What is the Effect of Boiling Vinegar on its pH and Cleaning Properties?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of boiling vinegar on its pH and cleaning properties, exploring both the chemical aspects of vinegar and practical cleaning applications. Participants share their calculations regarding the acidity of vinegar and discuss alternative cleaning methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant assumes that "5% acidity" refers to 5% acetic acid by volume and calculates the pH to be approximately 2, questioning its accuracy.
  • Another participant suggests that the calculated pH of vinegar should be around 2.42, noting that using water's density for calculations is acceptable.
  • Participants discuss the potential effects of boiling vinegar on its pH and whether it would enhance its cleaning properties, with one participant expressing curiosity about the outcome.
  • There are inquiries about the corrosive effects of bleach on oven surfaces and the reasons for not using commercial oven cleaners, with one participant highlighting the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of vinegar.
  • Some participants express concerns about the strong smell of boiling vinegar and its impact on the cleaning experience, with one suggesting that dishwasher detergent could be an effective alternative for cleaning ovens.
  • A participant mentions the unpleasant smell of acetic acid from highlighters, relating it to the cleaning process and speculating whether baking soda could neutralize the smell of vinegar.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the effects of boiling vinegar, with no consensus on its efficacy as a cleaning agent or the implications of its smell. Multiple viewpoints on cleaning methods and preferences are presented, indicating a lack of agreement on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on assumptions about the density of acetic acid and the interpretation of acidity percentages, which may affect their calculations and conclusions. The discussion includes unresolved questions about the chemical behavior of vinegar when boiled.

Barfolumu
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This was just a curiosity thing, but...

I assumed "5% acidity" to mean 5 percent of the soln was acetic acid, by volume (though, doing the calculations for "By mass", I got roughly the same pH). Also, I couldn't find the density of acetic acid in my textbook, so I assumed it was close enough for my calcs to water to use water's density. The pH I figured was ~ 2. Anyone know if this is correct?

Also, I'm using vinegar to clean my apartment before I leave... and some of my oven stains aren't coming off using it right out of the bottle. I saw that the boiling point for acetic acid was about 20 degrees C higher than water, so I'm wondering if boiling vinegar in a sauce pan w/o something to catch the vapor will increase the pH enough to make it a stronger cleaning agent. Anyone else ever try this?
 
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Regardles of wether it is w/w or v/v density is around 1.006, so assumption that it is that of water is OK. Calculated pH should be around 2.42.
 
Barfolumu said:
This was just a curiosity thing, but...

I assumed "5% acidity" to mean 5 percent of the soln was acetic acid, by volume (though, doing the calculations for "By mass", I got roughly the same pH). Also, I couldn't find the density of acetic acid in my textbook, so I assumed it was close enough for my calcs to water to use water's density. The pH I figured was ~ 2. Anyone know if this is correct?

Also, I'm using vinegar to clean my apartment before I leave... and some of my oven stains aren't coming off using it right out of the bottle. I saw that the boiling point for acetic acid was about 20 degrees C higher than water, so I'm wondering if boiling vinegar in a sauce pan w/o something to catch the vapor will increase the pH enough to make it a stronger cleaning agent. Anyone else ever try this?

How about bleach - would that corrode the oven surface? Why aren't you using store brand oven cleaners?
 
GCT said:
How about bleach - would that corrode the oven surface? Why aren't you using store brand oven cleaners?

Price :D. Plus, all you have to do to vinegar is dilute it, and it's environmentally friendly.

EDIT: Price meaning, my 3 liters of vinegar cost about 3 bucks, and it's really good as an all-purpose cleaning solvent -- so you don't have to buy a lot of different kinds of cleaners. It works for mopping, kitchen counters, grease, and bathroom cleaning. With a little dish-soap, and maybe some window cleaner (haven't tried it for windows), you're pretty much covered.
 
Last edited:
Barfolumu said:
Price :D. Plus, all you have to do to vinegar is dilute it, and it's environmentally friendly.
You won't ever say that again if you hang around a boiling pot of vinegar! Can you imagine what your apartment will smell like after you wipe every surface whithin with this vile-smelling stuff?

I've found that dishwasher detergent (solid or goopy gel) makes a good oven cleaner. Got any of that around?
 
chemisttree said:
You won't ever say that again if you hang around a boiling pot of vinegar! Can you imagine what your apartment will smell like after you wipe every surface whithin with this vile-smelling stuff?

It wasn't bad right out of the bottle -- just opened the windows, and it blew out. I've never tried to concentrate the stuff... which is why I thought I'd post here and see some kind of response first.

I've found that dishwasher detergent (solid or goopy gel) makes a good oven cleaner. Got any of that around?

I do my dishes by hand, so just have standard dish soap :-/. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
 
chemisttree said:
You won't ever say that again if you hang around a boiling pot of vinegar! Can you imagine what your apartment will smell like after you wipe every surface whithin with this vile-smelling stuff?

Good lord, I hear that. My Staedtler highlighters smell like acetic acid. I'm about this close to throwing them out and getting new ones. Makes me lose motivation to study when I get a whiff of these.


I wonder if throwing some baking soda on the vinegar would neutralize the smell. But I suppose that'd cause some bubbling on your countertops.
 

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