When not to use vinegar?

Author: Newell Berge  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

In addition to common household appliances and electronics, we'll reveal which surfaces should be avoided when cleaning with distilled white vinegar.
  1. When to Avoid Cleaning With Vinegar. ...
  2. Clothes Irons. ...
  3. Countertops. ...
  4. Dishwashers. ...
  5. Electronic Screens. ...
  6. Flooring. ...
  7. Kitchen Knives. ...
  8. Ranges.

What shouldn't I use vinegar on?

Here are 5 things you shouldn't clean with vinegar! 🙅‍♀️ 1. Electronics - Damages anti-glare coating 2. Cast Iron Skillet - Causes rusting and removes seasoning Vinegar, Sweetie?!! 😻 3. Natural Stone Surfaces - Wears away at surface 4. Waxed or Unfinished Wood - Causes discoloration and wears away at surface 5.

When not to use vinegar in laundry?

Fabric Type: While vinegar is safe for cotton and synthetic fabrics, it can potentially damage delicate fabrics such as silk or lace. Always check care labels before using vinegar on specific garments. Colorfastness: Some dyes may react with vinegar, leading to color fading or bleeding.

What surfaces should you not use vinegar on?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  • Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  • Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  • Clothes Iron. ...
  • Tile Grout. ...
  • Knives. ...
  • Small Appliances. ...
  • Hardwood Floors. ...
  • Electronic Screens.

When should vinegar be discarded?

Does Vinegar Go Bad? No, vinegar doesn't expire. Whether it's a bottle of crystal-clear distilled white vinegar or cloudy apple cider vinegar with the “mother,” vinegar has a virtually indefinite shelf life thanks to its high level of acidity (above 4%).

Apple Cider Vinegar At NIGHT Benefits (Use This Every Night)

How to know if vinegar is bad?

However, the long shelf life doesn't mean that bacteria can't grow in your vinegar. Once opened and exposed to air, harmless vinegar bacteria may indeed start to grow. The telltale sign? A formation of cloudy sediment, that you can simply strain off before using and never give a second thought to.

Can I use expired vinegar?

Over time, the acidity level decreases, reducing potency. That means that old vinegar is technically safe to consume because it won't harm you in the same way old dairy or fish would, but that doesn't mean its shelf life is “to infinity and beyond,” either.

What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?

Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.

What does vinegar repel?

It works at eliminating pests that are indoors and outdoors. A lot of people use apple cider vinegar to eliminate fruit flies from the house, which is done using a fruit fly vinegar trap. Apple cider vinegar is also great at repelling ants, and it is quite easy to make an ant repellent with this vinegar.

Does vinegar react with anything?

In addition, when mixed with other cleaning agents, notably chlorine bleach, the acid in vinegar can create toxic chemical reactions.

What happens if you use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

What do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

Will vinegar damage a toilet bowl?

Using this method regularly can help keep your toilet clean and hygienic. Additionally, you should use bleach or other cleaning products for tougher stains or odors. However, it's important not to leave the vinegar in the toilet overnight as it can damage the porcelain and reduce its lifespan.

Will vinegar damage clothes?

"Using too much vinegar over time takes a toll on your delicate fabrics," says LaLonde.

Will vinegar keep mosquitoes away?

Can vinegar keep mosquitoes away? Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. Creating and spraying a vinegar solution or placing vinegar-soaked cotton balls around your outdoor area can help keep mosquitoes away.

What hates vinegar?

🐜✨ Mix equal parts vinegar and water to keep them away. For serious infestations, call the experts at Dewey Pest & Termite Control.

Will vinegar damage a faucet?

These types of cleaners can ruin or discolor the more delicate surface of the brushed nickel finish. Vinegar is a popular faucet cleaning solution, but should be avoided on brushed nickel. Also, do not use abrasive cleaners, such as bleach powder or tools like scrubbing brushes.

When to not use vinegar to clean?

Tools with exposed edges, like kitchen knives, are especially vulnerable to vinegar. Cleaning knives with vinegar can damage the finish and leave the edge pitted, says Frank Spinelli, head of appliance testing for CR. Other common metals in the kitchen that you should keep away from vinegar include aluminum and copper.

Can I leave vinegar on carpet overnight?

White vinegar is great to use if you just want to freshen things up without touching the carpet. There are two easy ways to use vinegar to remove carpet odors: Pour vinegar into several bowls and leave them in the room with the carpet overnight. Simmer a pot of white vinegar on your stove for about an hour.

What is floating in my white vinegar?

Sometimes there is sediment, cobweb like or large jelly like discs floating in my vinegar. What is it and is it harmful? This is known as “Mother of Vinegar” and due to the natural fermentation process used to make DYC vinegars; it may develop in the product over time.

Should you refrigerate vinegar?

While oils and vinegars don't need to be refrigerated on their own, once you add in ingredients like fresh-squeezed citrus juice, mustard and garlic to make a homemade vinaigrette, it's a good idea to pop any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Does salt expire?

Real Salt never expires.

Food only spoils when fungal, bacterial, yeast, or other microbial growth takes place. All of these require water. Salt doesn't contain water, so it doesn't support microbial growth, meaning it won't spoil. In fact, salt is actually used as a preservative for other foods, like meat.

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