Vinegar is that quintessential cleaning agent we go to when it feels like nothing seems to be doing its job. It is versatile, eco-friendly, and is immensely popular among homeowners looking for natural alternatives to harsh chemicals.
However, while this acidic wonder can work miracles on many surfaces, it’s not a one-size-fits-all cleaner. In fact, using vinegar on certain household items can lead to disastrous results. By avoiding vinegar on the following eight household items, you can prevent damage and keep your home looking its best.
Natural Stone Countertops and Floors
The worst thing you can do to your marble, granite, or limestone kitchen countertops, shower walls, and floors, is to clean them with vinegar. The acetic acid in white vinegar can etch and dull the surface of these natural stones, pitting them and leaving them looking lackluster and damaged. You can instead use any kind of mild soap or detergent mixed with water, but make sure the ingredients are all non-acidic.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a bit trickier than natural stone surfaces because it all depends on the finish of the floor – but it’s better to be safe than sorry and steer clear of vinegar entirely.
While vinegar is often touted as a natural wood cleaner, it can actually damage the protective finish of your hardwood floors, leaving them vulnerable to scratches, warping, and discoloration. To clean your hardwood floors, vacuum first, and with a combination of dishwashing liquid/soap, water, and olive oil (if you want) wipe the floor with a microfiber mop.
Clothes Irons
Pouring vinegar into your clothes iron might seem like a clever way to clean mineral buildup, but it can seriously damage the appliance’s internal components. The acid can eat away at the protective coating and metal parts, leading to leaks and malfunctions. Many clothes irons have a self-cleaning function, and if yours doesn’t, make sure you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper iron maintenance.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Although vinegar is sometimes recommended for cleaning dishwashers and washing machines, studies and statements made by the American Cleaning Institute claim that it could harm rubber seals and hoses over time. This damage can result in leaks and costly repairs. Other than using appliance-specific cleaners, you can alternatively use washing soda and borax.
Electronic Screens
Using vinegar to get rid of those smudges and fingerprints on your smartphone, tablet, or computer screens may seem like a good idea, but the acidic properties in vinegar can damage the protective coating and leave behind unsightly streaks. Worst case scenario — it could drastically reduce your device’s touchscreen response. But you can still make your gadgets look nice and shiny just by using a microfiber cloth and a screen-safe cleaner to go with it.
Kitchen Knives
Although you might be tempted to give your kitchen knives that special shine once you’re done with the day’s cooking, cleaning it with vinegar can pit the blade and dull the finish. This is not a good look when all you want to do is show off your veggie-chopping skills. If you want to maintain the sharpness and longevity of your knives, hand wash them with mild dish soap and make sure they’re dried off immediately.
Aluminum, Copper, and Cast Iron Utensils
This will probably come as a shocker, and many of us have probably done the deed. Although soaking copper, aluminum, and cast iron utensils in vinegar seems like a good way to get rid of stains, dirt, grime, grease, and whatnot – in the long, it is going to do more harm than good. Since vinegar is acidic, it’s going to tarnish and etch the surface of these metals and even mess with the protective coating.
Waxed Furniture
Just like hardwood and unfinished wood surfaces, waxed furniture is another big no-no for vinegar. The acid could strip away the wax eventually, leaving your furniture looking dull and unprotected. Sticking to using the classic old soap and water solution would be the ideal thing to do. Some argue that as long as the acidity level is not too high, diluting the vinegar in water (with a good amount of water) would not cause much damage, but you never know what this could do to your furniture in the long run.
Sources: Consumer Reports, Martha Stewart, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens