 Buying a simple bottle of white vinegar has become a little more complicated in recent years. Classic white vinegar with 5% acidity is good for both cooking and cleaning. So-called cleaning vinegar has 6% acidity. If marked as such, you can use it for cooking. Just know that the acidity is actually 20% stronger than the 5% formula. Some cleaning vinegars, however, are labeled for not safe for food consumption. Those may contain alcohol, citrus oil, or other chemicals.