

26 Apple Cider Vinegar Uses
A trip to Sephora or to your local grocery store can sometimes be overwhelming with the wide selection of products and brands to choose from. Not to mention that so many beauty and house cleaning items have harmful chemicals in them that will send your body into straight defense mode (but that's a discussion for another post)! Some of the best beauty and house cleaning items are right in your kitchen, saving you from a stressful trip to the store and keeping money in your pockets.
Apple Cider Vinegar is like 'Tussin. It can do all things (joking—I hated when my Grandma told me to, and I quote, “put some 'Tussin on it"). But seriously, Apple Cider Vinegar actually has a magnitude of benefits. From facial toner to deodorizer, it's that one staple product that you always want to keep on hand.
My favorite brand of Apple Cider Vinegar is Bragg's Organic, which contains “mother," or in other words strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria. It's magical. And to prove it, here are 26 ways that you can use ACV as a part of your daily cleansing and beauty routines.
1. Clean and Disinfect
ACV can disinfect just as well as bleach—minus the harsh smell. Dilute the vinegar with water (one part water, one part ACV) and can be mixed with lemon juice, salt, or essential oils for added benefits.
Be careful when using this mixture on wood floors, you don't want to get them too wet.
2. Un-Wrinkle Your Clothing
This is my favorite (I hate to iron). Fill a spray bottle with three parts ACV and one part water, spray all over your wrinkled clothing and hang to dry.
3. Freshen Up a Room
In a spray bottle, combine one part ACV, one part water and one part Essential Oil. Mist in to the air as frequently as needed.
4. Clean Your Coffee Maker
Pour two parts ACV and one part water into your coffee maker and run it as you would normally. For fresher tasting coffee, repeat every three months.
5. Remove the Annoying Stickers
Soak stickers with vinegar and let stick for at least 20 minutes, scrap it off with a butter knife.
6. Brighten Up Your Electronics
Disinfect your phone, tablet, computer or TV screen using vinegar to wipe them down and give them fresh out the box shine.
7. Make a Toner
Neutralize your pH, making your skin soft and smooth using ACV as a toner. Dilute if the smell is too strong.
8. Condition Your Hair
Remove buildup on your scalp, making your hair shiny in the process.
9. Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Dilute with water, shake well, and apply after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.
10. Aid Your Digestion
Apple Cider Vinegar has pectin, which calms intestinal spasms, and it can ward off the bacteria that causes diarrhea, bloating and gas. Add 1 tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and drink before meals.
11. Treat Toe Fungus and Warts
Tape a cotton ball soaked in ACV and leave it on overnight. Repeat until the wart or fungus is gone.
12. Get Fresh Breath
Gargle with water and Apple Cider Vinegar for 10 minutes to get rid of bad breath.
13. Use as a Natural Deodorant
Applying ACV to your armpits neutralized odors, acting as a deodorant.
14. Boost Energy
Drinking a tablespoon of ACV with water, helps to prevent exhaustion, thanks to potassium and enzymes in the vinegar.
15. Soothe a Sore Throat
Kill off the germs causing discomfort by gargling ACV—they can't survive in an acidic environment.
16. Whiten Your Teeth
Brushing with ACV works as a natural whitener if you give it time (at least a month). It's important to be careful using this method, too much vinegar can remove enamel. After brushing with ACV, you will need to brush again with regular toothpaste, preferably a non fluoride paste, or rinse your mouth out really well.
17. Clean the Oven
Mix ACV with baking soda to clean your drains and oven.
18. Get Rid of Smoke Odor
Remove the lingering smoky odor by placing a small bowl of ACV where the smell is the strongest. The odor should disappear in a day.
19. Trap Fruit Flies
You can get rid of those pesky flies by filing up an old jar about halfway with ACV, punch a few holes in the lid, screw it back on.
20. Wipe Away Mildew
Remove mildew stains by wiping at the stain with a cloth, diluting for lighter stains.
21. Disinfect Toilet Bowls
Pour two cups of Apple Cider Vinegar and let soak overnight before flushing. Do this weekly to prevent water rings from appearing.
22. Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
Get that disgusting grime off your toothbrush holder by cleaning the openings with cotton swabs soaked in Apple Cider Vinegar.
23. Keep Flowers Fresh
Mix two tablespoons of ACV and two tablespoons of sugar with the water before adding the flowers.
24. Ward off Candida
Apple Cider Vinegar helps to fight off the intestinal yeast overgrowth by killing the yeast, creating a die off reaction.
25. Soothes Sunburns
There are several ways to soothe a sunburn with ACV. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water to spray on the sunburned skin. Dip a washcloth in vinegar, wringing the cloth out, and patting it gently on the affect areas. Take a cool bath with the diluted ACV.
26. Detox
Apple Cider Vinegar alkalizes the body, playing a major role in the way it heals itself. It helps the body to remove toxic waste before it can do damage without sacrificing minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. It aids digestion, improves bowel movements, detoxifies your liver, purifies your blood or clogging your arteries.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
12 Body Care Tips For Smooth, Radiant Skin This Swimsuit Season
Right when I’m about 4-6 weeks out from it officially being summer (which happens during the third week of June), something that I am prone to do is scan the internet for a few Black women to inspire me when it comes to achieving flawless summer skin.
This year, the post that you see below is someone who definitely caused my eyes to get wide. And although I know that some of what I’m viewing is good ole’ genetics, her skin is still so radiant and impactful that it has 1000 percent inspired me to kick my own skincare routine into overdrive.
And what am I doing to cause my skin to glow in the summer sun? The following 12 tips are definitely getting me right — and I am beyond certain that they can and will do the same for you, too.
1. Use African Net Sponges
I don’t know what freakin’ took me so long to get onto the African net sponge game — oh, but I’m here now and a sistah ain’t goin’ nowhere! The main thing that got me into them is because I was sick of trying to find ways to deep cleanse my back. African net sponges are bomb in this way because they are long enough to reach ever part of my back, they are made from a fabric that deeply exfoliates without overdoing it, they last longer than loofahs and they don’t trap as many bacteria and gunk in them; they lather up well and rinse clean afterwards. I absolutely adore them.
So, if you want to get rid of those stubborn dead skin cells in hard to reach places, so that your skin will glow, wash with African net sponges. You won’t regret using them — not one bit.
2. Wash with Salicylic Acid
So many of us were sold the dream that once we hit our mid-20s (shoot, at the latest), acne would cease to be (so much of) an issue. Chile, I am good ‘n grown and I still have to deal with breakouts on my back sometimes. SMDH. Something that has helped me out, tremendously though, is using a body wash that is made with salicylic acid. Your skin will like this acid because it exfoliates, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and dissolves dead skin cells over time. The main thing to keep in mind with salicylic acid, is too much of a good thing can be problematic and, with it, it can dry your skin out, if you’re not careful.
That said, I’ve had zero issues with KaraPil’s Exfoliating Body Wash with Salicylic Acid. In fact, it prides itself in being a wash that doesn’t dry out your skin.
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3. Exfoliate with Honey and Yogurt
I’m going to provide a couple of more tips on exfoliating because if you want your skin to be super swimwear ready, that is absolutely one of the best things to do. Exfoliation helps to improve the quality of your skin; it makes it easier for your skin to absorb moisturizing products; it breaks up dead skin cells; it helps to boost collagen production and it can prevent your skin from looking dry and dull. As far as all-natural exfoliants go, consider applying a mixture of honey and plain yogurt.
Honey is gentle yet powerful when it comes to killing bacteria, soothing inflammation and pulling moisture from the air into your skin (which is what a humectant does). Yogurt has lactic acid in it which is wonderful when it comes to softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, removing dead skin cells and lightening acne scars. Yogurt also works thanks to its ability to tone your skin, protect it from sun damage and brighten in as well. You can check out a super easy yogurt and honey skin recipe here.
4. Do Some Dry Brushing Too
Wanna super exfoliate your skin? Dry brush. Want to remove toxins from your system? Dry brush. Looking for a way to reduce the appearance of cellulite? You already know what I’m gonna say — dry brush your body. It really is kind of wild that with all of the ways that dry brushing can help with skin issues, more people don’t do it (or do it consistently). Anyway, if this was a reminder for you to dry brush more often or get a dry brush, period — there ya go.
5. Rub on Some Bakuchi Oil
Where is time going that it’s been almost two years since I wrote “Plum Oil Is The Oil You Should Ease Into The Fall Season With” for the site? And although I continue to be a huge fan of it, the last time that I ordered some, the merchant sent me some bakuchi oil instead. I was irritated at first; however, the drama of shipping the product back motivated me to give it a try — I’m glad that I did.
Since I like to use oils to “seal my skin” more than anything else, I immediately noticed how light of an oil bakuchi oil is. Then I did some research and discovered that it contains potent anti-inflammatory properties and it can help to relieve itching and hyperpigmentation (when used regularly) too. So, if you want to create a natural glow with your skin, bakuchi can make it happen without a lot of greasiness or residue (which is always a win).
6. Get a Back Facial
At the time that I am writing this, I just made an appointment to get a back facial for the following day. My aesthetician and I decided that in order for my back to remain as clear as possible, I should get one at the turn of every season (for times a year). I totally dig it too because she is able to safely make extractions, deep cleanse my back and treat any acne scars with products that, because I’m not a professional, I can’t get my hands on. Yeah, unless your skin is absolutely flawless, never go into the season of backless dresses and bikinis without a back facial, please.
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7. Apply a Blend of Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Propolis to Breakouts
During the summer season, you’re going to sweat more which means that your chances of having pimples are probably going to increase. If you do notice a zit or two, DO NOT PICK AT IT. Instead, apply a blend of Aloe vera, tea tree oil and propolis directly on it/them. Aloe vera is good for breakouts because it contains antibacterial properties that help to heal pimples at a faster pace.
Tea tree oil is one of the greatest things at getting rid of pimples because its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce the size of zits, seemingly overnight (no joke!). And propolis? It’s a substance that comes from bees that also fights inflammation while boosting collagen production, so that your acne marks can fade quicker. You can get your hands on some propolis in royal jelly form here and in extract form here.
8. Keep Your Hair Off of Your Back (and Shoulders)
Summer is definitely the season to see how low you can go when it comes to brains and twists (check out “If Spring & Summer Are Your Favorite Braid Seasons, Here's How To Make Them Last” and “This Is Your Summertime Protective Style Cheat Sheet”). Just remember that always wearing your hair down can cause your back and shoulders to sweat; plus, whatever is in your hair, it’s going to transfer to your skin which could also lead to breakouts.
Moral to the story here: Ponytails and pineapples as much as possible are a wise move. You’ll still be cute and your skin will be “hair burden free” in the process.
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9. Put on Some Shimmering Body Oil and/or Bronzing Serum
For the most part, I really like bronzer. The only thing that gets on my nerves about it is the fact that certain brands can rub off onto your clothing (or other people’s) and that is a real headache. The solution? Shimmering body oil or bronzing serum because those tend to be lighter, they don’t transfer as much and they create a soft glow that is really natural-looking. One that I like to use on my face is Physicians Formula Butter Glow Bronzing Serum; for my body, XIFEPFR Body Shimmer Oil (in Bronze Gold).
10. Try Some Broccoli Seed Oil At Night
The (main) reason why it’s so important to incorporate a (consistent) nighttime skincare routine is because your skin rejuvenates itself while you are sleeping; especially as it relates to skin cell renewal, improving the texture and quality of your skin and slowing down aging signs. And when it comes to an oil that is great for your skin as you’re catching some zzz’s, your “something new” for the day just might be broccoli seed oil.
It’s a non-greasy, deeply penetrating, highly moisturizing oil that is filled with fatty acids; can soothe razor bumps; is able to protect your skin from damaging UV rays; can serve as an all-natural alternative to retinol (due to its high concentration of vitamin A), and, as a bonus, it’s great for your nails and cuticles too. It ain’t the cheapest oil yet it is gaining traction for becoming one of the most holistically beneficial; especially when it comes to beauty benefits.
11. Sleep on Bamboo Sheets (and Wash Them Weekly)
Please tell me that you wash your bedding on a weekly basis. If you don’t, here is your friendly reminder that you shed a whopping 600,000 dead skin cells on a daily basis and so you absolutely should. And when it comes to bedding that is best during the summer months, consider going with bamboo sheets. They’re a super breathable fabric that’s soft, durable and also pretty good for the environment. Your skin will especially like them because they’re the kind of sheets that have a solid reputation for being naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antimicrobial.
12. Drink Lots of Water
Your skin relies on water to keep it in supreme condition. Water hydrates. Water detoxifies. Water makes it easier for your skin to receive the nutrients that it needs. So, make sure to drink as much of it as possible this summer — even if it’s infused water or sparkling water with some lemon or lime in it. The more hydrated you are on the inside, the more moisturized your skin will look and feel on the outside — which is just what you need your skin to look like all summer season long!
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