Given that it’s a component of several of our preferred homemade cleaning products, vinegar may appear like the cure to all cleaning problems. It’s not always the greatest option, though. Although vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, it is not a miracle solvent that can be used on any kind of stain or untidy condition. Furthermore, even though vinegar is reasonably safe, inexpensive, and environmentally benign, it can nevertheless harm particular materials and surfaces. Never use vinegar to clean these seven items to avoid cleaning regrets.
Read also: Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Dishes Properly
Things You Should Never Clean With Vinegar
Surfaces of Granite and Marble
The acid in vinegar can erode the finishes on your countertop over time. Even though these surfaces are famed for their toughness, you want to preserve their brand-new appearance for as long as feasible because they are pricey. Using an all-purpose cleaner with a vinegar base on a regular basis can gradually dull that glossy finish. Cleaning stone is as simple as giving it a quick wipe down with some warm water and dish soap. Simple, huh?
Technology Devices
The thought of using vinegar and a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints from your touchscreen gadgets may be alluring. However, the screen’s covering may be ruined. Because technology screens can be finicky, experts advise utilizing the cleaning solution designed especially for your tablet, phone, or laptop. Frequently, cleaning the item with a dry, clean microfiber will solve the issue.
Anything that uses bleach
In general, it is better to stay away from mixing chemicals because it can be dangerous and a major matter. Both vinegar and ammonia have the potential to produce harmful gases when combined, as does bleach; vinegar generates harmful chlorine fumes when combined with bleach. Keeping your cleaning supplies apart will maintain a safe and tidy home.
Waxed Furniture and Flooring
Similar to stone countertops, waxed wooden surfaces may eventually lose their sheen if vinegar is used frequently on them. While some experts advise utilizing vinegar to clean floors and get dirt off of furnishings,
Keep in mind the particular things you have, and don’t let dampness or water sit on hardwood surfaces. When cleaning any finished wood surface, use caution and begin with the least invasive technique.
Certain Parts of the Dishwasher
A common dishwasher cleaning technique involves pouring a cup of white vinegar onto the top rack because vinegar is well renowned for its cleaning and deodorizing abilities. On the other hand, over time, the acid in vinegar can erode the rubber seal of a dishwasher and other equipment. To find out if your appliance is composed of natural rubber, which can withstand vinegar, check the manual. If not, try running a regular cycle with a more diluted vinegar solution to ensure that the vinegar never gets on the rubber components.
Pet Messes
Although vinegar works wonders as a deodorizer, it’s not the best solution for cleaning up pet accidents. Pets will still be able to detect past accidents and will continue to mark these locations again, even though the smells you detect may be eliminated. Use an enzyme cleaner in place of vinegar. Both smells that you can notice and ones that your pet can only detect will be eliminated.
Deteriorating grout
Although you could be able to get away with occasionally using vinegar to clean your grout, it’s best to stay away from it. Tile and grout can age and deteriorate more quickly as a result of the seal being worn away over time by caustic cleaners like bleach and vinegar.
Read also: Best Ways To Clean The Trickiest Spots In Your House