It’s no secret that vinegar is a highly-effective and versatile cleaning product, whether it’s used to wash windows, remove laundry stains or descale a coffee maker. The inexpensive solution also makes for a great homemade cleaning spray. But since vinegar is acidic, there are some surfaces and common household items that can be damaged if they’re exposed to it.
Before you wipe your kitchen countertops, appliances or wood surfaces with vinegar or vinegar-based cleaners, review this list; we’ve identified all of the things you should NEVER clean with vinegar.
WARNING: Never mix vinegar with bleach. The combination releases a poisonous chlorine gas, which can be deadly if inhaled.
Wood surfaces, including floors and furniture
Even when diluted, vinegar can harm the finish of wood surfaces — from kitchen cabinets and hardwood floors to wood furniture, like dressers and dining tables. The acidic liquid can break down a waxed finish overtime, stripping the shine from surfaces and leaving them dull. Vinegar shouldn’t be used to clean unsealed wood, either, as it can cause the wood to swell. Our advice: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood.
RELATED: 7 Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts
Stainless steel appliances
When diluted with equal parts water, vinegar can be used to clean stainless steel — but we wouldn’t recommend it. Stainless steel appliances have delicate finishes that can be damaged by acids like vinegar. We suggest using a stainless steel cleaner to tackle greasy fingerprints and food splatters on appliances.
Stone countertops
Homemade cleaners with vinegar can burn or etch stone surfaces, like marble, granite and limestone. If you’re hunting for an effective homemade cleaner that won’t damage countertops, try ¼ teaspoon of mild dish soap mixed with one cup of water.
RELATED: 8 Best Granite Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts
Irons and garment steamers
Some people use distilled white vinegar to clean irons and steamers, running it through the system to dissolve mineral deposits. While vinegar may clean the inside of an iron or garment steamer, it can also damage the internal parts, so we wouldn’t recommend it. “For irons and garment steamers, it’s best not to put anything other than water inside,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “Just fill the water chamber of the iron or steamer, set it to the highest temperature and steam setting, and blast away to flush out trapped minerals.”
RELATED: How to Clean an Iron and Prevent Buildup
Grout
Vinegar can damage or erode grout over time, especially if the grout is unsealed or in poor condition. Instead, we recommend cleaning grout with diluted bleach and a stiff brush.
Inside the washing machine — on the daily
Some people use vinegar in laundry to tackle stains and remove odors, but the acidity can corrode some parts of the washing machine. “Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle once in a while shouldn’t hurt it, but it’s not recommended to be regularly used in the washing machine,” says Forté.
Electronic screens
Don’t use vinegar cleaning solutions on a cell phone, television or any electronic screen. The acidity can damage the anti-glare coating and make touchscreens less responsive. We recommend cleaning electronic screens with a damp microfiber towel or using a top-tested screen cleaner.
Egg stains or spills
Next time you drop an egg on the floor, don’t reach for your vinegar spray. Similar to when you poach an egg, the acidity can cause eggs to coagulate, making the egg more difficult to clean.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
