A simple bowl of vinegar sitting beside a window may look completely ordinary, but this old household practice has remained popular for a reason. For generations, families have used vinegar as an inexpensive way to deal with everyday household problems without relying heavily on chemical products. Its strong smell can make certain areas less attractive to small insects, while its other properties can help reduce unpleasant household odors.

One particularly common use involves fruit flies and other tiny insects that enter through open windows. Apple cider vinegar can be placed in a small bowl and covered with plastic wrap containing several tiny holes. The sweet smell attracts fruit flies toward the liquid, while the small openings make it difficult for them to escape. But insects are not the only reason people keep vinegar near a window. Many homeowners have discovered another useful benefit that becomes especially noticeable when the windows are open and fresh air begins circulating through the room.