White vinegar is a remarkable cleaning solution that can be used for many purposes, but it’s not the all-purpose product many people think. In some cases, vinegar can do more harm than good. In fact, if it is often chosen as a cleaning solution by default, its use should be avoided in certain cases. While home remedies based on white vinegar are often very effective, they can cause the opposite effect if used incorrectly. Also, white vinegar should be kept away from certain items and certain surfaces.

Cleaning mistakes to avoid when using vinegar at home

Many of us use white vinegar as the household cleaner par excellence as part of a larger household. However, just as many of us don’t know its limitations. Here’s what you shouldn’t clean with this household product.

  • Wash granite and marble countertops with vinegar.

As ubiquitous as it is in our cleaning routine, white vinegar can ruin the smooth, shiny surface of granite, marble and stone floor tiles. To clean floors of this type, prefer a more careful alternative, which is to use a mixture of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid or liquid black soap, 8 drops of household alcohol and one cup of water.

  • Use vinegar on waxed furniture.

Vinegar will dull your furniture wax because it can dissolve the wax. For waxed wood, use a solvent specific to that type of furniture instead. If you want to additionally polish your wooden furniture, you can resort to different types of oils or even lemon juice.

  • Clean stone floor tiles with vinegar

If you want to maintain your stone floor tiles, forget about vinegar and all acidic products like lemon. These will tarnish the stone. Just use a bucket of water and some dish soap to clean them.

  • Mix vinegar and bleach in the washing machine.

Whether it’s to brighten clothes or remove bad odors from the washing machine, white vinegar is a great ally. However, be careful not to mix it with bleach or a chemical reaction will occur that can alter the clothes. Also, this mixture can be dangerous as it can release harmful chlorine gas and cause coughing or breathing problems.

  • Cleaning pearls with vinegar

The pearl sealant could dissolve if exposed to the acid of vinegar. To prevent this, clean your beads with a soft cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water and dish soap .

  • Using vinegar on kitchen knives

When the acid of white vinegar comes into contact with a knife, it dissolves the metal blades and dulls their sharp edges. If you want to clean your knives, simply wash them with a mixture of warm water and bar soap before drying them.

  • Clean egg stains with vinegar

Removing egg stains with vinegar is counterproductive, as the acid will only harden them. Their withdrawal will then be all the more difficult. In this case, it is best to mix two teaspoons of liquid detergent with two cups of cold water without affecting the affected surface. Then rub the stain with a sponge or microfiber cloth soaked in the solution and then blot the area with a paper towel.

  • Using vinegar to clean computer and phone screens

Phone and computer screens are usually protected by a coating that can rub off if you apply white vinegar to it. If you don’t want to damage your electronics, simply wipe the screens with microfiber cloths.

As you must have understood, not everything needs to be treated with white vinegar, although it is a versatile cleaning agent.