How Does Vinegar Cut Grease?
Vinegar is a household staple that’s often available and affordable. It also offers a natural and environmentally friendly way to clean many items in the kitchen, including stoves and pans. It’s even effective at removing tough caked-on grease stains from metal surfaces. However, some surfaces should be avoided when cleaning with vinegar. Vinegar’s acidic nature can damage surfaces if used at full strength or with the wrong cleaner. It can also stain some fabrics.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps it cut through oil and grease. The acetic acid breaks down greasy substances so they can be washed away more easily with soap and water. It can also deodorize many kitchen items and help kill bacteria. It’s also an important part of certain marinades and sauces, helping to tenderize meats and vegetables. The acid in vinegar also works as a leavening agent when mixed with baking soda in recipes for baked goods, such as cakes and muffins.
Unlike most foods, vinegar does not rot. It is produced by the oxidation of alcohol, usually wine, fruit juice or beer, into acetic acid. Vinegar production takes place naturally, with the fermentation process lasting from weeks to months. This process is what produces the characteristic vinegar smell. During this time, a nontoxic slime known as “mother of vinegar” builds up in the liquid. This slime consists of acetic acid bacteria and cellulose. It is sometimes sold separately in stores and is consumed by some, despite its unappetizing appearance.
The vinegar used for cleaning is typically the white variety. The acetic acid in this variety is stronger than the acetic acid in other types of vinegar. White vinegar is less expensive than other types of vinegar and can be purchased in large bottles at most grocery stores. Other varieties of vinegar include apple cider, balsamic vinegar and rice vinegar.
Many people use the vinegar in their pantry as a grease remover because it’s readily available and inexpensive. It’s especially useful because it can be used on many different surfaces and can remove a wide range of greasy residues. However, it’s best not to leave a sticky mess or burnt-on grease on any surface for long periods of time. This is because it can be very difficult to remove once the grease has soaked into the material and dried.
Using cleaning vinegar at full strength can damage some materials, such as wood with a waxed finish and unfinished or natural stone tile flooring. It can also damage many types of metal, including aluminum and copper. In addition, it can discolor certain plastics and cause rubber gaskets in appliances to deteriorate. To protect these surfaces, only diluted cleaning vinegar should be used. If you must clean a grease-laden surface with full-strength vinegar, apply the solution to a cloth or sponge and wait for three to five minutes before wiping. Then, rinse the area with water and wipe it dry with a paper towel or soft cloth.
