When it comes to cleaning around the house, why use products with harsh chemicals when old-fashioned vinegar will do? Distilled white vinegar comes in handy in a number of ways.

Here are 10 uses noted by Homecarebuzz.com:

1. Helps glasses sparkle: Pour ½ cup of vinegar into a small glass and place it upright on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Run the cycle normally. The vinegar will eliminate hard water stains that mar glassware.
2. Cleans toilet: Instead of bleach, pour 1 cup of vinegar in the toilet and let it sit 5 minutes. With light scrubbing, this will help remove toilet rings.
3. Disinfects tub: Rinse the tub, then clean with a sponge soaked in vinegar. Rinse again.
4. Disinfects shower curtain: Pour vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray the shower curtain to remove soap scum and other dirt from the curtain. Rinse with water.
5. Repels ants: Spray problem areas with vinegar; the substance works as a natural ant repellent.
6. Cuts grease: Use a sponge-soaked in vinegar to eliminate areas with grease. For tough spots, let the area soak in vinegar for a minimum of 20 minutes.
7. Kills weeds. “Vinegar kills many types of grass and weeds,” notes Homecarebuzz.com. Douse unwanted plants growing in the sidewalk and driveway instead of using toxic chemicals.
8. Shines chrome and stainless steel: Soak a soft cloth in vinegar and wipe these areas to a shine.
9. Refreshes coffee maker: When coffee tastes stale, it’s time to clean the coffee maker. Fill the reservoir with vinegar, run the cycle, followed by 2 cycles of plain water to rinse.
10. Deodorizes washing machine: Pour two cups of vinegar and 1 cup baking soda into the washing machine. Run it empty on the hottest cycle. Then use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub any remaining dirt away.