As something everyone has a bottle of in their pantry, vinegar is a classic household cleaner. But while it can be great for glass or cast iron, it's best avoided when cleaning wood products, especially those that have been finished. That's because vinegar is an acidic liquid, and a strong one at that. While a mixture of vinegar and water is great at cutting through grease, the acid can also wear away at surfaces it's used on repeatedly.
Stainless steel is a surface that never lies. You wipe it down after doing the dishes, feel reasonably accomplished, then glance back and see the faint imprints of yesterday's pasta pot or a lingering, greasy film. It can feel demanding, but underneath the streaks, it's just metal with a thin protective layer that responds well to the basics - old-school basics that are already sitting in the pantry. For cleaner stainless steel, look no further than vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
"Whenever you use an acid (it could be a weak acid like buttermilk or a strong acid like vinegar), you're impeding the gluten proteins in the flour from forming bonds," Kanell told us. The result? A "more tender, cakey baked good." He adds that vinegar isn't the only acid that gives this effect, as buttermilk and lemon juice can do the same.
If your air fryer is clinging onto last night's dinner, there is one lemon-and-vinegar steam trick that may become your fragrant, fun rescue mission. This clever method harnesses acidity and steam to dissolve grease while leaving a pleasant citrusy zing behind. The process is simple: squeeze half a lemon into a heatproof bowl, add about ¼ cup of white vinegar, and place the bowl inside the air fryer basket.
