If the Oscars had a category for the best natural cleanser or if Marvel created a kitchen and bathroom Avenger, guest what? Yup, vinegar would be the people’s choice.
Vinegar is the miracle cleaner that everyone's been looking for. Aside from it being cost-effective and having the proven ability to conquer the most stubborn of stains, it’s natural and can easily be found inside your home. However, just like Superman has Kryptonite, vinegar has its limits too and we all should be aware that it can’t clean everything and might even be harmful in certain situations.
Vinegar is a tough acid that can cut through grease and mineral deposits. But vinegar’s acidity can also damage certain surfaces, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid as well as details on what kinds of cleaners you can use as alternatives.
Granite, marble, and limestone. Vinegar is an acid. And acids don’t mix with natural stones. It can cause pitting and make them lose their shine. Acid eats away at the surface and leaves a dull or discolored spot behind. Alternative: You can use rubbing alcohol and water instead.
Hardwood furniture, walls and floors. Vinegar can also damage hardwood surfaces. It removes the chemical finish on the wood which acts as a protective layer and over time, it might also reduce the shine and leave a dull appearance. Alternative: You can just use wax instead and a traditional mop. Just make sure you avoid leaving excess water on your floors.
Egg-based stains and messes. Vinegar causes the proteins in egg to thicken, creating a sticky substance that is even more difficult to remove. Alternative: In this case, use soap and water instead. When choosing a cloth to use, Wowables are a safe bet.
Pearl products. Vinegar damages and dissolves pearl. The calcium carbonate in the pearl will react with the acid in the vinegar and eventually break down. Alternative: It is better to use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of lukewarm water and dish soap.
Wind shields, monitors/screens and smartphones. Vinegar removes the oil-resistant characteristics of the coating on the screens. It weakens the screen protection from dust and dirt which can cause big problems. Alternative: Use a microfiber cloth instead and wipe the screen regularly.
Vinegar is truly a strong entity. However, like people, even the strongest have weaknesses too. As versatile as vinegar is, keep these tips in mind when cleaning so you don't end up with a bigger mess than you started with.
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