Is Vinegar a Disinfectant? What It Can and Can't Do

Vinegar is popular in natural cleaning, and for good reason. It's cheap, effective on many messes and safe on lots of surfaces. But there's a common misunderstanding: many people believe vinegar disinfects like bleach or other disinfectants. It doesn't, at least not reliably.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

• Cleaning removes dirt, grease and some germs from surfaces.
• Disinfecting kills most germs on a surface, when a registered product is used exactly as directed.

Vinegar is great for cleaning. It is not registered with the EPA as a disinfectant, so it shouldn't be relied on to kill germs.

What Vinegar Does Well

• Removes hard water spots and mineral deposits
• Cuts soap scum
• Cleans glass and mirrors
• Removes some odors
• Descales coffee makers and showerheads

When You Need a Real Disinfectant

• After handling raw meat, poultry or eggs on counters
• Bathroom surfaces such as toilet handles and seats
• When someone in the home is sick
• High-touch surfaces like doorknobs during cold and flu season

Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow the label, including the contact time (how long the surface must stay wet).

Clean First, Then Disinfect

Disinfectants work best on clean surfaces. Clean with soap and water (or vinegar where appropriate), then disinfect.

Safety Reminder

Never mix vinegar with bleach. It creates toxic chlorine gas.

FAQ

Is cleaning vinegar stronger? Yes, it's slightly more acidic, but it still isn't a registered disinfectant.

Is hydrogen peroxide better? Some hydrogen peroxide products are registered disinfectants. Check the label.