Uses for Vinegar

Kill Bacteria in Meats

Marinating meat in Vinegar kills bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Use one- quarter cup vinegar for a two to three pound roast, marinate overnight, then cook without draining or rinsing the meat. Add herbs to the vinegar when marinating as desired.

Dissolve Warts

Mix one part Apple Cider Vinegar to one part glycerin into a lotion and apply daily to warts until they dissolve.

Stains Remove stubborn stains from furniture upholstery and clothes. Apply White Vinegar directly to the stain, then wash as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.

Grow Beautiful Azaleas and Blueberries Occasionally water plants with a mixture of two tablespoons White Vinegar to one quart water. Azaleas & blueberries love acidic soil.

Relieve Arthritis Before each meal, drink a glass of water containing two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar. Give this folk remedy at least three weeks to start working.

Kill unwanted Grass

Pour White Vinegar in crevices and between bricks.

Remove Corns

Make a poultice of one crumbled piece of bread soaked in one-quarter cup Vinegar. Let poultice sit for one-half hour, then apply to the corn and tape in place overnight. If corn does not peel off by morning, reapply the poultice for several consecutive nights.

Washing Machine

Clean the hoses and unclog soap scum from a washing machine. Once a month pour one cup of White Vinegar into the washing machine and run the machine through a normal cycle, without clothes.

Cure an Upset Stomach

Drink two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup water to soothe an upset stomach.

Kill Germs on Bathroom fixtures

Use one part Vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the bathroom fixtures and floor, then wipe clean. Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub, tile, and shower. Simply wipe the surface with Vinegar and rinse with water.

Deodorize the Air

Vinegar is a natural air freshener when sprayed in a room.

Relieve Itching

Use a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Vinegar straight from the bottle.

Lime Deposits

Clean lime deposits and calcium sludge from an automatic drip coffee maker. Once a month fill the reservoir with White Vinegar and run through the brew cycle. Rinse thoroughly with two cycles of cold water.

Relieve a Sore Throat

Put two teaspoons of Vinegar in your humidifier.

Soothe Sunburn Pain

Apply undiluted Vinegar to the burn.

Clean food-Stained Pots and Pans

Fill the pots and pans with White Vinegar and let stand for thirty minutes. Then rinse in hot, soapy water.

Clean Rust from Tools, Bolts, and Spigots

Soak the rusted tool, bolt, or spigot in undiluted White Vinegar overnight.

Prevent Bright colored Clothes from Fading

Before putting the article in the washing machine, soak it in White Vinegar for ten minutes.

Keep a Garbage Disposal clean and smelling fresh

Mix one cup of Vinegar in enough water to fill an ice cube tray, freeze the mixture, grind the cubes through the disposal, and flush with cold water.

Clean a Toilet Bowl

Pour in one cup of White Vinegar, let it stand for five minutes, and flush.

Clean Dentures

Soak dentures overnight in White Vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.

Remove Perspiration Stains from Clothes

Apply one part White Vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.

Cigarette smoke

Deodorize a room filled with cigarette smoke or paint fumes. Place a small bowl of White Vinegar in the room.

Cure the Hiccups

Mix one teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup of warm water, and drink.

Eliminate Odors from used jars

Rinse peanut butter and mayonnaise jars with White Vinegar.

Condition Dry Hair

Shampoo, then rinse hair with a mixture of one cup Apple Cider Vinegar and two cups water. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantel, and removes soap film and sebum oil.

Clean Mineral Deposits from a Steam Iron

Fill the water tank with White Vinegar. Turn the iron to the steam setting and steam-iron a soft utility rag to clean the steam ports. Repeat the process with water, then thoroughly rinse out the inside of your iron.

Remove light scorch marks from Fabrics

Rub lightly with White Vinegar, then wipe with a clean cloth.

Repel Ants

Use a spray bottle or mister filled with a solution of equal parts Vinegar and water around door jambs, window sills, water pipes, and foundation cracks.

Keep Drains Open

Pour one-half box of old baking soda down the drain followed by one cup White Vinegar. When the bubbling stops, run the hot water.

Prolong and Brighten Propane Lanterns

Soak new wicks for several hours in White Vinegar and let them dry before inserting. Propane lanterns will burn longer and brighter on the same amount of fuel.

Remove Decals or Bumper Stickers

Soak a cloth in Vinegar and cover the decal or bumper sticker for several minutes until the vinegar soaks in. The decals and bumper stickers should peel off easily.

Deodorize a Wool Sweater

Wash sweater, then rinse in equal parts Vinegar and water to remove odor.

Prevent lint from Clinging to Clothes

Add one cup Vinegar to each wash load.

Prevent Ice

Prevent ice from forming on a car windshield overnight. Coat the window with a solution of three parts White or Apple Cider Vinegar to one part water.

Prolong the Life of Flowers in a Vase

Add two tablespoons of White Vinegar plus three tablespoons of sugar per quart of warm water. Stems should be in three to four inches of water.

Prevent Cracked hard-boiled Eggs

Add two tablespoons of White Vinegar per quart of water before boiling to prevent the eggs from cracking. The egg shells will also peel off faster and easier.

Clean Windows

Use undiluted Vinegar in a spray bottle. Dry with a soft cloth.

Eliminate Unpleasant Cooking Odors in the Kitchen

Boil one tablespoon of White Vinegar with one cup of water.

Remove Wallpaper

Mix equal parts Vinegar and hot water. Use a paint roller to wet the paper thoroughly with the mixture. Repeat. Paper should peal off in sheets.

Eliminate Animal Urine Stains from Carpet

Blot up urine, flush several times with lukewarm water, then apply a mixture of equal parts White Vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.

Relieve a Cold

Mix one-quarter cup Apple Cider Vinegar with one-quarter cup honey. Take one tablespoon six to eight times daily.

Deodorize a Stale Lunch Box

Soak a paper napkin in Vinegar and leave it inside the closed lunch box overnight.

Prevent Soapy film on Glassware

lace a cup of White Vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, run for five minutes, then run though the full cycle. A cup of white vinegar run through the entire cycle once a month will also reduce soap scum on the inner workings.

Unclog a Shower Head

Unscrew the shower head, remove the rubber washer, place the head in a pot filled with equal parts Vinegar and water, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes.

Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage

Tons of food waste are buried or burned each year at considerable  

financial and environmental cost. Instead of discarding your food scraps, you can recycle them with the help of worms. Vermicomposting (worm composting) turns many types of kitchen waste into a nutritious soil for plants. When worm compost is added to soil, it boosts the nutrients available to plants and  enhances soil structure and drainage. 

Using worms to decompose food waste offers several advantages: 

●     It reduces household garbage disposal costs;  

●     It produces less odor and attracts fewer pests than putting food wastes into a garbage container;  

●     It saves the water and electricity that kitchen sink garbage disposal units consume;  

●     It produces a free, high-quality soil amendment (compost);  

●     It requires little space, labor, or maintenance;  

●     It spawns free worms for fishing. 

Equipment and Supplies 

The materials needed to start a vermicomposting system are simple and inexpensive. All you will need  are a worm bin, bedding, water, worms, and your food scraps. 

Worm Bin. A suitable bin can be constructed of untreated, non aromatic wood, or plastic container to be  purchased. A wooden box is better if you will keep the worms outdoors, because it will keep the worms  cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. An outdoor wooden bin can even serve double-duty as a  bench. If a plastic container is used, it should be thoroughly washed and rinsed before the worms and  bedding are added. The bin size depends on the amount of food produced by your household. The  general rule of thumb is one square foot of surface area for each pound of garbage generated per week. 

For two people (producing approximately 31/2 pounds of food scraps per week), a box 2 feet wide, 2  feet long, and 8 inches deep should be adequate. A 2-foot-by-3- foot box is suitable for four to six  people (about 6 pounds of waste per week). Redworms (the type used for vermicomposting) thrive in  moist bedding in a bin with air holes on all sides. For aeration and drainage, drill nine l/2-inch holes in 

the bottom of the 2-foot-by-2- foot bin or 12 holes in the 2-foot-by-3-foot bin. Place a plastic tray under  the worm bin to collect any moisture that may seep out. Drilling holes on the upper sides of your bin will  also help your worms get needed oxygen and prevent odors in your worm bin. Keep a lid on the bin, as  worms like to work in the dark. Store the worm bin where the temperature remains between 55° and 77°  F. 

Bedding. The worms need bedding material in which to burrow and to bury the garbage. It should be a  non toxic, fluffy material that holds moisture and allows air to circulate. Suitable materials include  shredded paper (such as black-and-white newspapers, paper bags, computer paper, or cardboard);  composted animal manure (cow, horse, or rabbit); shredded, decaying leaves; peat moss (which  increases moisture retention); or any combination of these. Do not use glossy paper or magazines. Add  two handfuls of soil to supply roughage for the worms. Adding crushed eggshells provides not only  roughage but also calcium for the worms, and it lowers acidity in the bin. About 4 to 6 pounds of  bedding is needed for a 2- foot-by-2-foot bin (for two people), and 9 to 14 pounds of bedding should be  used in a 2- foot-by-3-foot bin (for four to six people). Worms will eat the bedding, so you will need to  add more within a few months. 

Water. The bedding must be kept moist to enable the worms to breathe. To keep bedding moist, add 3  pints of water for each pound 7 of bedding. You will need about 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 gallons of water for 4 to 6  pounds of bedding. If the bedding dries out, use a plant mister to spritz some water on it. 

Worms. It is important to get the type of worms that will thrive in a worm bin. Only redworms or  "wigglers" (Eisenia foetida) should be used (do not use night crawlers or other types of worms). Worms  can be obtained from bait shops, nurseries, or by mail from commercial worm growers; the commercial 

growers are the most reliable source.  Add 1 pound of  worms to the 2-foot- by-2-foot bin or 2 pounds of worms to the 2-foot-by-3- foot bin.  

Food Scraps. Feed your worms any non-meat organic waste such as vegetables, fruits, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, paper coffee filters, and shredded garden waste. Worms especially like cantaloupe, watermelon, and pumpkin. Limit the amount of citrus fruits that you add to the bin to prevent it from becoming too acidic. Break or cut food scraps into small pieces so they break down easier. Do not add meat scraps or bones, fish, greasy or oily foods, fat, tobacco, or pet or human manure. Be sure to cover the food scraps completely with the bedding to discourage fruit flies and molds. One pound of worms will eat about four pounds of food scraps a week. If you add more food than your worms can handle, anaerobic conditions will set in and cause odor. This should dissipate shortly if you stop adding food for a while. 

Temperature. Redworms will tolerate temperatures from 50° to 84°F, but 55° to 77°F is ideal.  

Starting the Process 

To start your vermicomposting system, first select a location for your worm bin. Popular indoor spotsare the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, mud room, laundry room, or basement. If you want to keep your worm bin outside, put it in the shade during the hot summer and shelter it from the cold in winter by placing it in a garage or carport, or putting hay bales around the bin to allow air to circulate around the 

bin, and keep it protected from flooding, because the worms can drown.  Next, prepare the bedding. If you want to use newspapers, fold a section in half and tear off long, half- inch to inch wide strips (go with the grain of the paper and it will tear neatly and easily). Soak the newspaper in water for a few minutes, then wring it out like a sponge and fluff it up as you add the newspaper to your worm bin. Aim for the bedding to be very damp, but not soaking wet (only two to three drops of water should come out when you squeeze the bedding material). Spread the bedding evenly until it fills about three-quarters of the bin. Sprinkle a couple of handfuls of soil (from outdoors or potting soil) into the bedding to introduce beneficial microorganisms and aid the worms' digestive process. Fluff up the bedding about once a week so the worms can get plenty of air and freedom of 

movement. 

Gently place your worms on top of the bedding. Leave the bin lid off for a while so the worms will burrow into the bedding, away from the light. The worms will not try to crawl out of the bin if there is light overhead. 

Once the worms have settled into their new home, add food scraps that you have been collecting in a leak-proof container. Dig a hole in the bedding (or pull the bedding aside), place the food scraps in the hole, and cover it with at least an inch of bedding. After this first feeding, wait a week before adding more food. Leave your worms alone during this time to allow them to get used to their new surroundings. Bury food scraps in a different area of the bin each time. Worms may be fed any time of the day. Do not worry if you must leave for a few days, as the worms can be fed as seldom as once a week. Note: Do not be surprised to see other creatures in your worm bin, as they help break down the organic material. Most of the organisms will be too small to see, but you may spot white worms, springtails, pill bugs, molds, and mites. 

Harvesting the Worms and Compost 

After about six weeks, you will begin to see worm castings (soil-like material that has moved through the worms' digestive tracts). The castings can be used to boost plant growth. In three or four months, it will be time to harvest the castings. Mixed in with the castings will be partially decomposed bedding and food scraps, in addition to worms; this is called vermicompost. You may harvest the vermicompost by one of two methods: 

●     Method 1: Place food scraps on only one side of your worm bin for several weeks, and most of the worms will migrate to that side of the bin. Then you can remove the vermicompost from the other side of the bin where you have not been adding food scraps, and add fresh bedding. Repeat this process on the other side of the bin. After both sides are harvested, you can begin adding food scraps to both sides of the bin again. 

●     Method 2: Empty the contents of your worm bin onto a plastic sheet or used shower curtain where there is strong sunlight or artificial light. Wait 20-30 minutes, then scrape off the top layer of vermicompost. The worms will keep moving away from the light, so you can scrape more compost off every 20 minutes or so. After several scrapings, you will find worms in clusters; just pick up the worms and gently return them to the bin in fresh bedding.  Be on the lookout for worm eggs; they are lemon-shaped and about the size of a match head, with a shiny appearance, and light-brownish color. The eggs contain between two and twenty baby worms. Place the eggs back inside your bin so they can hatch and thrive in your bin system. 

Using Worm Compost 

You can either use your vermicompost immediately or store it and use it later. The material can be mulched or mixed into the soil in your garden and around your trees and yard plants. You can also use it as a top dressing on outdoor plants or sprinkle it on your lawn as a conditioner. For indoor plants, you can mix vermicompost with potting soil. For top dressing indoor plants, you may want to remove decaying bedding and food scraps from the castings. Make sure there are no worms or eggs in the castings, because conditions in a plant pot will not allow them to survive. You can also make a "compost tea" to feed to your plants. Simply add two tablespoons of vermicompost to one quart of water and allow it to steep for a day, mixing it occasionally. Water your plants with this "tea" to help make nutrients in the soil available to the plants. 

Here are ways to become more self-sufficient while you still can:

One thing you don’t want to be after the SHTF is dependent on the system. The more you can take care of yourself, the better off you’ll be physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually. Here are ways to become more self-sufficient while you still can: 

Get a small solar system that can be used to run a laptop or recharge batteries 

Drill a water well and install a hand pump or solar-powered DC pump 

Set up a rainwater collection system or barrel 

Stash some cash: stock away some green dollar bills and lots of U.S. nickels 

Own and learn how to use a handgun, rifle and shotgun 

Store some ammunition 

Own and know how to use a water filter 

Start a garden this spring and acquire more food production skills 

Save garden seeds so you can plant the next generation of food 

Acquire a wood-burning stove for heat and cooking 

Possess a large quantity of stored food; enough for at least 90 days 

Get to know your local farmers and ranchers 

Store up valuable barter items that are relatively cheap today: Alcohol, coffee, ammo, matches, etc. 

Safely store extra vehicle fuel (gasoline, diesel) at your home or ranch 

Be sure to use fuel stabilizers to extend their life

Learn emergency first aid skills and own first aid supplies This could save a life or possibly save a trip to the emergency room

Start growing your own medicine Plant and grow aloe vera, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper and other medicinal herbs that can replace a surprisingly large number of prescription drugs. Oregano, for example, is a potent antibiotic. Aloe vera treats cuts, scrapes and burns

Own emergency hand-cranked radios so you can tune in to news and announcements 

Boost your immune system with vitamin D and superfoods 

Increase your level of physical fitness 

Learn how to raise animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats or cows. 

17 Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs you can buy ONCE and REgrow FOREVER

Below are seventeen fruits, vegetables and herbs you can buy once and regrow forever…

Vegetables

Regrow Green Onions - Want to grow green onions indefinitely? If the answer is yes then follow this tutorial and always have green onions always at hand.

Regrow Onions – This clever method of growing onions in an old used water bottle on a windowsill is a great way to get free onions!

Regrow Carrots -This method to grow carrots from carrot tops is so simple you can get the kids involved. The instant results will get them excited from the word go.

Regrow Celery  - This is a clever idea to regrow celery from the base.

Regrow Sweet Potato’s – The versatility of the sweet potato means it’s a firm favorite with any home cook, here we share a tutorial on how to grow more using nothing but a sweet potato.

Regrow Leeks – Regrowing leeks is similar to regrowing green onions. The simple method is so handy to make the most out of your veggies.

Regrow Bok Choy – Along with celery and onions, bok choy can also be re-grown. This is a fantastic way of cutting your food bills. Why not try it yourself.

Fruit

Regrow Avocado - This easy to follow tutorial requires toothpicks and patience. More avocado’s are not guaranteed, but they have been known to grow. No matter what, you will definitely end up with a great plant  to feature in your garden.

Regrow Lemons - Lemons can be used in so many food and drink recipes alike, even used in crafts and homemade detergents. Why not plant a lemon seed and grow a whole Lemon Tree….

Regrow Pineapples – An impressive tip for pineapple lovers out there! This DIY will leave you with a great pineapple plant making your garden look exotic and unique.

Herbs & Spices

Regrow Ginger – This simple idea requires only a piece of sprouting ginger to regrow more of this fantastic spice forever!

Regrow Basil – Regrowing basil couldn’t be easier, this method will have you growing your own fresh basil in no time. Don’t waste your money on shop bought basil that can ruin quickly.

Regrow Lemongrass – Lemongrass is great in stir-fry recipes and adding a kick to drinks. Here’s how to grow your own.

Regrow A Garlic Bulb – You too can grow a whole garlic bulb from a simple clove. Follow these 5 steps and you will be well on your way to growing your own bulb.

Propagate Rosemary - Regrow rosemary cuttings from your container plant. Why not make even more rosemary plants to fill your garden. This popular herb can be used in a number of recipes so you won’t be short of ideas of what to use it for.

Regrow Lemon Balm – By using the cuttings of Lemon Balm, much like the above Rosemary tutorial, you can re-grow sprouts and plant even more in your garden pots.

Regrow Mint – Mint can be used in so many ways but it’s a pain having to buy a whole bunch from the store. Insteas grow your own and pick what you need!

Emergency Supplies

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses
that accompany disasters.

'Watch Tutorial Video

Create a completely custom emergency kit for your family using our Emergency Planner. You pick the duration, disasters to prepare for and quality of products included in your kit.

Preparing yourself and your family with at least a 72 hour kit and an emergency plan will reduce anxiety and panic should you find yourself in a disaster situation.

Many emergencies don't allow time for people to assemble even the most basic items, which is why preparedness planning is so important. In addition to first aid and emergency kits, our site offers emergency supplies for virtually any disaster.

Thrive Life also boasts a wide variety of camping and outdoor gear. If you are in need of emergency planning or simply love the outdoors, we have the perfect products for you. All of our products are available online.

Forty Knots

Delicious, Fresh Tasting Food

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THRIVE productsmake it easy for you to feed your family healthy, fresh-tasting foods. Each product is organized into one of six recognized and trusted categories to make it easy for you to maintain a well-balanced diet. Most THRIVE foods contain no additives or preservatives, so you can feel confident that when you eat THRIVE, you are guiding your family to a healthy and happy life. 

Delicious, Fresh Tasting Food 
The diverse flavors, textures, and colors of THRIVE make eating a rewarding experience. The THRIVE food line currently offers over 100 products that are sure to satisfy all of your cravings. Maybe you yearn for ripe, juicy strawberries or summer-sweet corn that comes and goes with the seasons. With THRIVE, you can have these delicious foods around all year long, so you can be prepared whenever that craving hits. When you think of long-lasting or preserved food, you probably think of bottled veggies that have been pickled past recognition. These stereotypes aren’t true for THRIVE. All THRIVE products are harvested at the peak of perfection and then freeze dried or dehydrated to lock in their freshness, making them the perfect choice for all your cooking, baking, and snacking needs.

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