Whats the difference between vinegar and white vinegar

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VINEGAR has a lot of uses around the home, from cleaning to treating skin infections and burns. But is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

15:29, Tue, Mar 16, 2021 | UPDATED: 15:29, Tue, Mar 16, 2021

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While many of us may jump to salt and vinegar crisps when we think of vinegar, there are many surprising uses for white vinegar around the home. From helping to shine windows, shift stains and even treating skin infections vinegar has dozens of uses.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

If you are looking for cleaning tips, often they may distinguish between using white or distilled vinegar.

These are different types of vinegar and differ due to their acid content.

White vinegar - which is also called spirit vinegar - has five to 20 percent acetic acid.

Read More: Cleaning windows with vinegar: Four easy steps to streak-free windows

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar? (Image: GETTY)

And distilled vinegar has a level of five to eight percent acetic acid.

This means the different vinegar types are good for different things.

White vinegar is made by fermenting sugar cane extract or by combining acetic acid with water.

Whilst distilled vinegar can be made from any type of vinegar, with more ethanol separated from the base mixture.

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: Cleaning tips

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: White vinegar is the best choice when it comes to cleaning (Image: GETTY)

You can use both types in tasks like cleaning, cooking, medical and laboratory tasks.

But, white vinegar is stronger and therefore better used for cleaning and disinfecting.

Meanwhile distilled vinegar is the best choice for cooking, flavouring, food preservation and as a natural home remedy.

White vinegar is often the choice for cleaning windows, dishwashers, washing machines and shifting limescale.

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: Descale kettle

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: White vinegar can descale a kettle with ease (Image: GETTY)

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: Acid

White vinegar vs distilled vinegar: White vinegar has a higher acidic content (Image: GETTY)

How to remove limescale with white vinegar

White vinegar can remove limescale from kettles, bathrooms, sinks and taps with ease.

You can use vinegar as a rinsing agent, which will leave glasses and plates sparkling.

And you can also use vinegar to help get rid of the build-up of hard water.

Simply add a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher and run on a short cycle.

You can also add to washing machines and run on the hottest cycle to remove any lingering limescale.

Use equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz over the affected areas.

Leave to sit for at least 15 minutes before using a microfibre towel to wipe clean.

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Is white vinegar and vinegar same?

Regular, white vinegar consists of about 5% acetic acid and 95% water. On the other hand, cleaning vinegar has an acidity of 6%. That 1% more acidity makes it 20% stronger than white vinegar.

Can I use vinegar instead of white vinegar?

White vinegar substitute: If you need a different vinegar to substitute for white vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or malt vinegar. You could also swap in lemon or lime juice, depending on your recipe. When you're canning or pickling, there are no comparable substitutes.

Is cleaning vinegar the same as white vinegar for cooking?

Yes, cleaning vinegar does say “vinegar” on the bottle, and while it contains only 1 percent more acidity than white vinegar, it is not for eating.