How to Make Mother of Vinegar

Mother of vinegar is a substance that forms in fermenting alcoholic liquids. It occurs naturally and is actually cellulose that forms from bacteria. You can make your own vinegar with the mother of vinegar in it at home. There are a few things you need to do in order for the mother of vinegar to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Gallon jug
• Vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Spoon
• Cheesecloth
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Fill a gallon container 1/4 full with vinegar.

2. Add apple cider to the gallon container until it is full.

3. Mix the two ingredients together.

4. Place a piece of cheesecloth over the opening to the gallon container. Secure it in place with a rubber band. This allows oxygen in but stops any dust or insects from getting in.

5. Set the gallon container in a place where it will remain above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The mother of vinegar cannot form in temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Wait three to nine months until the mother of vinegar has formed and the apple cider vinegar is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are ready to use the vinegar, you can filter out the mother of vinegar with a coffee filter.

• The homemade vinegar will be very strong. You can dilute it with water to make it taste more like store-bought vinegar.

• Never make mother of vinegar in a metal container. The acid in the vinegar will corrode the metal.

References

• Countryside Magazine: How to Make Vinegar
• The Vinegar Institute: Frequently Asked Questions
• Earth Clinic: How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar