How acedic is white vineger?

Answer 1

Vinegar acidic levels vary due processing and it's intended use here are the three main grades of vinegar the acidic range and uses

Vinegar for the Table

Food Grade has minor irritation on skin and easily diluted

Food grade white vinegar is between 3% to 5% acidity. The lower grade ideal for dressings and sauces while a higher acid grade 5% ideal for pickles, preserving and meat marinates. Note: 5% vinegar to one gallon water is ideal rinse for raw meats drawing out excess blood or the gamy taste in wild meats with poultry don't leave too long as will turn white or chemically cook due acid (old method create a hostile ph balance against food bacteria).

Vinegar For Kitchen Cleaning

Cleaning grade may cause irritation Gloves required to handle

Currently, there is cleaning grade white vinegar on the market about 6% to 10 % acidic level unsuitable for consumption but are finding there way on store shelves next to regular white vinegar it touts a 20% more effective cleaning rate. Note 6% white vinegar 1/2 cup to 1 gallon water makes a good veggie wash or rinse to remove wax and pesticides "for berries or soft fruits use food grade vinegar no longer than 15 minutes as they may turn to mush if soaked too long."

Vinegar for your Garden

Agricultural Grade required higher precautions (gloves, googles and respirator)

The most acidic White vinegar is agricultural vinegar with acidic rates 20% to 25% its use as a environmentally friendly herbicide used to kill poison ivy and weeds. Lower grade agricultural vinegar 10% -18% are diluted to treat fungi soil issues and alter soil PH levels for acid level loving plants such as cranberries or blueberries.

Agricultural grade vinegar breaks down within 2-3 days unless additives used to prolong duration up to 7 days these additives are usually for killing noxious weeds and too are environmentally friendly such as non-phosphorous liquid soap & table salt. Unlike commercial grade herbicides that traces may last years and threaten water tables and uncontrolled runoff dispersal due most commercial grades are oil based.