Virucidal Effect of Acetic Acid and Vinegar on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, remains infectious for hours to days on surfaces. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to infect millions of people worldwide, it is imperative that safe and effective disinfecting agents are identified to help prevent its spread. We found that white distilled vinegar and 5%, 6% acetic acid exhibited a virucidal effect against SARS-CoV-2 within a short period of contact. However, grain vinegar (4% acetic acid concentration) did not show the effect over the same contact time. The addition of 0.01% ethyl acetate enhanced the virucidal effect of the 4% acetic acid. This study is the first to indicate the virucidal effects of acetic acid and vinegar solutions on SARS-CoV-2, but we do not recommend consuming vinegar as a means of prevention or treatment.