15 Genius Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Daily Life

If there’s one pantry staple I always keep stocked, it’s apple cider vinegar. There are so many clever ways to use apple cider vinegar beyond cooking, and I find myself reaching for it almost daily. Sometimes it’s the base of a quick salad dressing, other times it’s part of a cleaning hack or even a laundry trick. It’s versatile, affordable, and surprisingly effective in places you might not expect. Here are 15 simple, practical ways to use ACV in everyday life.

Salad Dressing

A simple vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar can instantly upgrade any salad. Its tangy, slightly fruity flavor pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients like apples, pears, and roasted squash. Just whisk it with olive oil, mustard, and a touch of honey, and you’ll have a dressing that feels fresh and homemade in minutes. Keep a jar in the fridge and you’ll never need bottled dressing again. It’s the easiest way to dress up meal prep salads, especially with these budget-friendly meal prep ideas.

Marinade

Apple cider vinegar makes an excellent base for marinades because its acidity helps tenderize proteins while boosting flavor. Mix it with soy sauce and garlic for roasted vegetables, or combine with herbs and olive oil for chicken or fish. It’s a simple way to get big flavor with minimal effort, and the results taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Detox Drink

A splash of ACV in water with lemon and honey is a quick way to create a refreshing drink. Some people enjoy it in the morning as part of their routine, while others sip it throughout the day for a little flavor boost. The sharp, tart taste is energizing and makes plain water much more interesting. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Hair Rinse

An apple cider vinegar rinse is one of the easiest ways to refresh your hair naturally. When diluted with water, it helps add shine and leave your scalp feeling clean. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water, pour it over your hair after shampooing, and rinse. It’s a quick trick that makes hair feel lighter and smoother without extra products.

Skin Toner

Many people use diluted ACV as a simple skin toner. When applied with a cotton pad, it can help balance the skin’s surface and leave it feeling refreshed. Always dilute well and test a small area first, but it’s a handy option if you’re looking for a minimal, natural addition to your skincare routine.

Natural Cleanser

It can replace harsh chemical sprays for everyday cleaning. Mix with water in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down countertops, sinks, or even your stovetop. It cuts through grease and leaves surfaces fresh, all without a long list of chemicals. ACV is one of the easiest ways to make household cleaning feel a little simpler.

Foot Soak

After a long day, a warm foot soak with apple cider vinegar feels like a mini spa treatment. Just add a cup to a basin of warm water and let tired feet soak for 15–20 minutes. It helps soften rough skin, refreshes, and makes your feet feel renewed without leaving the house. It’s a small ritual that can make a big difference.

Fruit and Vegetable Wash

Apple cider vinegar is also useful for cleaning produce. A diluted rinse helps wash away dirt and makes fruits and vegetables taste fresher. It’s especially handy for apples, cucumbers, and anything eaten with the peel on. Keep a spray bottle of diluted ACV by the sink and you’ll always have a quick way to freshen your produce.

Deodorizer

For strong kitchen odors, apple cider vinegar works as a natural deodorizer. Leave a small bowl of it in a room where smells linger, like after cooking fish or frying food, and it helps clear the air. Unlike artificial sprays, it neutralizes odors instead of masking them. It’s a quick fix that comes straight from the pantry.

Baking

Apple cider vinegar has a role in baking too. When combined with baking soda, it reacts to help batters rise, giving cakes, muffins, and pancakes a light, fluffy texture. It’s especially handy as a substitute if you’re out of buttermilk or lemon juice. Just a teaspoon or two can make a big difference in the final result.

Pickling

Apple cider vinegar is a flavorful choice for quick pickles. Mix it with sugar, salt, and spices, then pour it over sliced cucumbers, onions, or carrots for an easy batch of tangy vegetables. The result is crisp, refreshing, and the perfect topping for sandwiches, salads, or grain bowls. Homemade pickles are always a crowd-pleaser. Pickling works best when your pantry is already stocked with the basics; here’s my list of must-have pantry staples.

Pot Cleaning

Burned-on food in pots and pans is never fun to scrub, but apple cider vinegar makes it easier. Add a splash to water, bring it to a simmer, and let the vinegar loosen stubborn bits. After a few minutes, most of the mess wipes away easily. It’s one of those hacks you’ll be glad to remember when cleanup feels overwhelming.

Pest Control

Apple cider vinegar is surprisingly effective for small kitchen pests like fruit flies. Pour a little into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes on top. The flies are drawn to the smell, enter through the holes, and get trapped. It’s an easy, chemical-free solution that works almost instantly.

Fabric Softener

Skip the store-bought fabric softener and use apple cider vinegar in your laundry instead. Add half a cup to the rinse cycle and clothes come out soft, fresh, and free from heavy fragrances. It’s especially useful if you prefer laundry to smell clean without extra scents. Once you try it, you may not go back to bottled softeners.

Weed Killer

For garden edges or driveway cracks, apple cider vinegar can be sprayed directly on weeds as a natural alternative to chemical herbicides. It works best on small patches where you want a simple solution. It’s safe, inexpensive, and an easy way to tackle weeds without pulling out stronger sprays.

🍂 Why These Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Are Worth Trying

Apple cider vinegar has earned a permanent spot on my shelf because I know it will come in handy in more ways than one. From cooking and baking to cleaning and even laundry, it’s a single bottle that pulls double (or triple) duty all around the home. There are countless ways to use apple cider vinegar, and once you start experimenting, you’ll see how useful it really is. Keep one in your pantry and you’ll be reaching for it far more often than you expect.