White vinegar is a powerhouse of an ingredient when it comes to natural cleaning.
The acidic nature of white vinegar means you can take on dirt, grease, and grime with ease. Whether that’s in your kitchen, bathroom, or general living areas of your home. You can even use it in your garden.
However, as white vinegar is an acid it means there are a few things you should not use it to clean.
Cleaning expert Sarah Demspey at Myjobquote.co.uk has shared four items that white vinegar should “never” be used on.
1. Stone worktops
Those who have stone countertops should avoid using white vinegar to clean them as the acid in the vinegar “dulls and etches” natural stone materials such as limestone and marble.
White vinegar can also make your surfaces “lose their shine”. With other types of countertops, the vinegar can “break down any sealants” that have been applied, ultimately causing damage to the material underneath.
Instead, Sarah suggests cleaning your countertops with a cloth or sponge dipped in some mild detergent.
2. Washing machine
Many people believe that running the washing machine with white vinegar in it will help to clean the appliance.
However, not many people realise that vinegar can actually cause “damage” to the washing machine.
A washing machine contains rubber seals, hoses, and other rubber elements that can become damaged from the acid in the vinegar so it should “never be used” on this appliance. This can then lead to leaks in your washing machine.
Instead, you should use a product that is recommended by the manufacturer to ensure you don’t cause any damage to the machine.
3. Mirrors
Cleaning your mirrors with white vinegar may seem like a good idea since “vinegar is great for cleaning windows” or other things made from glass.
However, you should “avoid using vinegar on your mirrors” as the vinegar can penetrate through to the mirror’s backing. This is the part of the mirror that makes it shine.
Instead, stick to cleaning products that are suitable for mirrors and use a microfibre cloth for cleaning.
4. Dishwashers
Some people believe that using white vinegar in the dishwasher can help to get rid of lingering odours and remove hard water film.
However, Sarah argued: “It doesn’t actually make much of a difference at all. Instead, it’s better to use dishwasher cleaners as these are specially formulated to do the job of cleaning your dishwasher well.”
She claimed that white vinegar is “ineffective at removing water spots”. Plus, the acid in the vinegar can actually “eat away and damage” some of the rubber parts within the appliance, like with washing machines.
