It’s no secret that we are fans of white vinegar for its ability to clean, shine, deodorize, and play a role in a variety of household hacks. But as great as the sour workhorse is, it can’t do everything. And in some cases, trying to clean something with vinegar can only make the situation worse. Here are six times when it does, courtesy of an article by Georgina Laud on the Daily Express.
1. Egg spots
Egg stains are harder to treat than it appears, and that includes their relationship with vinegar. That’s because when the acid in the vinegar combines with the egg, it can curdle – creating a tougher mess that’s worse than what you started with. Instead, by laud:
You should lift up any solids with a knife or spoon and make a mixture of two teaspoons of dish soap and two cups of water. Dab with a sponge, white cloth, or soft-bristled brush – do not rub – until the stain is gone.
2. Wooden floors
Some people swear vinegar makes their hardwood floors shine, others have found it strips the finish off. In this case, it is better to be on the safe side. Drain the vinegar and use a cleaner specifically designed to clean wood.
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3. Iron
If your iron is dirty or clogged, vinegar may seem like the obvious solution, but it can damage the iron’s internal mechanisms. Instead, turn the iron off completely to let it cool, then follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
4. Stone floor tiles
Vinegar can really damage any type of natural stone surface – not just floor tiles. This is another situation where the safest option is to use a special stone surface cleaner.
5. Exceptionally stubborn stains
If you’re dealing with a stain of grass, ink, or wine that is going nowhere, instead of continuing to pour or splash the vinegar, try treating the area with a stain solution before washing.
6. Marble and granite counters
Again, the acid in vinegar can damage your marble or granite surfaces, potentially destroying the smooth surfaces and causing discoloration. This time, you’ll need mild dish soap diluted with warm water to do the job safely.
