How Long Does Vinegar Last?

The shelf life of vinegar is almost indefinite, according to The Vinegar Institute's research studies. The Vinegar Institute is an association of North American vinegar manufacturers. Because of vinegar's acid nature it is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White Vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time. Some changes can be observed in other types of vinegars, such as colour changes or the development of a haze or sediment. This is, however, only an aesthetic change. The product can still be used with confidence.

After a bottle of vinegar has been opened in your home for a long time you may notice 'mother' of vinegar floating on top of the liquid. It is a thick opaque substance that is actually cellulose - a natural carbohydrate that is the fiber in foods, similar to celery and lettuce. Mother is a naturally occurring process that is produced by the harmless vinegar bacteria. Manufacturers pasteurize vinegar before bottling to prevent the vinegar bacteria from forming mother while sitting on grocery store shelves. However, mother may appear in vinegar that has been opened for an extended period of time.

Is Vinegar Safe for the Environment and My Family?

Vinegar is a natural organic bi-product of fruits, vegetables and grains. It is therefore edible and biodegradable. It is 'The Perfect Household Cleaner'™ for your family because it is very safe for the environment, for family members, especially those with asthma, and around young children. It is also a very effective and amazingly versatile household cleaner that is inexpensive to use.
Vinegar is a safe, all-natural cleaning product. It doesn't contain harmful toxic chemicals, so if in the course of normal household cleaning you 'pour it down the drain' its impact on municipal sewer and water treatment systems is just like any food product.
Regular store bought white vinegar has no real affect on the environment.

What are the Advantages of Using White Vinegar for Cleaning?

Consumers who used white vinegar in their home for cleaning in an in-home usage test in 2003 report the following advantages and benefits of white vinegar:

Vinegar's acetic properties make it 'The Perfect Household Cleaner.'™ Vinegar has been prized for generations for its usefulness as a stain remover, mildew eliminator, soap scum dissolver, chrome polisher, lime descaler, fabric softener, room deodorizer and as an unclogging agent.

Is This Really New? Doesn't Everyone Know That You Can Clean with Vinegar?

While most Canadians recognize that vinegar has been a prized household cleaner for generations, many of us don't realize the extent to which vinegar can be used for cleaning around the house.

Canadians' identified carpet stains, dirty microwaves, mold, and fingerprints on stainless steel appliances as some of their top cleaning problems - all of which are easily and safely solved with simple vinegar.

What About the Smell of Cleaning with Vinegar?

While vinegar does have a distinct odour, it's a clean smell that dissipates quickly

How Can White Vinegar be Used to Clean My House?

You'll be amazed at how convenient it is to use white vinegar as an all-round household cleaner. Simply pour full-strength white vinegar into a trigger spray bottle and you are ready to tackle most soiled surfaces around your house. Hold the trigger spray bottle 15 - 20 cm (6 - 8") away from the soiled surface, spray, and then wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. There is no need to rinse. Leave the vinegar trigger-spray bottle under your sink or in your cleaning bucket so it is ready to clean when you are.

Vinegar's acetic properties make it 'The Perfect Household Cleaner'™ for the following types of cleaning tasks:

Follow the many easy cleaning tips in this web site and you will be amazed at how well vinegar works! Visit us often for seasonal cleaning tips.

How Effective is Cleaning with Vinegar?

Vinegar is an effective cleaner in removing soils and mineral deposits such as hard water films, from almost every surface of your home leaving behind a fresh scent. It is also well known for its antimicrobial properties. Microorganisms are present everywhere - hair, skin, countertops, food surfaces etc. and are easily transferred from one source to another. Most microorganisms do not pose a threat to human safety if kept at reduced levels. Microbiological studies have shown significant bacterial reduction after cleaning surfaces with 5% acetic acid (household vinegar) as directed. It is effective against a broad range of bacteria reducing and retarding the growth of these organisms to an acceptable level for safety.
Vinegar provides assurance in being able to clean the surface, reduce microbes, and by offering an inexpensive and non-toxic alternative to clean your home. The versatility of vinegar will give you and your family an added sense of confidence and cleanliness.

How Does Cleaning with Vinegar Save Consumers Money?

If you have an average of 10 different cleaning products in your home - think window cleaners, deodorizers, mildew removers, kitchen cleaners and more - that's approximately $40 worth of cleaners, whereas a 4 L bottle of white vinegar costs between $1.79 and $2.39 and works just as well!

Is Cleaning with Vinegar as Convenient as Cleaning with Other Household Cleaning Products?

Because 97 per cent of us already stock vinegar in our homes, it is a very convenient choice of cleaning products. And, since vinegar doesn't leave behind a residue like many other cleaning products, there is no need to waste time rinsing.

You can make cleaning with vinegar even easier by keeping it in a handy trigger spray bottle. Simply pour vinegar into the spray bottle and, because it is safe for children, you can store it in convenient locations such as under the kitchen sink, on a bathroom shelf and in the laundry room.

It Seems Like you are Bucking the Current Trend in Household Cleaning Products?

Whether it's disposable glass cleaning 'wipes' or flushable toilet brushes, the current trend in household cleaners is to disposable, expensive cleaning products that also produce unnecessary waste.

Vinegar is an all-in-one, versatile household cleaner that safely and economically cleans and deodorizes every room in the house.

Will Vinegar Harm My Eyes?

Vinegar will sting your eyes if sprayed directly into them, so direct contact with eyes should be avoided. Vinegar will not, however, cause any short or long-term damage to your eyes