Vinegar Question

[BFlynn]

At the risk of sounding dumb - wanted to ask this before I do something accidentally stupid before I make up some sauce

Regular distilled white vinegar is 5% acidity

My wife bought a boat load of Extra Strength vinegar. It's 9% acidity.

If I mix 1:1 Extra Strength vinegar to Distilled water - will that give me close enough to 4.5% acidity and safe to use?

I'm 2 oz shy for my recipe. (Story of my life)

[MBMorgan]

If the extra strength vinegar is specifically intended for cleaning, it may contain additives (like alcohol, fragrance, etc.) that make it unsafe to consume regardless of dilution.

There are other acidic liquids (e.g., lemon juice) that you could possibly substitute for a couple of ounces of white vinegar ... assuming, of course, that the lemon flavor wouldn't totally mess up whatever you're making..

[BFlynn]

Ingredients just say "distilled white vinegar deleted with water to 9% acidity"

And the label says "for picking., salads and marinates".

I figure it's safe for consumption. But wanted to make sure I wasnt missing something

[MBMorgan]

In that case, yes your math is correct and it sounds like you’re good to go.

[Mosca]

If it is just vinegar, then yes, mix it with water and you’re fine.

[BFlynn]

Excellent!

Appreciate it

[tstalafuse]

So, I guess the 30% vinegar that Lowes sells is probably no good for human consumption? I only use it for cleaning..

[BFlynn]

Ha!!!

[texastweeter]

Also for descaling rust

[Jerod Broussard]

texastweeter mill scale also???

[acorgihouse]

I buy Harris Cleaning Vinegar for cleaning, it is higher acidity although the labeling makes it difficult to compare. It is "30%", but not sure of what. Some say "x% acidity," others say "x% stronger." As MBMorgan said, it tends to have additives, I usually get the Mandarin Orange as I like the smell. I do know that it is enough more acidic that it will burn your skin, I've toasted a few fingertips, and it goes through that mucky goo on the oven door window fast and easy. I'm fairly cavalier in these things, so I would likely dilute and then stick a finger in it. If my finger is ok, I'd use it, but be careful. I think the idea of lemon juice or other acid is a good one.
Edit: tstalafuse we were posting at same time. I use that from Lowe's, and it is marketed for cleaning only.

[BFlynn]

Two of the things I love about this board -

1) real time responses with the correct answers

2) the jokes

[DavidNorcross]

A lot of folks use the higher percentage white vinegar to kill weeds.

[Michael_in_TX]

I use the higher strength stuff to get rid of that annoying bark that forms on brisket and pork butt when you smoke it.

(That is joke, yall!)

[Huskee]

Just peel that gross bark off.

[Santamarina]

When I don’t have the high-powder vinegar for this I just hit my brisket with the pressure washer. 2000 psi takes that pesky stuff off like nobody’s business!

[Jerod Broussard]

Many companies use vinegar as an anti-microbial in sausage and what not.