cider vinegar onto kitchen counter to clean and wipe

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Use ACV to clean your house. Mix with water in a spray bottle and wipe off with a clean cloth.

18. Acne fighter

person in tan sweater dabs ACV onto cheek with cotton ball

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Treat acne by applying a 1:4 ratio of ACV and water to the face. Severe acne can be treated with undiluted ACV.