White vinegar has long been celebrated as a versatile household cleaning aid. From cooking uses like poaching eggs to lifting stains and neutralizing odors, vinegar’s acidic properties make it an affordable and eco-friendly solution for many chores.
Social media is filled with tips recommending white vinegar for virtually every cleaning task, but a cleaning expert warns that there are three specific home areas where vinegar should never be used.
Madame Sweat, a personal and domestic hygiene specialist, shared an insightful video on Instagram highlighting the dangers of applying white vinegar on certain materials. According to her, the acidic nature of vinegar can cause permanent damage to these surfaces.
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First, any natural stone surfaces in your kitchen—such as granite countertops or stone tables—should never be cleaned with vinegar, even if diluted. Madame Sweat states that vinegar’s acidity can etch and dull stone finishes, breaking down the surface over time. Instead, she recommends gently cleaning stone with a mixture of water and washing-up liquid applied with a soft cloth.
Second, hardwood floors are vulnerable to vinegar-based cleaners. Using vinegar risks stripping away the floor’s finish and causing wood to warp or degrade. For hardwood cleaning, Madame Sweat suggests using castile soap, an olive oil–based, gentle natural soap, or alternatively, a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner combined with a microfiber mop.
Finally, avoid using white vinegar on rubber parts, including the seals around dishwasher and washing machine doors. Despite its mold-fighting reputation, vinegar can erode and fracture rubber seals over time. To deodorize and clean these rubber elements safely, baking soda is a better natural choice.
When using white vinegar in laundry, such as to remove odors from towels and sportswear, ensure it is poured into the detergent compartment to prevent contact with rubber seals.
Madame Sweat’s guidance has helped many viewers realize how common cleaning mistakes may unintentionally harm household surfaces. As one commenter noted, “Thank you for saying the dishwasher. It’s crazy how many people recommend dumping vinegar in dishwashers, but appliance companies disagree.”
By choosing the right cleaning method for each surface, you can keep your home spotless without risking damage.