[Explained] Will Vinegar Dissolve Cement?

There you will find different types of concrete cleaner and vinegar is one of them. But as you know that vinegar is acidic and now you may ask whether it’s an ideal option or not.

Well, in short, vinegar doesn’t dissolve cement but there is a catch. When you are using it for a short time, it’s totally safe to use. If you have any doubts about whether vinegar dissolves cement or not then this article can be of help.

In today’s article, we have discussed whether vinegar dissolves cement or not and what will happen if you use vinegar for clearing cement. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.

Does Cement Dissolve in Vinegar?

Vinegar is a weak dilute acid that is widely used with foods, as a tonic, as a cleaning agent, and so on. When it comes to cleaning it concrete and dissolving terms pop up, then there are two answers.

When you are pouring and using vinegar for a short time then it will not dissolve cement. But with time, if you keep vinegar on the cement surface, vinegar will dissolve cement. 

Basically, Acetic acid, CH₃COOH reacts with Calcium Silicate, CaSiO_3, and creates CH₃COO^–, Ca²⁺, and SiO₃^2-. 

CH₃COOH + CaSiO₃– CH₃COO^– + Ca²⁺+ + SiO₃^2-

Calcium Silicate is one of the major elements that help cement achieve proper strength. When Acetic acid reacts with Calcium Silicate, it breaks down Calcium Silicate and separates the ions. For that reason, concrete starts reducing strength.

Because of being a weak dilute acid, vinegar will need a lot of time for dissolving cement. When it will start dissolving cement, it will damage the cement and will reduce the binding capability of cement. In the long run, the concrete strength will be loosened, it will become weak, and brittle and can damage the structure. Another risk of using vinegar is it can reduce the shine of the cement surface.

So, Is It Ideal to Use Vinegar for Cleaning Cement Surfaces?

Till you are using vinegar for a short time period for clearing cement surface, you can use it without any risk. There you will have different types of vinegar. Among them, distilled white vinegar is safe to use and can fulfill your needs.

However, if you are willing to clean a shiny glossy cement floor surface then it’s not better to use any kind of vinegar as it can take off the shine from the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQs

Will 20% vinegar harm concrete?

Yes, 20% vinegar can damage concrete. A vinegar concentration of 20% or more is corrosive to concrete. It’s also can damage tin, aluminum, iron, etc.

What should be done after using vinegar on a cement surface?

After applying the vinegar and cleaning the cement surface, you will need to rinse off the surface with water. Because if you left vinegar then with time, it will start to react with cement.

Will vinegar damage the concrete sealer?

The answer is no, vinegar doesn’t damage the concrete sealer. Basically, the concrete sealant is made to be acid resistant and for this vinegar couldn’t able to damage it.

Does bleach dissolve cement?

No, bleach doesn’t dissolve cement. Basically, bleach is a weak base. And cement is insoluble in bases. For that reason, bleach can not react with cement’s material and that’s why bleach doesn’t dissolve cement.

Conclusion

Lastly, if you left vinegar for a long time or use a vinegar with high concentration then it can dissolve cement. Otherwise, it couldn’t dissolve cement. That’s why after using vinegar, clean the surface and always use distilled white vinegar.