I love using vinegar as a natural cleaner—it’s cheap, non-toxic, and works wonders on things like glass, countertops, and even some fabrics. But as much as I swear by it for certain tasks, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that vinegar isn’t safe for everything. Its high acidity can damage delicate surfaces, ruin finishes, and even cause dangerous reactionswhen mixed with the wrong substances.
If you’re a vinegar fan like me, make sure you’re using it wisely. Here are 10 things you should never clean with vinegar—and better alternatives to use instead.
1. Granite and Marble Countertops
I used to think vinegar was the perfect all-purpose cleaner until I noticed my marble started looking dull. It turns out vinegar’s acidity breaks down the protective sealant on natural stone, leaving it vulnerable to stains and scratches.
- Instead of vinegar, use warm water and mild dish soap for everyday cleaning.
- For tough stains, try a stone-safe cleaner designed for granite or marble.
- Always dry your countertops to prevent water spots and mineral buildup.
If you’ve invested in beautiful stone surfaces, avoid vinegar to keep them looking pristine.
2. Hardwood Floors
When I first moved into a house with hardwood floors, I thought vinegar would be a great natural alternative to chemical cleaners. But over time, I noticed the shine was fading. Vinegar slowly wears away the finish, making wood look dull and more prone to damage.
- Instead of vinegar, use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner or a mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Avoid excess water—too much moisture can cause warping and swelling.
- If your floors need extra shine, use a wood polish specifically designed for hardwood.
Vinegar may seem harmless, but it can shorten the life of your floors.
3. Egg Spills
I learned this one the hard way! One time, I dropped an egg on the floor and immediately reached for my vinegar spray, only to end up with a slimy mess that was even harder to clean. The acid in vinegar reacts with the proteins in the egg, making them coagulate and stick even more.
- Instead of vinegar, wipe up eggs with warm, soapy water and a paper towel.
- If the spill is stubborn, sprinkle a little salt over it to make cleanup easier.
- Avoid using hot water—it can also make eggs harder to clean.
Next time you have an egg mishap, skip the vinegar and go for a gentler approach.
4. Cast Iron Pans
I love my cast iron skillet, and I’ve learned that proper care is key to keeping it in top shape. Vinegar is way too harsh for cast iron—it can strip away the seasoning and even cause rust.
- Instead of vinegar, scrub cast iron with coarse salt and a bit of oil to lift residue.
- For stuck-on food, try boiling a little water in the pan, then wiping it out.
- Always dry thoroughly and coat with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Your cast iron cookware can last a lifetime—just keep vinegar away from it!
5. Electronic Screens (Phones, TVs, Laptops)
I used to think vinegar was great for cleaning my phone screen, but I quickly realized it was wearing away the anti-glare and fingerprint-resistant coating. Over time, vinegar can dull screens and make them more prone to scratches.
- Instead of vinegar, use a microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of water.
- For a deeper clean, try a screen-safe cleaner made for electronics.
- Never spray liquid directly onto a screen—always apply it to the cloth first.
If you want your screens to stay crystal clear, keep vinegar far away.
6. Knives (Especially Stainless Steel Blades)
Vinegar is great at cutting through grease, but it can corrode and dull stainless steel knife blades. I once soaked a knife in vinegar to remove some buildup, only to find tiny rust spots forming.
- Instead of vinegar, wash knives by hand with warm water and dish soap.
- Dry them immediately to prevent rust and corrosion.
- For deep cleaning, use baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend.
If you want your knives to stay sharp and rust-free, stick to gentler cleaning methods.
7. Washing Machines and Dishwashers with Rubber Seals
A lot of people use vinegar to clean their washing machines and dishwashers, and while it does help remove mineral buildup, it can also wear down rubber seals and hoses over time. This can lead to leaks and costly repairs.
- Instead of vinegar, use baking soda or a manufacturer-approved cleaner to freshen up your machines.
- For dishwashers, run a cycle with citric acid powder to remove buildup safely.
- If you do use vinegar, only do it occasionally—never as a regular cleaner.
Long-term vinegar use can damage your appliances, so be careful!
8. Nonstick Cookware
Nonstick pans make cooking (and cleaning up) easier, but vinegar can wear down the coating over time, making food stick and ruining the pan.
- Instead of vinegar, wash nonstick cookware with warm water and mild dish soap.
- For stuck-on food, soak in baking soda and water before scrubbing.
- Avoid metal utensils that can scratch the surface.
Taking proper care of your nonstick pans helps them last much longer.
9. Natural Stone Tiles
Just like with granite and marble countertops, vinegar is too acidic for natural stone tiles like travertine, limestone, and slate. It can eat away at the protective seal and leave dull spots and permanent damage.
- Instead of vinegar, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or just warm water and mild soap.
- Never use acidic cleaners on bathroom or kitchen stone tiles.
- Dry the surface completely to prevent streaks or water marks.
If you want your stone surfaces to stay looking fresh, skip the vinegar.
10. Grout with Sealant
Vinegar is often recommended for cleaning grout, but if your grout has been sealed, vinegar can slowly break down the sealant, making it more vulnerable to stains and moisture.
- Instead of vinegar, use a mild grout cleaner or warm, soapy water.
- For tough grime, try a paste of baking soda and water with a soft brush.
- Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can wear down the sealant even faster.
If you’re unsure whether your grout is sealed, play it safe and avoid vinegar.