Is vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar at a concentration readily available for household use (e.g., 5% acidity), a disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against specific pathogens, and if so, under what specific circumstances (e.g., surfaces, contact time) is it approved and effective, and what pathogens are covered by such approval? Furthermore, if it is not broadly approved as a general disinfectant, are there any specific, limited applications for which the EPA has recognized or endorsed its use in sanitation or disinfection, and what evidence supports those specific claims?
Answer
Vinegar is not on the EPA’s List N of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). While vinegar, specifically white distilled vinegar containing 5% to 8% acetic acid, has some antimicrobial properties and can be used for cleaning, it is not a registered disinfectant with the EPA for general disinfection purposes or for use against specific pathogens like viruses. The EPA registers disinfectants based on rigorous testing demonstrating their efficacy against specific microorganisms. Vinegar is often cited as a "natural" cleaner and has been shown to have some antibacterial and antiviral activity under certain laboratory conditions. However, its effectiveness is limited compared to EPA-registered disinfectants, especially against more resistant pathogens.