If you need to clean glass in the kitchen or bathroom, vinegar works well. However, vinegar is an acid, and its acidic properties can cause problems with some kinds of cleaning. In fact, vinegar is not the best multi-purpose cleaner you can use at home. Here are some of the things you should not clean with vinegar, even if you dilute it.
Pots and Pans
Did you ever try to clean a greasy and dirty pot with just vinegar? It probably did not work well. Although vinegar may not harm your cooking utensils, it simply does not work well as a de-greasing agent. In other words, you are wasting your time and resources.
Hardwood Flooring
Your hardwood floors often get dirty, and they need a good cleaning. Sweeping or dusting is not sufficient. However, if you use vinegar to clean your beautiful floors, you could cause a great deal of damage to the finish. The acid in the vinegar may attack the finish and leave the surface dull or streaked. The best multi-purpose cleaner does not have an acidic base. Alkaline-based cleaners work best for most jobs.
Fine Countertops
You can clean most countertops with a vinegar solution. However, it is not recommended for fine materials like granite or marble. In fact, it can cause damage.
Washing Machines
Many people use vinegar for clothes washing. It can remove some stains and odors effectively. However, you must not mix vinegar with any kind of bleach. This creates a deadly gas which is harmful to you and your family.
Smartphones
Your smartphone screen can get dirty and collect smudges quickly. However, you should not use an acidic cleaner like vinegar. It can remove the oil-resistant coating on the screen. The best multi-purpose cleaner is safe to use on all surfaces and is friendly to the environment.