• Beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar include shiny hair, healthy flowers and tasty food.cider making 2 image by alice rawson from Fotolia.com
  
  Apple cider vinegar is a handy household tool---in addition to making snappy vinaigrettes and marinades, it has a surprising number of uses when it comes to beauty, gardening and cleaning the house. Its effects are largely beneficial in food preparation, thanks to its light, tangy zing. Because of its acidity, it can have a beneficial effect on soil with a high pH. One negative effect to watch out for, however, is in surface cleaning; because of its golden brown color, it can stain porous countertops; these are best cleaned with plain white distilled vinegar.
  
  

Cleaner Wood Surfaces

• Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean painted or stained wood when used in combination with other common household ingredients. The Vinegar Institute recommends mixing one cup of ammonia, one-half cup of cider vinegar, one-quarter cup of baking soda and one gallon of water. Dip a clean rag into this mixture and rub it gently over wooden blinds, floors or walls to easily remove any accumulated buildup.
  
  

A Fresher Refrigerator

• Set an open cup of apple cider vinegar on the top shelf of your refrigerator. Don't cover it with plastic or foil. Let the vinegar absorb your refrigerator's odors and in one to two days, your refrigerator will smell fresh again.
  
  

A Tangier Salad Dressing

• Martha Stewart creates a tangy vinaigrette dressing by mixing minced shallots, one tablespoon of apple cider, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one-quarter cup of walnut oil, all seasoned with salt and pepper.
  
  

Healthier Plants

• According to The Vinegar Institute, certain plants thrive in acidic soil---these include azaleas, gardenias and rhododendrons. To make sure these flowers get the nutrients they crave, water them with an easy-to-make mixture of vinegar and water. Use one gallon of water and one cup of apple cider vinegar. Over time, the vinegar releases iron into the soil. This is especially helpful if you have hard water, as the high pH of this water isn't usually enough to satisfy these flower breeds.
  
  

A Soothed Throat

• Use apple cider vinegar to create a homemade remedy for sore throats. Martha Stewart mixes two parts honey and one part apple cider vinegar, heating the mixture either on the stove or in the microwave. The idea behind this concoction is that vinegar soothes the throat while honey calms a cough.
  
  

Softer, Shinier Hair

• Vinegar's high acid levels can help remove styling product buildup from your hair, leaving it softer and shinier than before. For softer hair, create a mixture of three cups distilled (purified) water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. After you've shampooed, pour this mixture over your hair, wring it out, and let hair dry. For added shine, create a mixture of one cup water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and use the mixture as a rinse after you shampoo.