Cleaning vinegar is a stronger version of white vinegar, usually containing 6% acetic acid, compared to 4–5% in food-grade vinegar. It’s used as a natural cleaner for surfaces, glass, and mildew without synthetic chemicals.
✅ Key Features
Feature
Details
Acetic Acid Content
6% (vs. 4–5% in food vinegar)
Fragrance-Free
✅ Yes – no added parfum
Chemical-Free
✅ No dyes, synthetic surfactants, or preservatives
Biodegradable
✅ Yes
Multipurpose
✅ Used for limescale, odour, glass, mildew, toilets, and fabric softening
Non-toxic (in general use)
✅ Yes – safer than bleach or ammonia
⚠️ Considerations for Sensitive Users (MCAS, MCS, Salicylate Sensitivity)
Concern
Assessment
MCAS / Chemical Sensitivity
⚠️ Strong smell may trigger reactions even though it’s natural. Use with caution, dilute well, ventilate area
Asthma / Respiratory
⚠️ May irritate airways due to acetic acid fumes
Salicylate Sensitivity
✅ Vinegar (especially white/cleaning vinegar) is low in salicylates
Skin Contact
⚠️ Can irritate eczema or broken skin – wear gloves
Surface Safety
❌ Not suitable for granite, marble, natural stone, or some wood finishes
🧪 Do Not Mix With
Bleach → Produces toxic chlorine gas
Hydrogen peroxide (in same container) → Can form corrosive peracetic acid
Bicarb in sealed container → Can explode due to CO₂ buildup
🧽 Safe Cleaning Uses (Diluted or Ventilated)
Use
How to Use
Glass + Mirrors
1 part vinegar + 1 part water
Toilet Descaler
Pour ½ cup + let sit overnight
Laundry Rinse
¼ cup in rinse cycle (fragrance-free softener)
Odour Removal
Soak items (diluted), or spray lightly (air out well)
Mould/Mildew
Undiluted spray on tiles – test surface first
General Surface
Mix with water in spray bottle – test on delicate surfaces
✅ Best for:
Low-tox cleaning routines
Salicylate-sensitive households
Avoiding synthetic chemicals
Glass, chrome, tiles, some plastics
❌ Not ideal for:
Highly smell-sensitive users (use ENJO, Abode, or Herbon instead)
Asthma or MCAS flaring during exposure
Stone surfaces or unsealed wood
📄 Disclaimer
This guide was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, based on publicly available safety and cleaning data. While cleaning vinegar is fragrance-free and generally low-reactivity, the strong odour of acetic acid can still cause discomfort or flare-ups in individuals with MCAS, asthma, or chemical sensitivity. Always test on a small surface and ensure proper ventilation. This guide does not replace medical or professional cleaning advice.
