Vinegar has been used for cleaning for years. It is a safe, non-toxic cleaning aid. Many people use it to clean their kitchens and bathrooms. I've seen this used and wondered how effective it was at killing germs, bacteria, or disinfecting.
Some households swear by it, and I'm not saying it doesn't clean, but does it disinfect? I wouldn't feel comfortable using it on a cutting board where I'd just had raw chicken.
Many businesses are using vinegar now to clean thier restrooms and kitchens. I don't feel quite comfortable with this practice.
But I'm not finding any studies that are conclusive with scientific evidence that states it is a disinfectant.
There are articles all over the web quoting Michael Mullen of Heinz, but I couldn't find the origination of this from Heinz. Heinz (they make vinegar) spokesperson Michael Mullen states that a straight 5% solution of vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80% of germs (viruses). However, he also states Heinz can't claim that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company has not registered it as a pesticide with the EPA
Heloise claims it does, but still no scientific evidence, she wants to write a book about it. Seems this has been a question for many years. Read Heloise 48 interview here.
The Vinegar Institute doesn't make any claims, only that it deodorizes.
I did come across this study from the researchers at The University of North Carolina. It stated the commercial products killed almost all of the germs. The natural altenatives, vinegar and baking soda, paled in comparison, killing 90% or less of the germs. Well, maybe I have my anwer after all!
One study stated a solution of vinegar and bleach was effective in killing germs. Of course it would, bleach was used!
Vinegar can be used for 100's of things, but I will stick to a disinfectant to sanitize my kitchen where raw poultry, meats or eggs have been especially in the bathrooms. You don't have to use straight bleach and inhale the fumes, use the disinfectant wipes instead.
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Thanks for the post... I know that it does deodorize... but disinfect, again not sure. Hopefully someone will come up with the answer and post it here.
I'm with you -- not sure if it does not not -- but not overly comfortable about it.
Darren-I'm thinking it doesn't after the last info. I found about it.
Bob & Carolin-I don't like it being used in public areas.
White vinegar is very usefull for cleaning old glass bottles, stainless steel surfaces...but I wouldn't count on something I regard as "food" to disinfect. It's just the way my brain works. Julie
I agree with Julie above. It is a great cleaner, but a disinfectant? I wouldn't count on it myself!
Julie-I agree, I'll use clorox or lysol.
Nancy-I didn't think so either, and after finding the NC info, I tend to agree with what they say.
Hi Cindy,
I agree.....I would use clorax or lysol to disinfect.
Chris
Chris-I do, and will, not worth taking a chance.