Vinegar is a trade name for the (4-7%) Acetic Acid solution commonly sold in grocery stores.
It gets its cleaning ability due to the fact that it is an acid (albeit a weak acid). It has appeal as a cleaner due to the fact that it is both natural and economical.
However, there are disadvantages to using this product for cleaning. Although it may kill some germs, it is not a disinfectant- and there are many more effective (stronger) products that may be used for cleaning. Other disadvantage include: the acid’s pungent odor, and the fact that it has some incompatibles (cannot be mixed with some products).
Vinegar is better used dressing a salad than for most cleaning applications (Disclaimer: Don’t ever use it on food unless it is specifically labeled as food grade. CORECHEM does not currently stock food grade vinegar.). But, if you’re looking for a natural cleaning product that won’t break the bank… it’s worth a try!
Any concentration of Acetic Acid, from the full strength (99%) Glacial Acetic Acid all the way down to 1%, is correctly referred to as ‘Acetic Acid’. However, only when the product is in the weak solution known as vinegar, is it called ‘Vinegar’. It would be incorrect to refer to a stronger concentration of Acetic Acid as ‘vinegar’ (i.e. ‘Vinegar 56%’).
In this article:
- Should I Use Vinegar? (Comparisons, etc.)
- How to Clean with Vinegar
- Is it Safe to Clean with Acetic Acid?
- Where to Buy Vinegar / Acetic Acid
Should I Use Vinegar?
There are many surfaces that can be safely cleaned with a vinegar solution; including glass, plastic, and a wide variety of other non-porous surfaces. However, although vinegar may be able to dissolve certain types of grime and grease, these are typically best cleaned with a product that is basic, rather than acidic. (A basic product will saponify; or turn the fats, oils, and greases into soap.)
- Vinegar has a long history of use as a window cleaner.
- Vinegar and/or stronger concentrations of Acetic Acid are sometimes used in laundry. However, it should be used with caution. Although the product isn’t bleach, it could alter color or change the color of a stain.
- If stainless steel rusts, a dilute vinegar solution may be used to try to take away the rust stain. The oxide in rust, if dissolved by vinegar, will leave behind a water-soluble salt that can be wiped away.
- As an acid, vinegar may have some ability to remove scale in Keurigs, coffee pots, and the like; but will not be as effective as stronger acids.
Surfaces that are less likely to do well with an acid cleaner, and may even be harmed by it, include: stone, brick, cement, and grout. These may etch or be ‘eaten up’.
- Acid may harm the protective coating of screens.
- If you use it to clean a fish tank, the pH will kill the fish.
Any time you’re in doubt about whether or not a surface can be cleaned with vinegar, a safe choice is to spot-test a small area first.
Comparisons, etc: Which is better?
When comparing cleaning products, the answer of ‘which is best’ ultimately depends on what you are trying to clean.
- Bleach vs Vinegar: Bleach will be more suited to disinfection or bleaching. Vinegar will be more effective for scale removal.
- Citric Acid vs Vinegar: Citric Acid is not the same as vinegar for cleaning, although they are both relatively weaker acids. The application ultimately determines which product is better.
- Rubbing Alcohol vs Vinegar: Rubbing Alcohol is a registered disinfectant. Vinegar is not.
- Baking Powder and Vinegar: The combination of baking powder and vinegar causes a fizz, release of carbon dioxide, and a neutralized foamy mess.
- Dawn and Vinegar: Mixing these may cause the acid to pickle the surfactants, and is not likely to have a real positive effect.
How to Clean with Vinegar
The 4-7% vinegar bought at the grocery store is the best option for home cleaning needs.
Depending on the surface or application, you can dilute the product by preparing a vinegar solution (mixing it with water- there is no reaction), or use as purchased. Use a sprayer or sponge/rag to wet the surfaces you wish to clean.
After you have wiped the surface and are done cleaning, it is best to rinse well. There are some products that do react with this acid (i.e. bleach), so the residue needs to be fully removed.
If you are using for an industrial cleaning application, and know what you’re doing, you may use up to Acetic Acid 10% – 26% Solution- or possibly as high as 30%. Higher concentrations will be hazardous.
Is it Safe to Clean with Acetic Acid?
Acetic Acid in stronger concentrations is hazardous. It represents a respiratory hazard (never, ever, inhale the pungent fumes from concentrated Acetic Acid directly into your lungs), and should never be used in a closed environment. Make sure to wear the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when working with concentrations greater than 10%. Acetic Acid also represents a chemical interaction hazard. It cannot be mixed with bleach, ammonia, or the cleaning product Comet. Take care to not mix even the residue of this product with these chemicals. For more information about the hazards, consult the Safety Data Sheet.
Good air circulation should always be present, whether working with dilute vinegar or the more pungent concentrations of Acetic Acid.
Vinegar is only safe to consume if it is specifically labeled food grade.
Where To Buy Vinegar / Acetic Acid
Vinegar in its dilute form, for home cleaning purposes, can be purchased at any grocery store.
If it is going to be used for an industrial need, and stronger concentrations are desired, CORECHEM sells Acetic in large volume quantities (5 – 330 gallon package sizes). Standard dilutions are available, starting at Acetic Acid 10% up to full-strength Glacial Acetic Acid.
