I have  a new best friend, I just met him at the supermarket. He’s name is Vinegar. That’s not the effect of prolonged  solitude, Vinegar is really making my life easier everyday. At home or on your own boat the uses of vinegar are so various and effective that is possible to write an entire book on it. On the web you have plenty of references, there’s a website that suggests 131 uses for it!

But I still have to explain why vinegar is my new best friend. If you do manteinance on boats you have surely used Epoxy Resin in various repairings and installations. And you probably know that it sticks on any kind of surface, skin as well, and that is really hard to remove. Well when you accidentally touch fresh epoxy (use disposable gloves!!) you have to wash the surface immediately with a strong remover. You can choose between Acetone and Lacquer Thinner or washing powder (I heard you can use sugar also…), all expensive and quite poisoning products. Or you can use a solution (50% minimum) of water and vinegar. The result is than surprising that when I’m using epoxy I also prepare a small pot with vinegar and water in it. I used it also for epoxy spots on clothes,  the effect is not so brilliant as on human skin and requires a good dose of patience, but at least it doesn’t make more damages on the the textiles, like fading dye.

Its antibacterial effect, the ability to remove odors and degreasing power make it a natural and economical product for personal and home care. Used in waste systems contributes to the removal of limestone and sediments, perfect for your boat heads. It is phenomenal with water and lemon juice to remove the fishy smell from the dishes and the sanitation of any area.

If you really do not like it on the salad (it ‘s also dietetic reducing hunger and food cravings) you should buy it to help the environment and your wallet too.  My father used to drop all the bottoms of wine bottles in a sealable glass bowl, and after one year (and several bottles) you have free home made wine vinegar. This last tip is good for both real misers and severe drinkers.