If you're keen on keeping your home clean in an environmentally-friendly manner, then white vinegar is likely a staple in your arsenal. However, while it's hailed for its versatile cleaning and disinfecting properties, it's not suitable for all surfaces.
Why Use White Vinegar for Cleaning?
White vinegar has been traditionally used for cleaning due to its effectiveness in removing dirt, grease, and food residues. It's frequently found in eco-friendly cleaning products because of its non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly nature. Furthermore, it's useful for eliminating bad odors.
Nine Surfaces to Avoid Cleaning with White Vinegar
Despite its many benefits, white vinegar's acidic composition can be harmful to certain surfaces. Here are nine surfaces that you should avoid cleaning with white vinegar:
- Marble and Granite: The acidic nature can dull their shine and texture.
- Copper Pans: It can damage and dull the shine.
- Waxed Wooden Furniture and Parquet Flooring: The acid can dissolve the protective wax layer.
- Concrete and other porous surfaces: It can damage and alter the structure.
- Electronic Device Screens: It can deteriorate protective coatings.
- Natural Stone Surfaces: It can alter the texture and color.
- Leather: It can cause cracks and discoloration.
- Silk: This fragile material can be damaged.
- Egg Stains: It can cause coagulation, making removal more challenging.
Safe Uses of White Vinegar in the House
While there are restrictions in using white vinegar, there are numerous safe applications around the house. It can remove stains from carpets, neutralize bad smells from washing machines, and clean windows and kitchen countertops. Nevertheless, to avoid skin irritation, it's advisable to use protective gloves while cleaning with white vinegar.