White vinegar and baking soda are one of the most popular cleaning hacks online promising to make your domestic life more manageable. White vinegar can do almost anything when it comes to cleaning and can easily be found in any kitchen. Together with baking soda, they are the ideal combination to attack your cleaning chores.

There are things you should avoid cleaning with it because it can cause more damage than good. When searching for a cleaning agent that is affordable, safe, and easy to access, many people turn to vinegar.

Here are 10 cases in which it would be unwise to use vinegar for cleaning to avoid damaging items or surfaces.

Marble and granite surfaces 

The acidic properties of white vinegar can wear away the natural stone surfaces of marble and granite countertops and/or tiles. These natural stone surfaces are expensive, and they can end up costing you more while you’re trying to save money. 

Waxed furniture  

While many online hacks recommend using white vinegar to clean furniture and dining tables, it’s crucial to consider the type of surface you’re dealing with. If you frequently use white vinegar on waxed furniture, it can gradually strip away the protective wax coating and diminish its natural shine. To avoid any potential damage, it’s advisable to invest in a formulated wood cleaner that is specifically designed to preserve and enhance the beauty of your wooden furniture.

Hardwood flooring 

The acidity of white vinegar can strip away the shiny surface of hardwood flooring. To be safe, use a gentler cleaning option like warm water and soap, or a specific hardwood floor cleaner. Be wary not to put too much of it or leave it for too long as this can warp the flooring.

Kitchen knives 

The acidic properties of white vinegar can cause corrosion to the metal blades and dull the knife’s edges. For such utensils, stick to washing them with warm water and soap and thoroughly drying them afterwards.

Egg stains  

White vinegar’s acidity will only stiffen the egg substance instead of cleaning it. It will even become more difficult to remove. To effectively remove an egg stain, create a solution by combining two teaspoons of liquid dish soap with two cups of cool water. This simple mixture provides the easiest and most effective method for tackling stubborn egg stains.

Electronic screens

Using white vinegar on electronic devices can remove the protective layer on their surfaces, which is why it’s important to avoid using it for cleaning such items. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth and a specially formulated cleaner designed for electronic screens. This combination ensures effective cleaning without compromising the protective coatings or delicate components of your electronic devices.

Rubber items 

White vinegar’s strong acidity can deteriorate the rubber seals in appliances like fridges and washing machines, leading to higher energy consumption. To prevent this, clean the rubber seals using a mixture of warm water and dissolved baking soda.

Clothes iron 

Adding vinegar to the tank of a clothes iron to clean it can cause permanent damage to the inside of the appliance. Because of its acidic nature, it can corrode the lining of the protective coating, after which it will affect the metal parts.

Silk or delicate fabrics

Vinegar’s acidic nature can harm delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or wool. Opting for alternative cleaning methods is crucial when dealing with delicate materials, as using vinegar can lead to undesirable outcomes such as discolouration, weakened fibres, or even shrinkage. To ensure the preservation of your delicate fabrics, it is recommended to choose dry cleaning services or utilise specialised fabric cleaners specifically designed for such materials.

Stone jewellery or gemstones 

Avoid cleaning your precious stone jewellery, such as diamonds, emeralds, or pearls, with vinegar. The acid can damage delicate surfaces and settings, leading to potential discolouration or loosening of stones. Use jewellery-specific cleaners or consult a professional jeweller.

Why is Vinegar Good for Domestic Cleaning?

For centuries, people have turned to the natural cleaning power of vinegar as a useful and effective cleaning agent.

But what makes it such an ideal option for domestic cleaning?

In this section, we’ll investigate why vinegar should be included in your household cleaning strategy.

Vinegar has been used as a cleaning agent for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow. But what makes vinegar such a go-to cleaning solution? We’ll explore the reasons why vinegar is highly regarded for its cleaning abilities and why it deserves a place in your cleaning arsenal.

Natural Cleaning Power

One of the key reasons vinegar is favoured for cleaning is its natural cleaning power. Vinegar is derived from fermented ethanol, which contains acetic acid. This acid gives vinegar its strong cleaning properties, allowing it to cut through grease, dissolve mineral deposits, and remove dirt effectively.

Antibacterial Properties

The acetic acid in vinegar makes it an effective natural disinfectant and sanitiser. This organic solution can be used to eliminate common household bacteria, thus creating a healthier living environment. 

Environmentally Friendly

Vinegar is an eco-friendly cleaning solution. In contrast to numerous commercial cleaning products that contain chemicals, vinegar is both non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This makes vinegar a safer and more environmentally friendly option for cleaning purposes.

Versatility

Vinegar’s versatility is another reason why it is highly valued for cleaning. It can be used on various surfaces and materials. Whether you need to remove stains, eliminate odours, or sanitise surfaces, vinegar can often be a suitable solution.

Cost-Effectiveness

When compared to specialised cleaning products, vinegar is incredibly cost-effective. Vinegar is a common household item that can be found in most homes and is significantly more affordable than commercial cleaning products. Using vinegar as a cleaning solution can help you save money while still achieving excellent cleaning results.

Easy to Use

Using vinegar for cleaning is simple and straightforward. To utilise vinegar for cleaning, dilute it with water and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. This allows easy application onto the desired surface, providing an effective and convenient cleaning solution. For tougher stains or buildup, vinegar can be used undiluted or combined with other natural ingredients like baking soda.

What CAN You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is a household staple that offers a plethora of cleaning benefits. It can effectively clean windows and mirrors, leaving them streak-free and sparkling. 

Vinegar has many valuable purposes, especially when it comes to the kitchen. It can be used to sanitise cutting boards, wipe away greasy messes from stovetops, and clear out clogs from sinks and drains. Its natural disinfecting properties make it ideal for wiping down countertops, disinfecting doorknobs, and freshening up garbage disposals. From freshening laundry to kitchen appliances, vinegar proves to be a versatile and eco-friendly cleaning solution for various areas of the home. 

With its natural acidity, it can also be used to remove soap scum from tile and grout. In addition, vinegar can be used to clean and shine windows and mirrors while also eliminating streaks and smudges.

Conclusion

While vinegar is a versatile and practical cleaning agent, it may not be suitable for cleaning everything. Its acidic nature makes it great for tackling grease, grime, and mineral deposits on various surfaces. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using vinegar on delicate materials like natural stone or fabrics. Always check manufacturer guidelines and perform a spot test before using vinegar on any surface. While vinegar can be a valuable domestic cleaning tool, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations and use it appropriately for optimal results.