http://www.care2.com/greenliving/vinegar-kills-bacteria-mold-germs.html
Vinegar Kills Bacteria, Mold and Germs
Vinegar is a mainstay of the old folk recipes for cleaning, and with good reason. The vim of the vinegar is that it kills bacteria, mold and germs.
Heinz company spokesperson Michael Mullen references numerous studies to show that a straight 5 percent solution of vinegar—thekind you can buy in the supermarket—kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). He noted that Heinz can’t claim on their packaging that vinegar is a disinfectant since the company has not registered it as a pesticide with the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it seems to be common knowledge in the industry that vinegar is powerfully antibacterial. Even the CBS news show “48 Hours” had a special years ago with Heloise reporting on tests from The Good Housekeeping Institute that showed this.
Just like antibiotics, common disinfectants found in sponges and household sprays may contribute to drug resistant bacteria, according to researchers of drug resistance at Tufts New England Medical Center. Furthermore, research at the Government Accounting Office shows that many commercial disinfectants are ineffective to begin with, just like antibiotics.
Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board, and in your bathroom, and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse, but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.
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77 comments
add your comment »This is surprising thread for me. I started usingf vinegar to clean my cutting board without researching its properties. Figured since it lasts forever and isn't refrigerated it could be used as a anti-bacterial
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why is this inappropriate?
ok thanks, yea I figured white would be best but just checking. I actually use the raw apple cider vinegar in my hair as it works great for conditioning! It doesn't leave a smell once it dries.
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Vinessa -- Apple vinegar has enough pigment to possibly stain, but it is yummy to cook with. I buy my vinegar to use for cleaning by the gallon, for less than $3.
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I agree, generic white vinegar in gallon jugs (some are even more than a gallon) works well.
Another tip: spraying straight vinegar on weeds in the heat of summer when they are thirsty is a good weed killer.
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I don't think it matters but for cleaning purposes I use the cheap white vinegar in gallon jugs. I use organic apple cider or rice for food.
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why is this inappropriate?
I'm curious does it matter if it's distilled, white, apple cider.? I'm assuming white vinegar..
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Can you provide us with references for any scientific studies that show that a straight 5 percent solution of vinegar—thekind you can buy in the supermarket—kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses)."?
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Vinegar can be used as a 'toner' after cleansing of the face and before applying moisturizer.
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I have also discovered that in addition to cleaning the house, rice vinegar is also very effective in curing many skin infections--works as both antibacterial as well as antifungal solution.
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is it possible that the air condition can be making me sick with respiratory problems? i am renting condo whose owner used half and half of vinegar and water in the air condition.
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