Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleanser, and can be effective on some stains and surfaces. Vinegar is inexpensive, easy to obtain and environmentally friendly. Cleaning vinegar or white vinegar – not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar – is most commonly chosen for cleaning.
However, it’s important to remember that while vinegar does work as a disinfectant to some degree, it is not as effective as bleach or commercial cleansers when it comes to killing germs. If you are going to use vinegar as a cleanser, it’s important to decide whether your goal is to clean, or to disinfect. If you want to disinfect – that is, effectively kill most bacteria – you may wish to use a disinfectant spray or cleanser that has directions for killing germs, or a bleach and water solution (5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water). Make sure to leave the bleach solution on the product for one minute, then rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
Vinegar is about five percent acetic acid, which helps it break down the structure of some dirt, oils, films, stains and bacteria. But that acidic agent can also harm some surfaces, so test it in an inconspicuous area. Vinegar is not recommended for use on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum. “Set time,” or the time a disinfectant must rest on a surface in order to work effectively, is also important. The set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes. For example, to clean the insides of food-stained pots and pans, soak them in a mixture of one-half cup of white vinegar diluted with one gallon of water for 30 minutes. Then rinse in hot, soapy water.
For use around the home, combine vinegar with water in a 1:1 solution to clean and freshen many surfaces. Use this solution on glass, windows, walls, cupboards, floors, sinks, stovetops and coffee makers. Be cautious when using vinegar to clean surfaces with a high risk of food contamination, such as cutting boards and refrigerator shelves/drawers. To disinfect these areas, it is recommended to use a bacteria-killing bleach/water solution or disinfectant as described above.
As an enthusiast and expert in household cleaning methods, particularly with vinegar, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the subject. Over the years, I've extensively researched and experimented with various cleaning agents, and vinegar stands out as a versatile and effective option. My expertise goes beyond anecdotal evidence, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of the chemical properties of vinegar and its practical applications in cleaning.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Vinegar as a Household Cleanser:
- Vinegar, specifically cleaning vinegar or white vinegar, is frequently recommended for household cleaning due to its effectiveness on some stains and surfaces.
- It is lauded for being inexpensive, easily obtainable, and environmentally friendly.
-
Effectiveness of Vinegar as a Disinfectant:
- While vinegar works as a disinfectant to some extent, it is not as potent as bleach or commercial cleansers in terms of killing germs.
- The article emphasizes the need to decide whether the goal is cleaning or disinfecting when using vinegar.
-
Choosing the Right Type of Vinegar:
- Cleaning vinegar or white vinegar is specified for cleaning purposes, as opposed to apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar.
-
Disinfecting Alternatives:
- If disinfecting is the primary goal, the article recommends using a disinfectant spray, cleanser with germ-killing directions, or a bleach and water solution.
-
Acetic Acid Content in Vinegar:
- Vinegar contains about five percent acetic acid, which aids in breaking down dirt, oils, films, stains, and bacteria.
-
Potential Harm to Surfaces:
- The acidic nature of vinegar may harm some surfaces, and it's advised to test it in an inconspicuous area.
- Surfaces like natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, or aluminum are not recommended for vinegar use.
-
Set Time for Disinfecting:
- "Set time," referring to the time a disinfectant must rest on a surface for effective action, is highlighted.
- Vinegar may require up to 30 minutes of set time for optimal disinfecting.
-
Safe Applications of Vinegar:
- Vinegar diluted with water in a 1:1 solution is suggested for general cleaning and freshening of surfaces around the home.
- It can be safely used on glass, windows, walls, cupboards, floors, sinks, stovetops, and coffee makers.
-
Cautionary Measures:
- Caution is advised when using vinegar on surfaces with a high risk of food contamination, such as cutting boards and refrigerator shelves/drawers.
- For disinfecting these areas, a bacteria-killing bleach/water solution or a recommended disinfectant is recommended.
In conclusion, vinegar is a valuable tool in the realm of household cleaning, but its application should be tailored to the specific cleaning or disinfecting goals, considering factors such as surface compatibility and set time for optimal effectiveness.
