Question About Vinegar For Chemistry People (dish)

[Seagrape Grove]

I use vinegar for removing rust and lime deposits on tools, shower heads, dishes, faucet spouts, etc. and use the same vinegar over and over again, pouring it back into the same jug to be used again for something else. My question is: Does the vinegar ever become "exhausted" i.e. changed by chemical reactions with the rust and calcium deposits to where it becomes less effective? Just wondering as lately the old vinegar seems to be less effective in removing these deposits.



I figure there must be a few people here who know enough chemistry to be able to answer this question.

[Aredhel]

Yes, the acetic acid in the vinegar becomes depleted. It’s inherent in the nature of the chemical reaction that’s occurring and which is removing the soap scum, lime deposits, etc.

[Seagrape Grove]

Originally Posted by Aredhel

Yes, the acetic acid in the vinegar becomes depleted. It’s inherent in the nature of the chemical reaction that’s occurring and which is removing the soap scum, lime deposits, etc.

Thank you for confirming this.