The Right Way to Clean with Vinegar (According to Science)
We love cleaning with vinegar because it’s simple and allows us to ditch those toxic conventional cleaners.
However, if you’re cleaning with basic store bought vinegar, it isn’t actually disinfecting properly.
Most people use basic 5% white vinegar to clean — but the 2020 peer-reviewed study published in BMC Microbiology found that 5% vinegar alone isn’t reliably effective as a disinfectant.
Don’t worry though, we’ve got a simple solution.
By using 30% vinegar, diluted with water and optional citric acid and essential oils, we’ve got the perfect non-toxic disinfectant that actually works.
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“The results suggest that acetic acid (vinegar) does not have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms in a dosage that is commonly used for cleaning. Our results show a disinfecting effect of acetic acid in a concentration of at least 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid against a variety of microorganisms.”
To actually kill bacteria, fungi, and even viruses, the study found you need:
- 10% acetic acid
- + 1.5% citric acid (optional, but enhances effectiveness)
- With at least 5 minutes of contact time
Since store-bought options are typically 5% vinegar, you will need to buy a stronger version and dilute it.
Here is what to do:
🧪 Step-by-Step: How to Truly Use Vinegar for Effective Cleaning
1. Buy 30% Cleaning Vinegar
Grab a bottle of 30% vinegar off Amazon. You can also find it at major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes.
2. Dilute to 10% (Study-Backed Strength)
Mix 1 part 30% vinegar with 2 parts water to create a 10% solution that matches what was proven effective in the study.
Example Recipe:
- 1 cup 30% vinegar
- 2 cups water
→ Makes 3 cups of 10% vinegar solution
3. Optional: Add Citric Acid for Extra Power
For enhanced disinfection (especially against tougher bacteria like S. aureus and MRSA), add:
- 1 tablespoon citric acid per cup of your final 10% solution
(Stir well until dissolved)
The Complete Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 30% vinegar
- 2 cups water (preferably distilled water)
- Optional: 1 Tbsp of citric acid
- Optional: Essential oil
Essential Oil Guide:
Important: Shake well before each use!
What This Cleaner Can (& Can’t) Do
This solution is classified as a disinfectant and can be used for everyday cleaning around the home
What it can kill:
- Common household bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Staph)
- Some enveloped viruses
- Household molds and fungi
- Specific pathogens targeted by chosen essential oils
What it can’t kill:
- Bacterial spores (C. difficile)
- Hardy non-enveloped viruses (norovirus)
- High-risk contamination (raw meat juices, bodily fluids)
- Not as effective as commercial/hospital-grade disinfectants
This vinegar recipe is still a powerful disinfectant for everyday household use, and many of the pathogens it can’t kill, most standard household cleaners can’t either—only specialized hospital-grade cleaners can kill those super resistant organisms. It performed similar to many household-grade disinfectants in the study.
Proper Storage and Usage
Storage Tips
- Pour your solution into a labeled spray bottle.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store away from sunlight and heat
- This recipe is good for 3-5 months
How to Use
- Spray on non-porous surfaces.
- Let sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping.
- Do not mix with bleach or ammonia!
Avoid Using On:
- Natural stone (marble, granite, limestone)
- Unsealed wood
- Some metals (cast iron, aluminum)
- Electronic screens
- Waxed surfaces
