The research: When the study team exposed several drug-resistant types of dangerous bacteria to a 6% solution of acetic acid for 30 minutes, the numbers of the bacteria dropped to undetectable levels. The active ingredient in vinegar may have the ability to “pass the bacteria membrane,” explains study coauthor Howard Takiff, MD, of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research. Once inside the membrane, the vinegar component could raises the pH levels to a point where the bacteria can’t survive, Dr. Takiff hypothesizes. What it means: While most store-bought white vinegars contain 5% acetic acid—probably not enough to eradicate the disease-causing bacteria used in the study—that should still be enough acid to kill many types of household bacteria, Dr. Takiff says. While his research doesn’t compare white vinegar’s disinfectant properties to those of commercial cleaners, he says they both kill bacteria while neither is powerful enough to sterilize. The bottom line: “Vinegar has been used as a disinfectant at least since the Roman times,” Dr. Takiff says. And while higher concentrations of acetic acid may eventually be used as a surgical disinfectant, he says you can use store-bought white vinegar as a cheap and non-toxic cleanser in your home. Wipe white vinegar onto dirty surfaces and give it 20 minutes to kill bacteria, Dr. Takiff suggests. More from Prevention: 8 Amazing New Uses For Vinegar
