Distilled Vinegar

A clear liquid that is found in every kitchen and cleaning closets! Any guesses, what it is? We also know it by its common name: Pure white vinegar. Also known as distilled vinegar, this is a clear aqueous solution containing about 5% acetic acid. It is usually made from fermented corn or rice, through a process of anaerobic fermentation. After fermentation, the alcohol content yielded is converted to acetic acid. This conversion is aided by acetobacter bacteria. And the final product produced is acetic acid which is the only and main ingredient. Precisely, this liquid is the purest form of corn alcohol. Besides rice, wheat, rye and barley can be used for making this clear solution. Vegetables with a good amount of starch content (like potatoes and beet) can also be used for making it.

Uses of Distilled Vinegar

Home Cleaning
When you think about your house cleaning and there is no commercial cleaner product in your home (wrong timing!), don't worry! Distilled vinegar for cleaning is all that you need. Stroppy stains from doors, window panes, walls and furniture can be removed in a jiffy, using a sponge soaked with concentrated vinegar. Even sinks coated with soap residues and static clings can be cleaned effectively with this liquid. It can be used for cleaning and disinfecting countertops, appliances, vinyl/ceramic floors, toilets and bathrooms. When used as a disinfectant, this liquid kills mildew and mold. And yes, if you do not have a fabric softener, you can put some diluted form of this liquid in laundry machines. It removes laundry stains and also brightens up the fabric look. Cleaning dishwashers and hardwood floors with vinegar are quite trenchant ways of easing down your daily household chores! (Now isn't that a good news?)

Cooking
Distilled vinegar is an all-purpose liquid. It is a major constituent in making other herb/berry flavored vinegars that are condiments used in foods and delectable sauces. Vinaigrettes, used for seasoning contain it. Many chefs use this liquid for tenderizing tough meat for marinating, boiling or stewing. Dips, chutneys, pickled vegetables, pickles, salad dressings and marinades contain this. And not to miss on an interesting fact, that if your vegetables are wilted, try putting them in a solution containing cold water and this pure white vinegar and the vegetables will attain a fresh look!

Gardening
Distilled vinegar is a welcome news for all the gardeners out there. A concentrated form of this solution will aid in extermination of mealybugs, weeds and grass that are eating up the life of your garden. Ant beds can also dispersed by spraying it. If you want to preserve your bouquets, just add a solution of sugar and vinegar in the vase and your flowers will adorn a fresh chic appearance!

Pet Care
Are your pets creating ruckus by scratching walls, furniture and carpets? Just spray the vinegar in the necessary places and save yourself the troubles! This liquid is an animal deterrent, commonly used in cleaning animal cages (of rabbits, hamsters and birds). Also it neutralizes ammonia smell of pet urine. Many pets (like dogs and cats) have some annoying habits like, chewing things and constantly itching one's ears. All you need to do is apply this solution containing water and alcohol additionally, on fur coats of your pets. Not only the fur coats of your pets remain healthy, but also remain clean and glossy!

Pest Control
Ants, crawling insects, slugs and mealybugs not only freak you out but also can pose a menace to your garden. All you need is a strong pesticide and you have it! Spray concentrated vinegar on these insects and they will dread to enter your yards or gardens again! If your kitchen is infested with flies feasting on your food, getting rid of fruit flies with vinegar is your solution!

Personal Care
Distilled vinegar health benefits are many, as it has antibacterial properties. Soaking your toothbrush in it will help in killing all the germs and bacteria infested in your personal toiletries. For a sparkling white teeth, brush your teeth with vinegar, once a week. On medical grounds, distilled vinegar for toenail fungus, nosebleeds, nausea, nasal congestion and muscle cramps is an effective treatment. For curing toenail fungus or athlete's foot, all you have to do is prepare a lukewarm solution of pure white vinegar and water. Soaking feet in vinegar for 10-15 minutes will fetch you the desired results. Apart from this, white vinegar for dandruff and head lice is quite effectual in hair treatment. Rinsing hair with diluted solution will get you the desired results. Besides, your hair will get a shiny look!

White vinegar when prepared fresh is always a gluten-free. For people who are not aware of what gluten means, here you go! Gluten is a composite substance made up of proteins (glutenin and gliadin). These proteins are found in the starch content of grains like wheat, barley and rye. Although these grains are gluten rich by nature, the distillation of alcohol produced during the making of this pure white vinegar (before conversion to acetic acid), removes the gluten content, thereby making the end product gluten-free. So if you are interested in making white vinegar at home, then just mix acetic acid (4-7% concentrated) with distilled water. This versatile and economical product will actually save you a bounty which you might have spent on costly cleaners, dog shampoos, pesticides and medicines.