White vinegar is hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly cleaning marvel, tackling everything from stubborn mould and limescale to rejuvenating stiff towels – it’s a jack-of-all-trades.
Composed of water, acetic acid, and traces of vitamins and minerals, white vinegar is refreshingly free of any concealed nasties.
However, despite its many uses, vinegar isn’t suitable for every nook and cranny around the house. The acidic properties of vinegar mean it can wreak havoc on certain home surfaces, some of which might come as a surprise.
Baqir Khan, cleaning guru and director at Extreme Cleaning, has shared five household items that should never see a drop of white vinegar.
He said: “While white vinegar is a versatile and effective cleaning agent for many surfaces, there are some objects which you should avoid cleaning with it to avoid damage.”
1. Carpet stains
Carpet stains are an all-too-familiar headache but aren’t best treated with white vinegar.
Baqir points out that white vinegar could “set certain stains” in carpets or even “affect the colour”.
For a natural remedy, he suggests baking soda mixed with water. Combine one part baking soda with three parts water, apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum.
When the natural approach doesn’t cut it, Baqir advises turning to a carpet cleaner or sticking to the manufacturer’s stain removal guidelines.
2. Painted surfaces
Just as it can bleach carpets, white vinegar may also “strip paint” from walls. Baqir suggests using a gentle soapy water solution or a cleaner specifically designed for painted surfaces.
3. Silicone sealants
While you might find recommendations for using white vinegar and bleach as cleaning solutions for silicone sealants that are stained with mould, these products could potentially harm the sealant.
The expert said: “Vinegar can degrade and damage silicone over time. Instead, use a gentle soapy water solution for cleaning silicone sealant.”
4. Grout
In a similar vein to silicone sealants, white vinegar can “break down and damage the grout”, leading to its “deterioration”. Baqir advises cleaning the area with a concoction of baking soda and water or opting for a commercial grout cleaner.
5. Plastic Containers
White vinegar doesn’t necessarily damage plastic containers, but it can impact the flavour of the food stored within them. The cleaning expert added: “Vinegar’s strong smell may linger in plastic, affecting the taste of food stored in the containers.”
As an alternative, consider washing them with a blend of baking soda and water or a mild dish soap.
