Does White Vinegar Go Bad?

White wine vinegar, sometimes called white or apple cider vinegar, gets its lively kick from acetic acid.

It’s also commonly used in salad dressing and other cooking applications because of its milder, more neutral taste than red wine vinegar.

Does white vinegar ever go bad?

No, white vinegar doesn’t go bad. In fact, it’s shelf-stable for years.

If you have any left at all, it will likely be fine until the date on the bottle expires.

Does white vinegar contain alcohol?

Yes, but only a little bit.

How can you tell if white vinegar has gone bad?

You can use a few different methods to determine if your white vinegar has gone bad.

Here are two common tests you can perform at home:

1 tablespoon of fresh white vinegar poured into a glass of water.

This method should show whether the white vinegar has gone bad by how quickly it turns cloudy.

A small amount of white vinegar will take longer to cloud up than a larger amount.

1 teaspoon of white vinegar added to 1 gallon of water.

The pH level of white vinegar usually ranges between 3.5 and 4.4 pH, so adding one teaspoon of white vinegar will drop this value to about 3.7 pH.

You can then add another teaspoon of white vinegar to bring it back within the optimal range.

How do you store white vinegar to keep it from going bad?

Vinegar typically lasts for several years, depending on the type and brand you buy.

However, even though it’s been sitting on the shelf for a while, it still needs to be stored properly once you open it.

Some types of white vinegar, like balsamic, actually need to be refrigerated after opening, and storing it in the fridge will help preserve its flavor.

When you’re ready to use it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using it.

What are the signs that white vinegar has gone bad?

When white vinegar starts to smell musty or moldy, it means it’s probably starting to spoil.

The color may turn yellowish or brownish.

Also, when you taste it, it may taste slightly metallic, bitter, or vinegary instead of sweet and tangy.

What causes white vinegar to go bad?

The main cause of white vinegar going bad is exposure to moisture.

If it gets wet or sits in a damp place, such as a closet, it can start to ferment.

Fermentation occurs when bacteria grow on top of liquid with a sugar content of less than 2 percent.

These bacteria produce carbon dioxide gas as they feed off of the sugar.

That carbon dioxide builds up pressure inside the container, causing the contents to expand and eventually burst through the container walls.

Is it safe to consume white vinegar that has gone bad?

If your white vinegar has not gone bad yet and you plan to store it indefinitely, there’s no reason not to drink it.

However, there are a few things you should know if you decide to make a batch of white vinegar from scratch.

First, the vinegar itself is generally safe to consume.

However, if it smells strongly of sulfur, you’ll want to throw it out.

Sulfur compounds give white vinegar an odor similar to rotten eggs, so if you detect this smell, you’ll want to discard it immediately.

White vinegar can get contaminated with E. coli and salmonella bacteria if it comes into contact with raw chicken and beef.

So, if you plan to make homemade white vinegar to use as a cleaner or sanitizer, you’ll want to thoroughly wash everything you intend to put into the vessel.

If you plan to make white vinegar for culinary purposes, this method will create a stronger-tasting product than simply buying white vinegar premade.

For example, it won’t have the same balance of flavors as regular white wine vinegar does.

Lastly, if you plan to drink it, avoid drinking large amounts of it at once.

Instead, dilute it with water first to reduce the risk of getting sick from ingesting the undiluted vinegar, especially if you plan to drink it right away.

What are the consequences of consuming white vinegar that has gone bad?

Consuming white vinegar that has gone bad isn’t dangerous, but it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Depending on the concentration of vinegar in question, you might experience stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and/or fatigue.

How long does white vinegar last before it goes bad?

There’s really no set expiration date for white vinegar.

If you have any leftover, you can safely continue using it as long as you don’t expose it to moisture.

Once opened, white vinegar keeps pretty much indefinitely.

Is there a way to prevent white vinegar from going bad?

Once white vinegar has started to go bad, there isn’t much you can do to stop it from spoiling.

The best thing to do is to dispose of it safely and immediately.

If you have any remaining white vinegar, pour it down the sink drain.

---