15 Things You Should Never, Ever Clean With Vinegar

15 Things You Should Never, Ever Clean With Vinegar

Vinegar is a good option for cleaning many surfaces but it is not eco-friendly and toxic. These surfaces should not be cleaned with vinegar:

1.Multipurpose, but not all-purpose

Many bloggers and magazines tout vinegar as a disinfecting tool. It can be diluted with water and used to clean many spots around the house. Vinegar is good for cleaning certain tasks like descaling coffeemakers. However, it doesn’t work well with stubborn grime and can cause damage to some surfaces. Continue reading to learn what vinegar should not be used for.

First, I warn you: Vinegar can be mixed with other cleaners to enhance its cleaning power. This is false. The production of harmful gases can be caused by mixing vinegar with bleach or other products. Mixing cleaning products in random ways is not a good idea. Be careful when mixing multiple products at once.

2. Knives

It is not a good idea to clean your fancy kitchen knives with vinegar. Acid can corrode metal and dull knife edges. Instead, use warm water and soap to wash your knives and dry them well before you put them away.

3. Marble

Use mild soap and a moist cloth to clean marble countertops. Vinegar can react with natural marble, causing defects in the surface. This could make your Carrara marble countertop look dull and shabby. You should avoid cleaning marble with bleach or other harsh chemicals.

4. Granite

Granite is another natural stone that reacts badly with vinegar. A vinegar solution can dull granite countertops and cause them to lose their sparkle over time. Granite’s strength can be compromised by acidic substances, such as acidic foods, which can leave etching marks. These marks require polishing and sanding.

5. Ceramic tiles

You must quickly clean up any dirt or splatters on ceramic tiles, floors, walls, or backsplash. This will ensure that stains don’t set or harden. Avoid using vinegar if you are rushing to clean up a spillage. Instead, use hot water and mild dish soap. Although most tiles can tolerate vinegar, acidic liquids can cause damage to grout and discoloration of tiles. Read the instructions carefully to determine if a soap or detergent suits the tile.

6. Eggy spills

Do not spray vinegar on a few eggs that have fallen while you are baking or making breakfast. This can cause the eggy goo in the dish to harden. Salt will help you clean up any spillage.

7. Wood furniture

You should never soak wood furniture in any of the many water-based cleaners you can find online. Ace Handyman Services does not recommend the use of undiluted vinegar on wood. This can cause streaks and damage to some finishes. To polish wood furniture, you can use a 50-50 mix of oil and vinegar.

8. Dishwasher

Although vinegar won’t damage your dishwasher, it isn’t a good alternative to dishwasher cleaners. Acidic liquids can react with parts of your dishwasher and cause rubber gaskets or hoses to become brittle. While vinegar can be used as a rinse aid, it is best to use products that are specifically made for this purpose. Vinegar can cause metal dishware and utensils to become discolored if it mixes with salty residue.

9. Computer screens and phones

Vinegar can remove the protective coating on your phone’s display, so it is not a good idea for your computer’s display. To remove dust and other particles, use gentle microfiber cloths on the screens of electronic devices. While isopropyl alcohol can be effective in eliminating germs and other nasty microbes from your phone screens, it is best to read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and maintenance.

10. Rubber

Rubber parts don’t only belong in the dishwasher. There are rubber gaskets, hoses, and seals for other appliances throughout your house. Keep the vinegar out of rubber parts. As with natural stone, vinegar’s acid can also eat rubber. For rubber parts, soap, and water or a mixture of soap and baking soda is the best way to remove grime.

11. Washing machine

Vinegar can damage rubber parts in washing machines, just as it can in a dishwasher. This could eventually cause leaks. Vinegar can be used to soften and deodorize clothes, but it is not a cost-effective solution. There are many other products that can be used to remove stubborn stains or odors without damaging your appliance.

12. Iron clothing

To clean your clothes and iron, you should not use vinegar. This can cause irreparable damage. Although some iron manufacturers suggest using vinegar to remove the scale, you should always check the instructions manual to ensure that the acid does not damage the iron’s metal parts. Use only distilled water for the reservoir, and make sure to empty it after each use. This will reduce future scale buildup.

13. Hardwood flooring waxed

Some swear by vinegar diluted to clean hardwood floors. Others are more skeptical, arguing that vinegar can cause damage to wax finishes even when it is diluted. Do not take chances. Use a waxed-wood floor cleaner that is specially formulated. All-purpose cleaners should not be used on wood surfaces unless the label specifically states so.

14. Stone floors

Vinegar should not be used on natural stone floors such as slate, sandstone, and travertine. Acid cleaners can cause the stone to become discolored. Be sure to vacuum and sweep regularly. For deeper cleaning, use warm water, mild dish soap, or cleaners specifically designed for natural stone flooring.

15. Grout not sealed or damaged

Vinegar is a multitasker, and it can be tempting to grab it when you need it. Although vinegar can clean mold and mildew effectively, it can also damage unsealed grout. You should look for alternatives that are less acidic, such as hydrogen peroxide and oxygen bleach.

16. Mirrors

When cleaning your bathroom mirror, avoid using vinegar or other acids. The liquid may seep through the glass and corrode metal underneath, giving the mirror its reflective qualities. This can cause unsightly streaks and darken along the edges of the mirror. Use less acidic cleaners to clean the mirror. Spray cleaning products on the cloth, not the glass. Turn on the exhaust fan when you are using the shower.

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