Household Vinegar: 6 Surfaces You Should Never Clean

When it comes to cleaning, household vinegar is a jack of all trades. Known for its natural, economical and eco-friendly properties, this potent cleaner has been used since antiquity to disinfect, deodorize and shine surfaces in our homes. However, not all materials play nice with vinegar; some surfaces should be kept well clear of it. In this article, we will discuss six types of surfaces that you should avoid using household vinegar on.

The Downside of Household Vinegar

Incompatibilities with Certain Materials

Vinegar’s high acidity, while beneficial for breaking down grease and grime, can also cause damage to particular materials. This means that despite its versatility, there are certain things you simply shouldn’t clean with vinegar. Next, let’s delve into the specific kinds of materials that fall into this category.

Delicate Surfaces: marble, granite and Polished Surfaces

The Harmful Effects on Stone Surfaces

Porous stones such as marble and granite can suffer etching when exposed to acidic substances like vinegar. The acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in these stones causing dull spots or rings to appear over time. That said, keep your vinegar spray bottle at bay when tackling stone countertops or tiles.

Damage to Polished Surfaces :

Polished surfaces, whether they’re stone or metal, can also lose their luster through contact with vinegar. Acidic cleaners like vinegar can strip away the polish leaving the surface looking dull and lifeless. Remember that next time those shiny surfaces need a spruce up.

Wood: natural Enemy of White Vinegar

Vinegar’s Effect on Wood

While vinegar might be a wonder for cleaning many items in your home, putting it on waxed wood furniture or parquet floors can dissolve the wax. This leads to a dulling effect that reduces their shine and leaves them more vulnerable to scratches and stains.

Beware of Metals: aluminium and Copper Under High Surveillance

The Corrosive Impact on Aluminium and Copper

Metals like aluminium and copper are also susceptible to the corrosive properties of vinegar. Regular exposure can lead to discoloration, pitting, and even structural damage over time. So, keep those copper pans and aluminium utensils away from vinegar when cleaning.

Rubber Seals and Household Appliances

The Deteriorating Impact on Rubber Materials

Vinegar’s acidity can also cause rubber seals, often found in household appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, to prematurely degrade. Consequently, using vinegar as a cleaner for appliances with these types of seals is strictly off-limits.

Tread Carefully with Touchscreens and Electronic Devices

The Risk to Digital Devices

Last but not least, vinegar should not be used to clean touch screens or electronics. The acid can strip away the special coatings on these screens designed to reduce smudges and fingerprints. It’s safer to stick with manufacturer-recommended cleaners for these delicate devices.

To wrap things up, while household vinegar is undoubtedly a versatile cleaning agent, it’s essential to know its limits. Marble & granite countertops, polished surfaces, wooden furnishings & floors, certain metals like aluminium & copper, rubber seals found in appliances and digital device screens should all steer clear of vinegar cleaning. Use this knowledge to maintain the longevity and quality of these surfaces in your home.