Is White Vinegar Antibacterial? How It Kills Germs?

Ancient records (dating back to 5000 BC) document the use of vinegar as a cleaning agent by Sumerians, a civilisation of ancient Babylonia. They started using it when it was found that the solution slowed or stopped the production of bacteria & worked great as a preservative. Today, many reputed brands provide white vinegar in bulk for house cleaning because it is natural, non-toxic and effective. You can degrease and sanitise almost every household surface or fixture. Even professionals performing home or end of lease cleaning in Melbourne use such organic products to clean residential properties sustainably. Thus, if you want to start using white vinegar in your home, here is your complete guide outlining everything your need to know. Read on to find out vinegar’s composition, if it is anti-bacterial, how it kills germs & more useful insights.

Composition of White Vinegar

White vinegar is a culinary staple because it adds acidity to dishes. It’s the solution’s acidity that makes it a potent cleaning agent as well. Usually, white vinegar has 4-7% acetic acid and 93-97% water. Its pH is between 2-3 depending on the amount of acetic acid, which can be higher in distilled or cleaning vinegar. Thus, the amount of acid in vinegar is variable, and to find a potent solution for house cleaning or end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, look at the label for ingredients and acidic value.

Is White Vinegar Antibacterial?

White vinegar is anti-bacterial as it can kill some food-borne and other bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes on household surfaces. Compared to commercial disinfectants, it is less effective and takes longer to kill germs, meaning if you want to make your home germ-free, you shouldn’t rely on white vinegar too much. A disinfectant should kill 99.99% of pathogens on a surface, and vinegar cannot. It is a great cleaner, and you can use it to make a homemade solution to pre-clean surfaces before disinfecting for routine home sanitation or end of lease cleaning in Melbourne.

How Does White Vinegar Kill Germs?

Do you know white vinegar can kill mould if you give it enough dwell time? Similarly, it can eliminate dirt, grime, stains and germs from household surfaces when you leave it for at least 10-15 minutes. White vinegar kills germs by destroying bacteria, viruses and fungi cell structures. The acid chemically changes the bonds of proteins and fats of these pathogens, which is why it can remove them naturally. Undiluted white vinegar is better at removing germs because the concentration of acetic acid is unchanged. Thus, if possible, use the undiluted solution to clean and sanitise household surfaces and fixtures.

How To Use White Vinegar For Cleaning?

White vinegar is anti-bacterial and removes certain germs, but it works best against dirt, grime, stains, streaks, spots etc. Here are different ways you can use white vinegar for house cleaning.

In a spray bottle, mix vinegar with dishwashing liquid and some water. Add a few drops of an antimicrobial essential oil. Use this solution to wash almost any surface or fixture in your home.

Spray undiluted white vinegar on tiles, grouts, toilets, sinks and other areas with hard water stains, mould or grime. Let the solution dwell for 2-3 hours, then wash with soap and water. Scrub with a soft sponge or brush to remove all the gunk.

Mix 50% water with 50% white vinegar to wipe the refrigerator, appliances, cabinets, doors, windows and other fixtures.

Unclog & clean drains by pouring a cup of hot vinegar. Put a cup of baking soda first, then the vinegar for better results. Wash everything with boiling water.

Sanitise the dishwasher by running a hot water cycle with vinegar every few days. White vinegar will loosen any food bits, grime and grease from dirty dishes, and the hot water will wash them away.

Clean the microwave by heating a mixture of white vinegar, lemon juice and water in a bowl for 2-3 minutes. Let the solution steam the inside, and after 5 minutes, open the microwave and wipe with a paper towel/microfiber cloth.

Make a floor cleaner for wooden, tiled or other hard floors. Mix a cup of white vinegar in half bucket of water. Add a few drops of an organic detergent or baking soda. Mop the floors with this solution.

Caution: While cleaning with vinegar, avoid applying it on marble, granite, sandstone or any other natural stone surface. Since they are porous, the vinegar is absorbed in the surface, and it then erodes it, causing irreversible damage.

The Bottom Line

White vinegar is a versatile sanitiser that works as a cleaner the best. It can work as a disinfectant but needs time and repeated application. Therefore, use it to pre-clean surfaces before applying a commercial disinfectant. Also, if you are ending a tenancy, hire professionals performing end of lease cleaning in Melbourne to get your bond back or use the insights above to clean the rental property naturally.