Vinegar is one of the most accessible and commonly used products at home. It is an indispensable component for eco cleaning of surfaces, to remove mould, and has an antibacterial effect. However, the liquid is acidic, so there are things that should not be used. Check out which are the things that you shouldn’t clean with vinegar at your home.

Don’t Use it as Grease Remover for Dirty Dishes

While vinegar is a great product to clean and disinfect various kitchen surfaces it is acidic and you shouldn’t use it to clean greasy pans, pots and plates. Alkaline cleaners like dishwashing liquid, or even ordinary soap are way more effective in removing grease and oil stains from your dishes.

Never Use on Wax

Never use vinegar to clean surfaces treated with paraffin or other wax. Usually this includes most solid wood furnishings, wooden floors, frames and accessories are treated with waxes because they are strong water repellents and it give wood noble and smooth shine. Vinegar damages this coating and ruins the matt gloss. However if you need to remove the old layer in order to apply a new one you can do it with vinegar. Apply it on the wax and wait 20-30 minutes, before wiping the surface with a cloth or paper towel.

Don’t Use Vinegar to Clean Marble

Vinegar is great natural cleaner for various types of surfaces, but not for marble. Never use any kind of vinegar or cleaners containing vinegar on marble. It is acidic and will corrode the porous structure of this natural stone. When cleaning marble you can use hydrogen peroxide instead of acidic cleaning agent.

Be Careful What Vinegar You Use for Laundry

Never use wine or apple cider vinegar for washing your clothes. These two kinds can colour and stain your laundry. If you want to add vinegar to your washing machine use only white distilled vinegar – it bleaches the fabric and removes foul odours.

Don’t Use Vinegar on Aluminium and Iron

Aluminium dishes and cast iron pans shouldn’t be cleaned with vinegar. These metals react with the acid and will be damaged. You can use vinegar for cleaning stainless steel or enameled cast iron.

Never Mix Vinegar and Bleach

Vinegar and bleach are different in nature but strong cleaning agents. They both remove mould very effectively. However, they should not be used together, as they produce toxic gas when mixed. Better use these cleaners separately or mixed only with natural substances.

Be Careful When Using Vinegar as Pesticide

You can use vinegar as natural weapon against insects in your garden. But if you decide to replace the commercial pesticide with vinegar be careful – spray around the leaves and stalks, but not directly onto the plants, as vinegar will kill them. Of coarse, vinegar is green and efficient way to get rid of weeds in the garden.

Never Try to Clean Protein Stains with Vinegar

If you need to remove protein stain don’t reach for the vinegar, or other acidic cleaners, including lemons. Acid coagulates proteins and form gluey substance which is very hard to clean.

Now you know when not to use vinegar. If you are searching for reliable professionals, who use eco-friendly procedures and products to clean your home, don’t hesitate to contact us.