April 30, 2025
Is Vinegar Safe to Clean With?
Vinegar is safe to clean with, although there are a few things to consider when using vinegar for home cleaning and some items you shouldn't use it for.
Using vinegar for household cleaning is a timeless home care secret. It is an affordable, non-toxic, and accessible alternative to chemical disinfectants, detergents, degreasers, and more. Vinegar is safe to clean with, although there are a few things to consider when using vinegar for home cleaning and some items you shouldn’t use it for.
Things to Consider When Cleaning With Vinegar
Keep the following in mind when cleaning with vinegar:
The Type of Vinegar
Using the right kind of vinegar is essential. Popular types include white distilled balsamic, apple cider, red wine, and white wine vinegar. White distilled vinegar is the best and most commonly used option for cleaning. It has an acidity of about five percent, similar to most multipurpose chemical cleaners. It also has no color, which prevents it from staining surfaces and fixtures.
The Smell
Another factor to consider when using distilled white vinegar is its potent smell. If the strong aroma is unpleasant, you can opt for a mixture of apple cider and water. It offers the same cleaning abilities as white vinegar but has a milder smell. You can also spray the area you cleaned with essential oil or add oils like lemon or lavender to a vinegar-water mixture.
The Chemicals You’re Using
Mixing vinegar with bleach creates chlorine gas, affecting your breathing and eyes. Chlorine gas can impact your health and can be lethal when inhaled. Do not mix vinegar and bleach, or use vinegar on a surface containing bleach.
Common Household Uses for Vinegar
You can use vinegar to clean:
- Countertops
- Stovetop grease
- Plastic boards
- Appliances
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Kitchen sinks
- Garbage disposals
- Pots and Pans
- Utensils
- Glass
- Tubs
- Showers
- Toilets
- Floors
- Faucets
- Clothing
- Towels
- Leather upholstery
- Humidifiers
- Trash cans
- Carpets
- Windowpanes and sills
Things to Avoid Cleaning With Vinegar
Although vinegar is fantastic for cleaning, there are a few items you should avoid cleaning with it, such as:
- Natural stone counters and features, as they are porous and vinegar can damage them.
- Gadget screens for computers, laptops, and TVs, which will lose their anti-glare abilities.
- Waxed floors and furniture because vinegar may strip away the finish.
- Expensive kitchen knives since the acid in vinegar will corrode them in the long run.
- Rubber baskets in appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.
- Chrome fixtures and finishes because vinegar will eat away at the surfaces.
Get Professional Cleaning Services for Your Home
Vinegar is an effective option for home cleaning when you know how to use it. To keep your home sparkling and immaculate, schedule cleaning services with Maid Bright. We use expert cleaning techniques and tools to deliver excellent results. Read our blog for more home maintenance hacks, or book a cleaning service with us today in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia!
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