Common or white distilled vinegar is the most common type found in North American households. It is made from grain-based ethanol or laboratory-produced acetic acid. The addition of water dilutes and creates white vinegar.

White vinegar is not popular for cooking although it is fat-free and low in sodium. However, it is the best vinegar for cleaning your house, your car and a vast array of items inside and outside. White vinegar is also a favorite for pickling.

The “distilled” part of the name comes from the process used to make it clear and cloudless. Natural vinegars contain a fermenting agent which makes a cloudy blob known as the “mother” of vinegar. In distilled vinegars, the mother is strained out and the vinegar is distilled to remove impurities and give a crystal clear look.