Although the natural cleaner can be quite effective, not many seem to know what not to clean with vinegar. While distilled white vinegar is great for a variety of cleaning tasks, there are some items that it causes damage to. Normally, for example, it is suitable for descaling the coffee machine and leaves streak-free windows. This is because the acid reacts with the organic chemicals in stains and dissolves them. Just as the home remedy eats away coffee stains, imagine if it did the same to other surfaces in your home. So here are some cases where you should skip the vinegar and use another cleaning product for the job.
Good to know when and what not to clean with vinegar
Vinegar seems to be the answer to every cleaning puzzle, especially since it's used in severalhomemade cleaning solutionsis included. In addition, the ingredient, which is present in every pantry, can be a reliable helper in the household. Cleaning with vinegar is often included in cleaning tips because it is non-toxic, inexpensive, and effective. However, vinegar is an acid, so while it's ideal for some tasks like removing limescale, the same action can damage other surfaces.
While vinegar can be a fantastic multi-purpose cleaner, it is not necessarily areliable miracle cure, which you can use on any type of stain or mess. Although its use is affordable, environmentally friendly, and relatively safe, there are still some household appliances and materials that you should not wipe with it. You might be surprised by the list of what not to clean with vinegar.
Iron and vinegar
Never put vinegar in your iron's tank as it could permanently damage the interior of the device. Most steam irons have a protective coating in the chamber, but acid can erode the lining and then the metal parts are at risk. The best way to clean an iron depends on your model, so it's best to read the instruction manual. If your model has a self-cleaning function, in most cases all you need to do is fill the tank with water, heat the iron, unplug it and hold it over the sink with the soleplate facing down. Press and hold the self-clean button as hot water and steam are released from the soleplate, along with any debris.
Do not clean stone countertops with vinegar
Granite or marble surfaces can be damaged over time by using vinegar. Additionally, regular cleaning with a vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner can slowly fade the shine from such kitchen countertops. The easiest way to keep stone clean is to wipe it down with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. In addition to dulling the stone, the acetic acid can cause spatters to penetrate the surface of the stone and leave permanent stains and etchings, as vinegar can easily damage any applied sealers to the stone's surface.
Why a vinegar cleaner can cause damage to dishwashers and washing machines
You may have heard that running a dishwasher with a bowl of vinegar in it helps get rid of hard water film and lingering odors. Some people even use a trick with vinegar as a rinse aid. It may have been better than nothing in the past, but today there are specially formulated dishwasher cleaners that work really well. Vinegar is ineffective at removing water stains, and some dishwasher manufacturers warn that the acetic acid can corrode the rubber parts in the appliance.
There are dozens of types of rubber with different chemical compositions, some reacting with vinegar and others not. If you don't know what type of rubber is in your appliance and the instruction manual doesn't say what you can't clean with vinegar, then it's better not to do this to protect your household appliance. Just like in dishwashers, rubber seals and hoses in washing machines can be damaged by acetic acid. The result is a leak, which is why it is better to use the service cleaner or the product recommended by the manufacturer for washing machines. Also note that for the same reason, vinegar should not be used as a fabric softener or to remove stains from laundry.
Acetic acid can damage electronic screens such as smartphones or televisions
It might be tempting to grab a microfiber cloth and some vinegar to wipe away smudges on your touchscreen devices. However, by doing this you may damage the coating on the screen. Since electronic screens can be fickle when it comes to technology, experts recommend using the cleaning formula specifically designed for laptops, cell phones or tablets. Wiping the device with a clean, dry microfiber is actually usually enough. Vinegar can damage a screen's anti-glare protection and even cause a touchscreen to become less responsive. If the cloth is insufficient and further cleaning is required, follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage.
Do not clean certain types of flooring with vinegar
Many flooring manufacturers warn against using vinegar to clean hardwood floors. Some will even void the warranty if there is evidence that consumers have used vinegar. In addition, diluted vinegar can dissolve the coating of varnish that protects the wood. This makes the surface look cloudy, dull, or scratched. The same applies to wooden furniture.
Therefore, follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or choose a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. If you have a stone tile floor, you should also avoid cleaning with vinegar.
Avoid using vinegar on kitchen utensils or stainless steel surfaces
Keep vinegar away from kitchen knives if you want them to last. It could damage the surface. Dishwashing liquid in warm water is the answer if you want to keep such kitchen accessories in good condition. Tools with exposed edges, such as kitchen knives, are particularly susceptible to acetic acid. Vinegar can therefore damage the stainless steel surface of knives and leave the cutting edge scarred. Other common metals in the kitchen that you should keep away from vinegar include aluminum and copper. The best cleaning option is a combination of dish soap and warm water.
Vinegar can still be usedCleaning a stainless steel sinkHowever, use if limescale deposits are the problem. Be sure to make a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Spray this cleaning solution onto the sink and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe the surface and rinse the basin. The solution should not be left on the sink for any length of time as it can permanently damage the stainless steel.
Why you shouldn't use vinegar cleaner on mirrors
Cleaning a mirror with vinegar may seem like a good idea. Finally, the home remedy is ideal for wiping windows and any glass, for example if you are cleaning a front door. It's best not to do this as the acetic acid can penetrate to the back of the mirror. Stick with a mirror-safe cleaner and apply it with a microfiber cloth.
More tips on using vinegar as a cleaning agent
- The acetic acid will not necessarily damage your stove or cooktop. The metals in ranges are usually coated with enamel, and smooth cooktops are made of glass. However, if it's a greasy mess you want to clean, vinegar simply won't work. Acids make lousy degreasers and you should opt for an alkaline cleaner like ammonia instead.
- There are some items that you should not clean with vinegar to avoid damaging or spoiling the surface. The stuff is made up of about five percent acetic acid, which helps it break down the structure of dirt, stains, and bacteria. However, this acidic agent can also damage some surfaces.
- If the purpose of cleaning is disinfection, other options are more effective. Be careful when using vinegarCleaning surfacesUse where there is a high risk of food contamination, such as cutting boards and refrigerator shelves/drawers. To disinfect these areas, it is recommended to use a bacteria-killing bleach/water solution or disinfectant.
- The plastic and glass surfaces of most small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters, can be safely cleaned with vinegar, but you should avoid letting it corrode rubber parts or metal.
