The Germ-Killing Characteristics of Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural germ-killing substance.

Having been around for more than 10,000 years, vinegar is not only useful in the kitchen but throughout the entire home. As the Vinegar Institute states, what started as wine that had gone sour turned into a substance that could be made from many different fruits, vegetables and grains. With its nutritional and cleaning properties, vinegar has become a staple in many households.

Chemical Reactions of Vinegar

The acidic smell and taste of vinegar is given off by the elements that make the liquid an excellent disinfectant. According to apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com, vinegar is created through two fermentation processes. The first is alcoholic fermentation, where sugars are turned into alcohol. The second is acid fermentation, where the alcohol is turned into a germ-killing acid.

Vinegar Vs. Dangerous Germs

According to a study completed by the University of Florida and found in the National Center of Biotechnology Information, the acidic elements of vinegar were found to be successful in killing E coli, Salmonella and the poliovirus. In the study, viruses found in strawberries were reduced by a calculated 90 percent to 95 percent when using a vinegar rinse.

Vinegar Vs. Mold

Due to its acidic nature, vinegar is a natural substance that can kill mold or other fungi found in the home. According to the WebMd article, "Ready to Make Your Home and Yard More Eco-Friendly?" store-bought vinegar's 5 percent acidic concentrate is ideal for killing molds by spraying the vinegar directly on the problem areas.

Vinegar Vs. Lice

By rinsing the scalp with vinegar, it is possible to kill lice. The Head Lice Center indicates that the acetic acid found in vinegar can break up the shells of lice eggs and the sticky substance that keeps eggs attached to the scalp. After shampooing, rinse the hair with vinegar and then comb through the hair to remove eggs.

References

• The Vinegar Institute: Vinegar Lore
• apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com: Properties of Vinegar
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Reduction of Poliovirus 1, Bacteriophages, Salmonella Montevideo and Escherichia Coli O157:H7 on Strawberries by Physical and Disinfectant Washes.
• WebMd:Ready to Make Your Home and Yard More Eco-Friendly?
• Head Lice Center: Head Lice Vinegar Treatment