Long before Dettol and Magiclean, there was the humble vinegar.

The use of vinegar in the household traces back to 4,000BC in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerians began using it as a miracle liquid to sanitise their abodes. Their use of vinegar was not restricted to cleaning. Realising that vinegar impedes the spread of bacteria, they also used it as a food preservative and condiment.

Over the millennia, vinegar found popularity among various cultures around the world. In ancient Greece, for instance, it was one of the first medicines to be used by physicians such as Hippocrates, who prescribed it as a cure for the common cough or cold.

Fast-forward to today and it is common to see white vinegar used in housekeeping. Here are some tried-and-tested recipes for a natural clean:

For general cleaning: Fill a spray bottle with two parts water, one part distilled vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent to make an all-purpose cleaner for glass, stainless-steel and laminate surfaces.

For cleaning and disinfecting washing machines: Pour 450ml of white distilled vinegar into the machine and run it through a full cycle without any clothes or detergent.

For cleaning glass shower doors: Mix 110ml of white distilled vinegar, 225ml of ammonia and 60g of baking soda with four litres of warm water. Wipe the shower door with the solution using a cloth.

For refreshing cloths and sponges: Remove odour from cloths and sponges by soaking them overnight in a solution of 55ml white distilled vinegar and water. Rinse well before use.

For removing microwave odour: Heat up to boiling point 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar in a glass or ceramic cup.

For concealing scratches on wood furniture: Mix some white distilled vinegar and iodine in a small container and brush the mixture over the scratch with a paintbrush. Increase the proportion of iodine for darker woods.

To make an insect repellent: To discourage ants and other creepy-crawlies from entering your home, pour full-strength white distilled vinegar over your door threshold and window sills.

To make an air freshener: Mix 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 450ml of water in a spray bottle. After the foam dissipates, shake well and spritz it in the air.

• This column first appeared in the February issue of Home & Decor, published by SPH Magazines.

• Have a decorating or home renovation issue? Write to Home & Decor, Level 7 Media Centre, 82 Genting Lane, Singapore 349567 or e-mail maghomedecor@sph.com.sg.