If it's stored properly, apple cider vinegar will stay on the shelf indefinitely.It's best to stay away from heat and sunlight.Sniff it and give it a taste to see if it tastes good or not.
Step 1: Attach the cap tightly.
It doesn't really go bad when you eat it.If you leave the cap open,bacteria and even bugs can get into it, so make sure you have a tight cap on before you store it.
Step 2: It is a good idea to keep the vinegar out of the sun.
It's not possible for the sun to reach your vinegar.A cupboard or pantry is a good place to keep it.If you want to protect it from the sun, put it in a glass bottle and store it on the counter.
Step 3: Pick a cool place to store it.
Don't store it near the stove or the warm side of the fridge because it's sensitive to heat.Pick a cooler area, such as the pantry, away from heat sources.You want to store it on the cool side of the room temperature.
Step 4: Don't make it worse by making it more acidic.
The reason apple cider vinegar doesn't go bad is because of the acidity level.If you reduce the acidity level, it won't be shelf stable.You can keep apple cider vinegar in the fridge.
Step 5: Don't worry about clouds.
Over time, it gets cloudy.The cloudiness doesn't mean it's gone bad.The cloudiness is caused by a naturally occurring fiber.If you don't like the look of it, you can keep your vinegar in the fridge to prevent cloudiness.If you want to remove cloudiness, you can use a coffee filter or a piece of clean muslin.
Step 6: Use the expired date as a guide.
The best time to buy apple cider vinegar is when it is at its peak quality.You don't need to throw it away if you notice a decrease in flavor because it can be safely used for many years afterwards.Some manufacturers suggest that it's at its peak for another 5 years after a bottle date.
Step 7: There are changes in the smell of vinegar.
It's rare for apple cider vinegar to go bad, but you may notice a change in smell or taste.You may notice that it isn't as acidic.It might not be at its peak, even though it probably hasn't gone bad.If it smells bad, toss it.
Step 8: There are changes in the vinegar's appearance.
A quality change could be indicated by a change in color.If you hear gas escaping when you open the bottle, that's a sign that you should toss it.The build of the fiber in vinegar is all that matters.If you want, you can remove it.You should toss it if there is excessive amounts of sediment.If you notice mold on the top of your homemade vinegar, you should toss it.
Step 9: There is a change in the vinegar's taste.
If it doesn't taste as strong, it's fine.If it tastes bad, you should get a new bottle.