Acetic acid bacteria use ethanol to produce acetic acid. There are several ways this can occur from a simple acetic acid growth on ageing alcohol, to the intentional production of vinegar using traditional or modern methods. The alcoholic sub-straight can be from almost any source, provided those with high alcohol concentrations are diluted, giving a wide range to the types of vinegar that can be made. Vinegar is used for cooking, drinking, preserving, cleaning, and can even be used to wash your hair!