Why you should stop using vinegar and start using rubbing alcohol to clean.
Updated: Sep 27, 2021
By ALEXIS ROCHESTER
Vinegar has been a trendy cleaning product online the last few years.
You will see bloggers using it as a natural cleaner to clean everything in their home, and it sounds like a good idea, but it is NOT!
Here’s why.
Vinegar is an Acid
Vinegar is acidic. Regular household vinegar you purchase at the store has 5% acidity.
Using vinegar will damage certain surfaces overtime.
Do not use vinegar on natural stone surfaces (like marble or granite), grout or stained wood.
Vinegar Doesn’t Disinfect
Vinegar is not a disinfectant, so if you have been using it to disinfect surfaces, you aren’t getting any benefit!
You can read our complete guide to vinegar in this post. We break down everything you need to know about using it plus safety tips like never mixing with hydrogen peroxide (which is very dangerous), surfaces to avoid and proper storage.
Vinegar Does Have Specific Uses Around the Home
If used properly, vinegar has some fantastic uses around the home. Due to the acidity, it is great for water build up, ceramic surfaces in a bathroom and carpet cleaning.
Here are some articles on using vinegar properly
So, what CAN you use as an all-purpose cleaner around the home?
If you love mixing your own cleaners, I recommend using 70% rubbing alcohol. This solution is all-purpose compared to vinegar.
It cleans well, and it can also be used to disinfect!
One of our most popular posts on Chemistry Cachet is our lemon infused rubbing alcohol which is great for mixing into homemade cleaners like our DIY all-purpose cleaner from the eBook. Or you can use it straight for a disinfectant.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post!
Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger and founder of Chemistry Cachet. She shares science-based skin care, cleaning, gardening and health tips. She was diagnosed with RA at age 10, so she has a passion for pain management tips and research, along with sharing her journey through this disease. When she’s not writing for Chemistry Cachet, she is taking Pilates or Barre classes, and also received her Barre teaching certification this year! She grew up in Stephenville and recently moved back with her daughter, husband and bulldog. You can find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.
