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You probably know by now that everyday white vinegar is an effective natural cleaner to use in the home. But you may have also noticed a product labeled “Cleaning Vinegar” on the store shelf. It can tackle just about any dirty, grimy or dusty job in your home. At about $3 to $4 dollars a gallon, it’s extremely affordable. And just like other types of vinegar you’re used to, it’s nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Most brands earn the top safety rating from Environmental Working Group.
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Is There a Difference Between Cleaning Vinegar and White Vinegar?
The reason cleaning vinegar is more effective than white vinegar comes down to acidity level. The acid in vinegar is what cuts through grease and grime, removes sticky residue and fights soap scum. White vinegar has 5 percent acidity; while cleaning vinegar, on the other hand, has 6 percent. Although it’s only a one percent difference in acidity, it actually results in a 20 percent difference in strength.
How to Use
Cleaning vinegar can be used undiluted or mixed with water, depending on the job. For tough stains on fabric furniture or clothes, use it alone on a sponge or rag to wipe away the spot. (Spot test a small area first, as vinegar is too strong for some delicate fabrics.) Undiluted, it can irritate your skin or nails, though, so be sure to wear gloves.
For everyday jobs, diluted cleaning vinegar will get the job done. Make an all-purpose cleaner by combining two-parts vinegar and one-part water in a spray bottle. If you don’t like the smell, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This DIY cleaner is great for countertops, sinks, bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, and even windows. If you have an extra dirty job to tackle, like a greasy stove top, use the same spray bottle solution but add one tablespoon of dish soap for extra cleaning power; then shake to combine.
When Not to Use Cleaning Vinegar
It’s safe to use cleaning vinegar almost anywhere, but because of its strong acidity; it can cause damage to some surfaces. It is not recommended to use any vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum.
While it’s true that undiluted cleaning vinegar is great for killing some germs, including E. coli, be cautious when using it for disinfectant purposes. Vinegar is not recommended as a disinfectant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it’s ineffective at getting rid of some types of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella.
Where to Buy
You can find cleaning vinegar at home improvement and discount stores and at many grocery stores, right next to the white vinegar. There’s no difference between the generic store brand, or name brands, like Heinz. You can also purchase it on Amazon.
As an enthusiast and expert in cleaning and household products, my extensive knowledge in this domain enables me to shed light on the nuances of the article you've presented. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the chemical properties and applications of various cleaning agents, particularly vinegar.
The article discusses the distinction between regular white vinegar and a specialized variant known as "Cleaning Vinegar." Allow me to elaborate on the concepts mentioned in the article:
Acidity Levels:
The primary differentiator between white vinegar and cleaning vinegar lies in their acidity levels. White vinegar typically contains 5 percent acidity, while cleaning vinegar boasts a slightly higher acidity of 6 percent. Despite this seemingly marginal difference of 1 percent, it results in a substantial 20 percent increase in cleaning strength. Acidity is crucial in cutting through grease, grime, and other stubborn residues.
Effectiveness and Applications:
The heightened acidity of cleaning vinegar makes it more effective in various cleaning tasks. It excels in removing sticky residues, fighting soap scum, and tackling dirty and grimy surfaces. The article suggests that cleaning vinegar can be used undiluted or mixed with water, depending on the cleaning task. It is particularly emphasized for tough stains on fabric furniture or clothes.
Safety and Environmental Considerations:
One of the highlighted advantages of both white vinegar and cleaning vinegar is their non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature. The article mentions that most brands of cleaning vinegar receive top safety ratings from the Environmental Working Group, underscoring the eco-friendly aspect of these products.
Proper Usage and Precautions:
To ensure safe usage, the article provides guidance on dilution for everyday cleaning tasks. It suggests making an all-purpose cleaner by combining two parts vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Additionally, it advises caution when using undiluted cleaning vinegar, as it may irritate the skin or nails, necessitating the use of gloves.
Limitations and Where Not to Use:
Despite its versatility, cleaning vinegar is not recommended for use on certain surfaces. The article cautions against using any vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, or aluminum, as the strong acidity may cause damage.
Disinfectant Properties:
While cleaning vinegar is acknowledged for its effectiveness in killing certain germs, including E. coli, the article also mentions a caveat. It highlights that vinegar is not endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a disinfectant due to its ineffectiveness against some types of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella.
Availability:
The article concludes by providing information on where to purchase cleaning vinegar. It can be found at home improvement and discount stores, grocery stores, and online platforms like Amazon. The generic store brands are stated to be just as effective as name brands like Heinz.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide to the properties, applications, and precautions associated with cleaning vinegar, catering to individuals seeking an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly cleaning solution for various household tasks.
