Cleaning with Distilled -White Vinegar

The increasing advocacy for environmental friendly and safe cleaning products advance the use of alternatives especially natural and good grade products as cleaning and disinfecting products.  However, it has been discourage to rely on natural products as alternative for disinfectant, as they have been tested and founded out that are less effective than the commercial household disinfectants. An exception is vinegar, as Dr. Rutala (2000) concludes undiluted acidic solution is effective against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli [1].   And to be more specific, since are a number of types of vinegar, white or distilled vinegar.

White or distilled vinegar is compost of 5% to 8% acetic acid in water and has a pH of 2.4 to 2.6, making it the most acidic among vinegars [2]. Since distilled vinegar is production is inexpensive compare to other vinegar. Its acidity, availability, accessibility and affordability would make white vinegar the right vinegar for cleaning.

Other Uses of Distilled Vinegar in the Kitchen

As an alternative disinfectant, a cleaner, and a deodorizer

1. Disinfect cutting board

Bacteria like Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli and high microbial load have been commonly associated with food poisoning and proper food hygiene has been an important part to thwart such preventable illnesses. Just in case, one run out of 3.0% hydrogen peroxide and/or bleach, undiluted distilled vinegar is an effective alternative. After scrubbing clean cutting boards with soap and water, soak it by spraying undiluted white vinegar, and let it sit for 15 minutes, before rinsing and drying.   

2. Clean, disinfect and neutralize chemicals residue on vegetable and fruits

Vegetables and fruits bought in the store or from the backyard garden are riddled with contaminants from soil humus to agricultural pesticide residue to fruit polish. As a precaution wash clean and soak with vinegar solution or spray undiluted white vinegar, then let it sit for 15-20 minutes, would help decrease microbial load and chemical residues.  

3. Shine dishware and glassware

Cloudiness and dullness in dishware and glassware may be cause by lime and minerals in the water. Easy solution is to soak items in a shallow pan or tub with 4 liters of hot-warm water and 500 ml of vinegar. The acidity of vinegar can dissolve some minerals.

4. Clean burnt pots and pans

Cooking especially frying meats and reducing sauces could lead to unfortunate a burnt residue in precious pot and/or pan. Easy and gentler solution is to boil just enough water to cover the pan or pot surface and 250 ml of vinegar together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, remove from heat, transfer to sink and add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Expect a reaction, if the water is bearable may start scrubbing, may add baking soda and proceed to normal cleaning. May repeat procedure until burnt stains are satisfying removed.    

5. De-clog and deodorize drains

Oils, soaps residue and other organic material clogs and stinks a sink. Inexpensive solution is drain clog water, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar in to the drain. As chemical reaction subsides flush with hot water. Test by flushing cold water and repeat if necessary. Vinegar reduces odor-causing bacteria thus help in eliminating stinky sink smell. 

6. Dissolve and clean stains on faucet and showerheads

Remove soap scum, brines, water stains, and water-mineral stains on plumbing fixture vinegar solution. For stained faucets spray it with vinegar, cover with kitchen paper towel and spray the cover until soak through. Let it sit overnight or 2-4 hours, then clean as normal, may repeat until satisfied. To unclog showerheads, fill a plastic bag with one part water and one part vinegar. Place the showerhead inside, subsequently letting the vinegar bag dangle but secure it with rubber band or the likes. Let it soak overnight or 2-4 hours.

Solution and concentration in these cleaning tips are modeled from distilled or white vinegar, if one is using a different types might need to alter concentration. Keep separate containers of vinegar for cooking, for cleaning food and food items and another for general domestic cleaning, if possible, this is to prevent cross contamination.

With conscious effort to be short and simple, other uses will be featured in another post. If interested to learn more uses of this common, inexpensive and versatile culinary ingredient, vinegar, please do watch out for it.

Is this cleaning tip interesting? If you want to know more about this vinegar and its other non cooking uses or any cleaning hack please post your questions, inquiries and requests in the comment section below, and do not forget to follow. If you have tried these cleaning tips please share your experience and its result. And if you find this article lacking, please share why and please do post reactions, suggestions and corrections. And maybe follow to somehow help this blog post better content. Thank you!

As always keep safe and enjoy!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last Updated February 2017.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008.  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/

2. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia ( Vols. 9). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers.