Here Are 7 Things Not to Clean With Vinegar
Vinegar is a household staple with a multitude of uses. It is a key ingredient in many home cleaning solutions. As well as an inexpensive and natural way to clean your home from top to bottom. But before you start dousing your entire home in vinegar, there are a few things you should know. We’ll look at 7 things not to clean with vinegar. As well as some tips for cleaning them the right way.
1. Granite Countertops
Granite is a porous material, meaning it can absorb liquids. When granite countertops come in contact with an acidic substance like vinegar, it can cause the granite to etch, or lose its shine.
As well, vinegar is acidic and can damage the sealant on granite countertops. This leaves them vulnerable to stains and water damage.
To clean your granite countertops the right way, use a pH-neutral soap and warm water.
2. Marble Countertops
Marble is a beautiful but delicate material that can be easily damaged by household cleaners like vinegar. And like granite countertops, marble is susceptible to etching from acidic solutions such as vinegar.
To clean marble without damaging it, mix 1 part dish soap with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. And spritz it onto your countertop. Then, wipe away the solution with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth.
3. Hardwood Flooring
You might be tempted to use vinegar to clean up spills on hardwood floors but resist the urge! The acidity in vinegar can dull the finish and damage the wood over time. And hardwood floors are also susceptible to scratching from acidic substances like vinegar.
Instead, blot spills with a dry cloth and then clean with a gentle wood floor cleaner.
4. Electronic Screens
Whether it’s your TV, computer, or phone screen, never use vinegar on any electronic screen. The acidity can damage the delicate electronics inside. And ruin the coating on the screens.
Instead, dust screens with a microfiber cloth or compressed air. If you need to clean a screen with something more than just dusting, use rubbing alcohol and/or a product that’s specifically designed for cleaning electronic screens.
5. Knives
Knives are made of steel, which can rust when exposed to vinegar. Additionally, vinegar can damage the blades of knives, making them dull and ineffective. Here’s a tip to preserve your knives. Wash them with soap and water instead of using vinegar and dry them immediately after with a soft cloth.
If your knives are already rusty, you can remove the rust by soaking them in a solution of baking soda and water overnight before washing them with soap and water.
6. Wood Furniture
Just like hardwood floors, wood furniture can also be damaged by vinegar. To clean wood furniture, dust with a soft cloth and then polish with a furniture oil or cream polish. To clean wood furniture without damaging it, dust it regularly with a soft cloth and use a mild detergent and water when cleaning spills or spots.
7. Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are coated with a layer of seasoning. This protects them from rust and helps create that perfect sear on your steak.
These pans should never be cleaned with vinegar because the acidity can damage the pan’s seasoning—the layer of oil that prevents food from sticking to the pan and makes it non-stick. While vinegar is great for cleaning many types of cookware, it shouldn’t be used on cast iron pans because it can remove the pan’s seasoning.
To clean a cast iron pan the right way, simply rinse it with hot water and scrub it with a stiff brush if necessary. Then, dry it immediately and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil before storing it away until next time you use it.
Recap
While vinegar is an incredibly versatile cleaning product, there are some things you should never clean with vinegar because it could damage them beyond repair!
So next time you reach for the bottle of white distilled vinegar in your cupboard, make sure you keep these 7 things in mind!