Vinegar Vs Apple Cider Vinegar: Which Is Better For Cleaning & Deodorizing

It is widely accepted that vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool, but how do you know the best type of vinegar to use? White vinegar is the most common vinegar for cleaning, but many people also use apple cider vinegar. So what's the difference? White vinegar is a distilled vinegar derived from grain alcohol. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like: a vinegar made from apples. Generally, they both have an acidity of 5%, which is what helps with cleaning applications.

Both types of vinegar can be used to dissolve dirt, grease, and grime, descale, and even soften clothing. The acids in vinegar are safe for a range of surfaces, including glass, windows, brass, copper, and tiles. Essentially, the two products have the same cleaning and deodorizing power. However, distilled white vinegar has some benefits, especially if you choose to use cleaning vinegar, which has an acidity of 6%, making it a more powerful cleaner.

Vinegar can effectively improve the appearance of surfaces, especially if they are clouded in grease or limescale. It can also be effective in deodorizing stubborn odors. The acid in the vinegar works to gently lift alkaline-based stains and odors without causing damage. Because cleaning vinegar has a higher level of acidity, it is generally considered a stronger cleaner than apple cider vinegar. In addition, distilled white vinegar is colorless, so there is no chance of staining, especially for laundry applications.

It is recommended to use cleaning vinegar to remove debris from hard or sealed surfaces, such as plastic, grout, porcelain, metal, stainless, painted wood, stone, or ceramic. However, there are some downsides to cleaning with vinegar. For example, it may not disinfect surfaces. Plus, it has a rather strong smell that can bother some people when using it to clean. The smell will go away completely with time, though.

Apple cider vinegar is just as effective at cleaning as the distilled white vinegar that is used in cooking. However, it is slightly less effective at cleaning grime and grease from surfaces than cleaning vinegar. Plus, there are definitely some jobs that apple cider vinegar is not suited for. For example, you will want to avoid cleaning hardwood floors with this type of vinegar. That being said, many people prefer to use apple cider vinegar for deodorizing because the pungent smell is not as strong. When deodorizing clothing, keep in mind that apple cider vinegar is not colorless, so it could stain the fabrics. 

Apple cider vinegar also has other uses around the house than just cleaning surfaces. It can also keep your home clean by ridding it of pests. The sweet scent of apple cider vinegar can be used to attract fruit flies, creating a trap when mixed with dish soap and water. In addition, it can keep fleas off your pets if you make a diluted spray for their fur.