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Vinegar is one of the most popular cleaning products. We use it to clean windows, deep clean toilets and appliances, and it even has a place in the garden for killing weeds.But this versatile product can easily be confused, so I asked cleaning pros what the difference is between cleaning vinegar and white distilled vinegar, and how they should be used.Cleaning vinegar vs white distilled vinegar
(Image credit: Shutterstock)“Cleaning vinegar in its simplest form is a stronger acidic vinegar than white vinegar,” explains Sara Aparacio, resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow.“Most bottles and descriptions list cleaning vinegar as having around 6% acetic acid and white vinegar as 5%. That 1% might not sound like a whole lot, but when you’re using it, you can really see and feel the 20% increase in concentration.”Food safe vs non-food safe
(Image credit: Shutterstock)But it isn’t just the strength that differs. “White vinegar is often suitable for pickling; cleaning vinegar isn’t made to a food-safe standard and contains impurities and additives that aren’t meant to be consumed,” explains Aparacio.And that’s why cleaning vinegar should never be placed in your pantry by mistake.Katie Lambert, owner of Clean Queen of Denver, explains that it has not been through the distillation process, so it still contains impurities that are usually removed from white vinegar.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.To reiterate, she says, “Cleaning vinegar cannot be used to cook, because the acidity is too high and there are impurities and additives that make it unsafe for consumption.”Although there are obvious differences when comparing each vinegar’s label information, Aparacio says the differences are much clearer when it comes to their cleaning power.Which type of vinegar can be used for cleaning?Both cleaning vinegar and distilled white vinegar can be used for cleaning, but Lambert warns against using other types. “Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar can leave stains, rice vinegar leaves a sticky finish, and malt vinegar smells terrible and can stain surfaces.”How to use cleaning and white vinegar
