While vinegar seems like it might have endless uses, there are some things you should avoid using if for. The acidic nature makes it a no-no when cleaning specific materials, including stone, hardwood floors, and pearls. In addition, vinegar lacks the anti-bacterial quality of some cleaners, making it subpar for disinfecting.
A great all-around cleaner for the most part, avoid using vinegar in these situations and you should have no problem keeping your items damage free.
Stubborn Stains
Even though you might think the acidic nature would work great on getting stains out of your clothes, this is not always the case. Vinegar is no match for grass, ice cream, blood, and other hard-to-remove stains. You’re better off using a prewash stain remover and then washing your clothing using laundry detergent with enzymes.
Egg Spills
Vinegar is one of the worst cleaners you could sue when cleaning up a cracked egg you have dropped. Instead of cleaning up the runny yolk, the vinegar only makes it worse by causing the yolk to coagulate due to the acid the vinegar contains.
Hardwood Floors
There is some argument whether it is okay to use vinegar to clean your hardwood floors. Some users say it does a great job cleaning their floors while others say that the vinegar damaged theirs. You could always test the vinegar first, diluted of course, in a small, inconspicuous spot, or use a cleaner made especially for hardwood floors just to be safe.
Stone Floor Tiles
Even though you would think stone would be one of the strongest substances, it can actually suffer damage if you clean it using vinegar. As a matter of fact, the stone does not like the acidity of vinegar at all. You are better off using a cleaner specially made for the purpose or mild dish detergent mixed in water.
Clothes Irons
A clothes iron is another item you want to avoid using vinegar to clean. The vinegar can actually damage the internal parts of the iron. A better way to keep your iron clog free is to empty it after use and follow the cleaning instructions in the user’s manual.
Marble and Granite Countertops
Just like stone floors, you should avoid using vinegar to clean marble and granite countertops. This is because the acid in the vinegar can etch the top of the marble or granite surface. To clean your countertops without damaging them, use mild dish detergent mixed with warm water.
Waxed Furniture
Before applying vinegar to your wax furniture, you should know that it will strip the wax from its surface. This can leave your furniture looking dull. Your best bet when cleaning waxed furniture is to use furniture polish specially designed for the task.
Dishwashers
While many DIY sites tell you to run a cycle with your dishwasher with a bowl of vinegar inside, vinegar can actually damage the rubber parts inside your appliance. What this means is that the rubber seals and hoses will wear out far quicker when using vinegar to clean your dishwasher as opposed to not using it.
Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are great for cooking. A lot of this has to do with the patina they build up over time which gives it a non-stick property. Vinegar will actually destroy this finish and can even cause your cast iron pans to rust. To avoid this, use only water when cleaning them or mild dish detergent mixed with water.
Greasy Surfaces
The acids in vinegar make it one of the least effective cleaners when it comes to grease. As a matter of fact, if you have a messy grease spill to clean up, use a mild dish detergent, in particular one designed to cut through grease for best results.
Pearls
The materials that make up a pearl means that vinegar is the worst possible cleaner you could use. Made up of calcium carbonate, limestone, and marble, the calcium carbonate will actually dissolve if exposed to vinegar. So, you can imagine the damage that would cause. To clean your pearls use a solution of lukewarm water mixed with a mild dish detergent.
Kitchen Knives
Like many other items on this list, the best way to clean your kitchen knives is by using mild dish detergent and water. Avoid vinegar if at all possible as the acids they contain can actually damage the surface of your knives.
Aluminum
Just like with many metal items, vinegar can actually damage the surface of aluminum pots and pans. The vinegar reacts with the aluminum surface causing it to oxidize and leading to unsightly spots on your items. Use simple mild dish detergent and water to clean your aluminum cookware.
Phones or Tablets
Do not use vinegar to clean your mobile devices. The fingerprint-resistant film on your smartphone or tablet can actually be damaged if you use vinegar to clean them. Your best bet for this situation is a microfiber cloth dampened with a little water.
Plants
Vinegar does not react well with plants and can actually kill them if sprayed or wiped directly on them. While vinegar can help keep pests away from your plants, it works better as a weed killer. To clean your plants, simply mist them with water, wiping larger leaves down using a clean cloth.
Pet Messes
Vinegar is known for its ability to get rid of odors, which is great if you have a stinky mess to clean up. Keep in mind though, if you use vinegar to clean up after your pets, they can still smell the odor and will continue to mark these areas. For best results, use an enzymatic cleaner to clean up after your pets.
Unsealed Grout
If you have grout that has deteriorated, avoid using vinegar to clean it. The vinegar will wear away the seal on the grout over time, making it break down even quicker. You are better off using a variety of methods specially designed for cleaning grout instead.
Upholstery
If you have upholstered furniture, avoid using vinegar to clean it. Chances are it will only leave a stain, making matters worse. If you still feel like you want to use vinegar on your furniture, make sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first to see if it stains.
Wounds
While it might sting when you apply vinegar to a wound, vinegar will not kill the bacteria often found in a wound, which can lead to infection. You are better off using a substance, such as rubbing alcohol to clean a wound, as it is more effective in killing germs.
Swimmer’s Ear
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If you or a family member has swimmer’s ear, do not use vinegar to treat it. While vinegar is a popular optional treatment for swimmer’s ear, it is not the most effective, plus it hurts like the dickens. The best way to avoid swimmer’s ear is to dry them thoroughly after exposure to water and only use medication specially made for treating the condition.
