Have you ever been in a big box store, or shopping on Amazon for a new cleaning solution? There are so many options to look at, so many different brands, you probably wondered which one was best for you.
Even though there are lots of complicated formulas among different types of household cleaners, there’s one that likely every household has at the ready and has the properties to clean pretty much anything you throw at it.
That’s right, we’re talking about distilled white vinegar.
Vinegar remains one of the most popular household cleaning solutions. Why is vinegar such a great option, and how can it help you? Learn more below.
First Off, What Is Vinegar?
Vinegar is the colloquial name for an aqueous solution called “acetic acid.”
While white vinegar does not have any flavor in it, there are other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, that may contain additional compounds which add flavor.
Vinegar is a common compound in a variety of recipes and is also often used as a cleaning solution for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties.
A typical solution of vinegar contains about 90 to 95 percent water and 5 to 10 percent acetic acid.
How Is Vinegar Made?
There are a variety of methods used to make vinegar; however, it is typically made through the fermentation of ethanol or sugars through acetic acid bacteria.
When bacteria are used to break down alcohol and sugars, they produce acetic acid as a byproduct. Then, this acetic acid is combined with water to create what we all know as vinegar.
After this, certain flavors might be added to vinegar to create rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and a variety of other solutions. If there aren’t any flavors added to the solution, then it is white vinegar or distilled vinegar.
Ultimately, it’s the acetic acid in vinegar that makes it such an effective household cleaner.
What Makes Vinegar a Good Cleaning Solution?
There are numerous ways vinegar can be applied as a cleaning solution.
For example, vinegar is particularly effective at removing soap scum from bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Because of its abundant acidic compounds, it is very effective by dissolving sticky, adhesive, or viscous compounds. For example, hard water can leave behind a dirty brine that is difficult to remove. Vinegar works well at removing this brine, making surfaces look as good as new.
If there is residue left behind by stickers, vinegar can be used to remove this as well.
Vinegar is also commonly used to clean windows and mirrors. Vinegar is great at removing dust, dirt, and debris from glass surfaces. It is a good idea to use a soft cloth to wipe down glass surfaces to prevent streaks from forming.
Does Vinegar Have Disinfectant Properties?
Along with surface cleaning, vinegar also had various disinfectant properties that make it a valuable kitchen cleaner.
It can work well at removing certain types of mold, mildew, and bacteria, however, it is not a particularly powerful disinfectant. In order for something to be labeled a disinfectant, and needs to be capable of killing 99.9 percent of all germs that might cause diseases.
Vinegar does not meet the standard, so it is not considered a “true” disinfectant.
Contact Maid Zen Cleaning Services for Help with Your Household Cleaning!
Vinegar is a great cleaning solution for a wide variety of reasons. At the same time, if you want to get the most out of your cleaning products, you should rely on professionals who have the experience to help you. At Maid Zen Cleaning Services, we use the best, strongest, and most eco-friendly cleaning solutions to make sure your house is as clean as possible when we are done.
Allow us to leverage our experience and cleaning solutions to help you! Contact us today to learn more about our services!
