Sophie Officer, co-owner of cleaning business Dustpan and Brush has shared her love of white vinegar but claims that there are five areas to keep this liquid far away from.
She said: “As the owner of Dustpan and Brush, my eco-friendly cleaning business that I’ve been running for over a decade, I can confidently say that using vinegar in cleaning forms a foundational part of how we can effectively and quickly clean spaces.
“However, it’s important to note that vinegar is not a one-size-fits-all cleaning product. Certain materials, surfaces, and appliances can be damaged by its acidity.”
1. Natural stone
Vinegar is acidic and can “etch or dull the surface” of natural stone, particularly those of marble, limestone and granite.
She warned: “The acid in vinegar will react with the minerals in the stone, leading to visible damage over time and a wearing down of the sealant, and eventually the stone itself. Always be cautious with these surfaces and be certain to never use vinegar.”
Instead, Sophie recommends using a pH-neutral stone cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone surfaces. If that’s not within reach, “another fantastically effective eco-friendly alternative” is to use a natural soap with a pH neutral profile, such as castile mixed with water at a one to three ratio.
2. Hardwood floors
Some kitchens and bathrooms have hardwood floors instead of tile. Vinegar’s astringent acidity can “strip away the finish”, whether it be varnish or polish, and damage the protective sealant on hardwood floors leaving them “susceptible to water damage, warping, and discolouration”.
For anything wood-related, “ditch the vinegar and opt for a hardwood floor cleaner” designed to clean and protect wooden floors without causing harm to the finish.
Alternatively, another eco-friendly and accessible option would be to use a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Equip yourself with a great mop and your home-made cleaner will “effectively clean hardwood floors without damaging them”.
3. Home appliances
The acidic nature of vinegar can damage sensitive electronic components and corrode metal surfaces found in home appliances.
In most circumstances, simply a soft, dry cloth for dusting will be all you need. If an appliance needs more cleaning, always make sure to unplug it entirely first. Once done, lightly dampen a microfibre cloth with water or a very mild dish soap to wipe up the mess.
Finish with a dry cloth and leave unplugged for 24 hours before plugging back in.
4. Grout
While vinegar is often recommended for cleaning tile surfaces, it “should be avoided for cleaning grout lines” between tiles.
Sophie warned: “The acidity of vinegar can break down the grout over time, leading to deterioration and potential discolouration over time.”
A “wonderful and effective mixture you can make out of typical home ingredients” is baking soda and water. A one-to-one ratio will make a paste that you can use to clean grout lines “effectively”.
5. Iron and steel cookware
Iron and steel cookware prefers protection to be looking and functioning at its best and is, unfortunately, not a friend to acidity. Vinegar “will corrode and rust these items”, or “strip away any prior seasoning” on cookware such as cast iron skillets or grills.
Instead, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad with warm, soapy water to clean iron or steel cookware and immediately reseal with a home cooking oil.
Just a thin layer all over the cooking surface is plenty, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe up any excess. This will help maintain cast iron cookware to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties.
