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Does Vinegar Disinfect?

Vinegar DOES disinfect.

More Info: Vinegar is a form of acetic acid. The vinegar sold in stores has an acetic acid content of 5%. It is this acid that kills bacteria. While vinegar can be a good disinfectant for general household use, it is not strong enough to kill all bacteria. Some benefits of vinegar as a disinfectant include the fact that it is non-toxic, the process of making vinegar is environmentally friendly, and it is inexpensive. Other disinfectants, such as bleach, are very harsh and can burn nasal membranes when inhaled. Vinegar is a gentler alternative.

How to Use Vinegar as a Disinfectant

There are many recipes for using vinegar as a disinfectant.

Cutting Board: You can wipe down your wood cutting board with
vinegar to kill germs.

Sink: Pour a cup of vinegar down your sink and let
it soak for about 30 minutes then rinse with cold water to deodorize your
drain.

Pet Odors: Remove pet odors by blotting the area with a
mixture of ¼-cup vinegar to a quart of water.

Floors: Mop your floors with a solution of ½-cup
vinegar in a gallon of water to make them clean and shiny.

Toilet: Disinfect your toilet by squirting straight
vinegar into the toilet bowl. 

Shower: Prevent mold and mildew from growing in your
shower by wiping the walls with a solution of water and vinegar. 

Cloth Diapers: You can get the smell out of cloth diapers by
adding ½ to 1 cup vinegar in the final rinse cycle when you wash them.