Does Vinegar Really Disinfect?
Many people turn to vinegar as a natural cleaner and disinfectant, but does it actually work? To disinfect is to reduce the amount of germs, viruses and bacteria. While vinegar is great at deodorizing, cutting grease, and removing mineral deposits, it doesn’t actually disinfect at the level you need to combat household germs. In fact, vinegar is not an EPA-registered disinfectant, meaning its disinfection effectiveness is not up to par with other products out there. Let’s dive into more details below.
The Science Behind Vinegar
Vinegar is made of water and acetic acid - usually around 4-7% by volume. Acetic acid has a very low pH, which is what allows it to dissolve mineral deposits, soap scum, and grime. Acetic acid disrupts the cell environment and damages cell membranes, which leads to bacteria death - although not at the level you need. Household vinegar is generally bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacteria from multiplying, rather than fully bactericidal (killing bacteria).
Vinegar vs True Disinfectants
If you’re looking to actually disinfect the high-traffic areas of your home, instead of vinegar, select an EPA-registered disinfectant. These cleaning products are typically bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide-based.
When using a true disinfectant, make sure you’re following the contact time listed on the bottle. Contact time refers to the amount of time the product needs to sit on the surface before being wiped away. Many homeowners assume you can wipe the product up immediately after application and still receive the same disinfection benefits, but most of the time the bleach or hydrogen peroxide needs to sit for several minutes to disinfect.
When to Use Vinegar
While vinegar is not the best disinfectant, it is certainly useful in other household areas. Vinegar can be a great all-purpose cleaner - on the right surfaces, like countertops. It can also be effective at removing hard-water buildup, cleaning stainless steel, and deodorizing stinky laundry. However, make sure to avoid using vinegar on more delicate surfaces like granite, marble, and wood; its acidity can be damaging.
Now that you have a better understanding of vinegar’s strengths and weaknesses, is it the right product for your cleaning needs? If you’re unsure of what cleaning products to use in what spaces for the most effective and efficient clean, contact Cleandae! We will ensure your home is dust-free, streak-free, and disinfected.
