How to Store Vinegar

Many foods are stored in vinegar. But did you know that vinegar itself should be stored properly? Here is how.

Steps

  1. Image titled Store Vinegar Step 1
    1
    Use the right container. Vinegar is acidic. As such, it should not be stored in containers made from brass, copper, iron or tin or corrosion and leaching will set in, creating reactions between the metals and the vinegar and therefore damaging the food. The safest container for storing vinegar in is glass.[1]
  2. Image titled Store Vinegar Step 2
    2
    Store the vinegar in a cool, dark place. You can even put it into the refrigerator. Although vinegar is the product of wine having gone bad, vinegar can also go bad after a while and it tends to lose flavor after it is opened. Store for around 6 months; after a year you will probably find that the vinegar doesn't taste as good as it did when first purchased.[2]
    • Fruit and herb vinegars are best kept in the refrigerator as this keeps their flavor at its best.[3]
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  3. Image titled Store Vinegar Step 3
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    Keep the lid closed tightly. In between use, avoid contact with air by ensuring that the lid is on properly. Don't leave the lid off for storage.[4]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I store apple cider vinegar, olive oil, etc. when temperatures in my house often reach 95 degrees?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In a cool, dark place in a container with a tight lid. A refrigerator is the best idea.
  • Question
    Can I store vinegar in plastic containers?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's not a really good idea to store vinegar in plastic containers. Vinegar is acidic, so it will eat away at your container until there is a hole.
  • Question
    Do flavored vinegars have to be stored in the refrigerator after opening?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes.
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Warnings

  • Leaded crystal glass should not be used to store vinegar, because lead might be leached from the glass and end up in the vinegar.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Discard any vinegar that smells rank or musty.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Glass or glazed ceramic storage container
  • Vinegar
  • Cool, dark place for storage

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References

  1. ↑ https://supremevinegar.com/2016/10/12/making-vinegar-home-essential-guide-part-ii-starting-fermentation/
  2. ↑ http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/food-storage-tips3.htm
  3. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/flavored-vinegars-and-oils-9-340/
  4. ↑ https://www.streetsmartkitchen.com/does-vinegar-go-bad/
  5. ↑ http://stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18648

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 103,292 times.
89 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: May 1, 2022
Views: 103,292
Categories: Food Safety
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