Apple cider vinegar — How to use it for cleaning, health, and more.

Straight up, no chaser — apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice from crushed apples. It contains acetic acid, vitamin C, B vitamins, plant-based antioxidants, and fiber.

While it’s touted all over the internet as a magical ingredient, some claims aren't backed by scientific studies. But an impressive body of research does show that ACV is good for more than just salad dressing.

Use diluted ACV on your skin to treat acne, soothe a sunburn, and help fight visible signs of aging.

To DIY your own toner, combine 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water — for sensitive skin, dilute the ACV even more. Apply the toner to your face with a cotton pad after you cleanse and before you moisturize.

To soothe a sunburn, combine at least 4 parts water with 1 part ACV, and apply it to the affected skin with a spray bottle or soft cloth.

An apple cider vinegar hair rinse treats dandruff, reduces tangles and frizz, and helps seal your hair's cuticles to keep moisture in.

To make it, mix two tablespoons of ACV with a cup of water. After you shampoo and condition, pour the mixture over your hair, and work it evenly through your strands and into your scalp. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse.

Apple cider vinegar doesn’t replace physical activity and a healthy diet when it comes to weight loss.

But since it’s a probiotic, it aids in digestion and helps lower post-meal blood sugar levels. Paired with healthy food and regular exercise, ACV may help increase the rate of weight loss.

ACV isn’t all rainbows and cupcakes. Before you take it as a supplement, consider this:

• ACV is acidic and contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking ACV to help counteract these effects.
• Some people experience acid reflux after they consume AVC, so if you have preexisting acid reflux or an ulcer, ACV might aggravate it.
• Someone with chronic kidney disease may not be able to process the excess acid from ACV.
• Undiluted, ACV might cause minor chemical burns on your skin, so always combine it with water before you apply it externally.
• Drinking more ACV than recommended may lower your potassium levels and cause side effects like muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythm.

Yes! Purchase an ACV cleaner, or make your own all-purpose cleaner with one part water and one part ACV.

Use it to clean hard surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, including countertops, hard water stains, and drains.

The acidic nature of ACV makes it useful for tough jobs like mildew, but it doesn't replace antiviral cleaning practices. If you're concerned about viruses, read up on our Covid-19 cleaning protocols.

Is apple cider vinegar or white vinegar better for cleaning?

Both ACV and white vinegar are effective natural cleaners. ACV doesn’t smell as harsh as white vinegar, but since white vinegar is slightly more acidic than ACV, it’s a stronger cleaning agent.