15 Things You Should Absolutely Never Clean With Vinegar
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How long has it been since you reviewed your cleaning routine? Vinegar is often touted as a miracle cleaner, but if used incorrectly, it can damage surfaces and result in costly mistakes. “Just as it eats away at coffee stains, imagine it doing the same thing to other surfaces in your home,” says Joe Glajch, a chemist and owner of JLG AP Consulting.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, using the wrong cleaner can shorten the life of appliances and surfaces, which may increase maintenance or replacement costs. This is especially concerning as households in the United States spent an average of $2,458 on home maintenance and repairs in 2023.
The Global Market Insights reports that the global vinegar market size was valued at USD 10.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.4% from 2025 to 2034. Although vinegar is useful in the kitchen and a few other areas of household cleaning, its use can be destructive due to its acidic nature. Ready to find out what you should never clean with this acidic household staple? Read on!
Granite and Marble Surfaces
Granite and marble countertops are quite advanced but fragile, so their maintenance has to be done carefully.
“Vinegar spells trouble for granite countertops (and any other natural stone countertop). The acid in vinegar wears away at the protective sealant that prevents spills from penetrating the stone and causing permanent stains.” says Shifrah Combiths.
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth to preserve its shine and integrity when cleaning natural stone. It also requires resealing over time to prevent long-term damage.
Waxed Furniture
Vinegar on waxed furniture removes the protective coating—the wax—exposing the actual wood. The wax protects against scratches, dust, and moisture, and vinegar may ruin the wood’s appearance and endurance.
Stripping that off using vinegar leaves your wood dull and vulnerable to permanent damage. Instead of vinegar, use a wood cleaner that is adequate for cleaning and conditioning the waxed finish. Also, a microfiber cloth can be used for regular dusting without harming the finish.
Cast Iron Skillets
The vinegar reacts with cast iron to strip away the seasoning—a polymerized oil layer that protects the pan and enhances its cooking properties. Acid can also cause rust to form, weakening the structural integrity over time.
Cast iron skillets should be cleaned as much as possible with only warm water and a stiff brush without soap. Coarse salt may be used as a mild abrasive on stubborn residue without damaging the seasoning. Always dry the pan immediately after washing and apply a thin layer of oil to keep its protective coating intact.
Aluminum Cookware
If exposed to vinegar, aluminum cookware will discolor and develop pitting because of the metal’s reaction to the acid. This affects the appearance and compromises the cookware’s strength over time.
Aluminum pots and pans are durable and lightweight, but poor cleaning methods can significantly reduce lifespan. Grease and residue can be removed easily using mild dish soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge.
Knives with High-Carbon Steel Blades
High-carbon steel knives are prized for their hardness and sharpness, but vinegar can corrode the metal and encourage rust. The acid reacts with the steel to break down the protective oxide layer, leaving the blade vulnerable.
“Cleaning knives with vinegar can damage the finish and leave the edge pitted,” says Frank Spinelli, head of appliance testing for Consumer Reports. This could lead to discoloring, pitting, or even shortening the lifespan of your knife.
High-carbon steel knives should preferably be cleaned by hand under warm, soapy water immediately after use and dried properly. Never leave them to soak, and avoid exposing them to acidic substances.
Natural Fiber Carpets and Rugs
Vinegar can damage carpets made of natural fibers, such as wool or silk. The acid can weaken the fibers, causing fraying and discoloration, especially in lighter-colored rugs.
Sometimes, vinegar will set stains instead of removing them, worsening the problem. Use a pH-neutral solution and blot for spot-cleaning spills, but don’t scrub to avoid damaging the fibers For deep cleaning, hire an experienced professional who can handle fragile materials.
Rubber Components
It will also harm the rubber seals and gaskets in many appliances. “With continual use, vinegar can melt hoses, causing leaks and possibly all kinds of additional damage to the house,” Grayson says.
This becomes an issue with dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. Clean these parts with warm, soapy water or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning.
Egg Stains
Vinegar solidifies egg spills, creating a stickier, harder-to-clean protein. An acid in the vinegar reacts with proteins to “cook” them onto a surface.
Clean egg stains with soapy water and a damp cloth to liquefy the residue more easily and safely. Baking soda may be used as a mild abrasive for tough stains. Always rinse thoroughly to remove any residue left behind.
Bleach-Based Cleaning Solutions
Mixing vinegar with bleach creates highly toxic chlorine gas that can cause severe respiratory irritation, even life-threatening.
The emission reaction is immediate, and a noxious cloud develops. Therefore, these products will be used individually in well-ventilated areas while heeding all the given safeguards.
Mix safer combinations or use one-to-one products that do not cause harmful chemical reactions to increase cleaning power.
Hardwood Floors
Although vinegar has been said to be a natural floor cleaner, it enriches a hardwood floor’s finish over time, stripping the protective coating and thus exposing the wood to moisture, stains, and warping.
“Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched,” Perry Santanachote notes. Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for hardwood that will maintain the finish without leaving dirt and grime.
Unsealed Grout
Unsealed grout is porous and easily damaged by vinegar. The acid weakens the structure, making it more prone to crumbling. The acid also increases grout’s porosity, allowing water and dirt to seep in and cause stains or mold.
To avoid damaging the grout’s integrity, clean the grout with a mild baking soda paste or a grout-specific cleaner. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly to maintain cleanliness. Sealing the grout afterward provides additional protection.
Pearls
“The calcium carbonate in a pearl reacts with the acetic acid in vinegar to produce calcium acetate, water and carbon dioxide,” notes Prudence Jones of Montclair State University in New Jersey. Even brief exposure can etch the surface of the pearls, removing their luster and, in some cases, affecting their structure.
When cleaning pearls, gently wipe them with a damp, soft cloth after having used them to remove dirt or oils. Never use strong chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or dull the pearls.
Automotive Paint
Vinegar strips the clear coat of automotive paint, exposing the underlying color to fading, scratching, and environmental damage. The Universal Technical Institute explains that the acidic material will eat away at your paint, causing damage that can be hard to reverse.
A much better alternative is to clean your car with pH-balanced cleaning products specifically designed to protect the paint. Regular washing and waxing maintain the integrity of the finish and provide a protective barrier.
Delicate Fabrics
The acid breaks down fibers, causing the material to lose its strength and may change color. The University of Arizona notes that fabrics like silk, rayon, and some wool are acid-sensitive and can weaken or discolor if exposed to vinegar.
When laundering delicate items, always check the care label and use a detergent formulated specifically for delicates. Hand washing is often the safest method for maintaining the quality of such fabrics. For stains, test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first.
Digital Screens
Vinegar is too harsh for electronic screens, including televisions, computers, and cell phones. It can dissolve the thin anti-glare and protective coatings, leaving permanent streaks and damage.
“Vinegar can damage a screen’s anti-glare properties and even make a touchscreen less responsive,” says Antonette Asedillo. Repeated use may even cause the screen to lose clarity and functionality.
Instead, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines using a soft, lint-free cloth slightly moistened with water or an accepted screen-cleaning solution. Do not press too hard to avoid scratches or other physical damage.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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