Salt and vinegar may be a classic flavor combo for snacks like chips, but this simple pair can do a whole lot more than just satisfy your cravings. In fact, salt and vinegar together create a powerhouse team that can tackle a wide range of household chores and DIY projects. From cleaning and deodorizing to science experiments and personal care, this dynamic duo has some impressive uses that can make life easier and more efficient. If you’ve only thought of salt and vinegar as food ingredients, it’s time to think again. Here are 13 innovative ways you can use salt and vinegar around your home to simplify your routine and solve everyday problems.

One of the simplest ways to put salt and vinegar to work is as a natural deodorizer. While most people are familiar with using baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors, combining salt and vinegar in a bowl can work just as well. Place the mixture in any room of the house or inside your refrigerator to neutralize unpleasant smells and keep your space smelling fresh.

If your home has exposed brick, you know how easy it is for those surfaces to become dull and dirty. Luckily, distilled white vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle can breathe new life into old bricks. Spray the solution on the brick, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub it clean with a brush or cloth. The result is a cleaner, fresher look that enhances the charm of your home’s interior or exterior.

Salt and vinegar are also great for clearing clogged sinks. When combined, they create a reaction that can dissolve the grime and debris causing the blockage. Just pour the mixture down your drain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush it with hot water. It’s a simple, chemical-free fix that can save you the hassle of using harsh commercial cleaners.

Brass items often lose their shine over time, but salt and vinegar can help restore them. To remove tarnish and corrosion, mix two cups of warm vinegar with two tablespoons of salt. Heat the vinegar in the microwave for about 90 seconds (be careful when handling it), and then let your brass pieces soak in the solution. After soaking, scrub the items with a scouring pad under running water, and then leave them to air dry. Your brass will look polished and new in no time.

If you’re looking for a fun science experiment to do with kids, salt and vinegar can come in handy there, too. By mixing a quarter cup of salt into one cup of boiling water and adding two tablespoons of vinegar, you can create a solution that forms colorful rock-like crystals when poured over a sponge. Add food coloring to make the formations even more exciting, and watch the crystals grow over the next few days.

The chemical reaction between salt and vinegar also creates sodium acetate, which has practical applications in industries like food manufacturing and healthcare. Sodium acetate is commonly found in hospital IVs, where it helps hydrate patients and balance their electrolytes.

Vinegar alone is also a powerful household helper. It works as a natural weed killer and can deter ants from invading your home or picnic. Just fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz it around areas where ants are likely to enter. It’s a non-toxic way to keep pests at bay.

Cleaning scissors can be tricky because using water often leads to rust. Instead, wipe them down with vinegar. It cuts through sticky residue and helps prevent rust from forming, keeping your scissors sharp and clean.

When it comes to cooking, vinegar can help you make the perfect hard-boiled eggs. Adding two tablespoons of vinegar to the water before boiling helps prevent the shells from cracking and makes peeling them easier. Just be cautious not to use too much vinegar, as it may slightly affect the flavor of the eggs.

Vinegar is also a great addition to your hair care routine. Once a week, mix one or two tablespoons of vinegar with a cup of water and pour it over your shampooed hair. Massage it into your scalp, rinse thoroughly, and condition as usual. This helps remove buildup, adds shine, and promotes a healthy scalp.

Finally, vinegar can provide relief from itchy bug bites. Dab a small amount of vinegar directly onto the bite to minimize itching and irritation, but avoid doing this on open wounds to prevent stinging. When spending time outdoors, you can also use apple cider vinegar as a natural insect repellent by applying it to your skin.

Salt and vinegar might be a classic pairing for snacks, but they also make an incredibly versatile team for household tasks. From cleaning and deodorizing to health and beauty tips, these two simple ingredients can do much more than you might expect. So next time you reach for that bag of salt and vinegar chips, remember there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting with this dynamic duo.