A Simple Mix of White Vinegar and Medicated Oil: A Surprisingly Useful Household Solution

Medicated oil—typically a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, and tea tree oil—is widely used in daily life to relieve headaches, motion sickness, and insect bites. It carries a strong, refreshing aroma from various essential oils. White vinegar, on the other hand, is an indispensable cooking ingredient, also commonly used for cleaning, deodorizing, and removing unpleasant odors from food.

When combined, these two ingredients create a versatile, multi-purpose solution that every household can benefit from. This simple mixture can help solve a variety of everyday problems quickly and effectively.

How to Prepare the Mixture

Pour 150 ml of white vinegar into a spray bottle, then add 10 drops of medicated oil. Next, pour in 200 ml of clean water and shake well. The solution is now ready to use for the following helpful purposes.

1. Repel insects such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches

If your home is troubled by insects or rodents hiding in corners and dark areas, spray this mixture on those spots.
The combined scent of vinegar and medicated oil acts as a natural repellent that drives insects and pests away. It also leaves your living space smelling fresh and clean. This is especially useful around bed frames, hidden corners, or furniture gaps that are hard to reach or clean.

As an added benefit, regular spraying can reduce the frequency of pests returning, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.

2. Clean mats, bamboo mats, and wooden surfaces

Bamboo mats or cooling mats often develop unpleasant odors if they aren’t washed regularly. Spraying the vinegar–medicated oil mixture helps eliminate odors and refresh the material.

For wooden furniture—especially items with intricate carvings or small details where dirt tends to accumulate—spraying and wiping with this solution can help:

• Remove lingering smells

• Clean the surface more effectively

• Prevent mold growth in humid weather

This method is gentler than harsh chemical cleaners yet still very efficient.

3. Deodorize bathrooms

Bathrooms are usually humid and prone to unpleasant odors. Spraying this mixture helps eliminate the smell instantly because vinegar evaporates quickly, carrying odors away, while medicated oil leaves a refreshing scent that lingers in the air.

For better effectiveness, spray behind the toilet, in corners, and near drainage areas every day.

4. Remove sticky residue from tape or labels

Tape residue left on surfaces can be difficult to remove and often looks messy. Spray the mixture directly on the sticky spot, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a cloth. The residue will dissolve and come off more easily without damaging the surface.

This works well on glass, plastic, metal, wooden items, and even ceramic surfaces.

5. Freshen the air and neutralize odors naturally

You can spray the mixture around the living room, bedroom, or any indoor space to deodorize and refresh the air. This is especially effective when the house is filled with cigarette smoke or food odors.

Vinegar has a mild acidity that neutralizes alkaline odors, while medicated oil provides a soothing herbal fragrance. Together, they create a more pleasant and natural atmosphere without synthetic chemicals.

For an extra refreshing effect, spray near curtains, doorways, or air vents.

6. Deodorize trash bins

Even after washing and drying, trash bins often retain unpleasant smells. Spray the mixture inside the bin, on the lid, and around the surrounding area. It quickly removes odors and also reduces flies or mosquitoes from gathering nearby.

Spraying every time after emptying the bin helps maintain cleanliness and prevent bacteria buildup.

7. Protect houseplants from pests

If your ornamental plants are frequently attacked by aphids, snails, or tiny insects, spray the solution around the base of the plants. The strong scent discourages pests from approaching while being safe enough not to harm the plants.

Use this method regularly for preventive care, especially during the rainy season when pests thrive.

8. Remove odors from shoe racks and footwear

Shoe cabinets and old shoes often develop strong, unpleasant smells. Simply spray the vinegar–medicated oil mixture inside the cabinet and around the shoes to eliminate odors quickly.

The solution not only removes the smell but also prevents bacteria and mold growth, helping your footwear stay fresh longer.