You don’t have to rely on harmful chemicals to achieve a deep clean at home. While some commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health, your pets, and the environment, vinegar offers a powerful, all-natural, and safe alternative for cleaning.
In fact, vinegar can be used as a replacement for your multi-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and much more. However, there are certain surfaces and materials you should avoid cleaning with vinegar to prevent damage.
What is Vinegar?
White vinegar is the most effective vinegar for cleaning. It is made through a double fermentation process, where the first fermentation converts simple sugars into ethanol, and the second fermentation turns ethanol into acetic acid using acetic acid bacteria.
Vinegar typically contains between 5% to 18% acetic acid. While vinegar is commonly used in cooking and even as a treatment for jellyfish stings, in your home it can clean counters, appliances, floors, windows, mirrors, bathtubs, and much more.
What Not to Clean with Vinegar
Although vinegar can be an excellent cleaning agent, there are certain materials and surfaces it should be avoided on to prevent damage. Here’s a list of areas you should steer clear of when using vinegar:
1. Flooring
Hardwood Floors:
Pure vinegar can strip away the protective sealant or finish on hardwood floors. Instead, dilute vinegar by mixing 10 parts water with 1 part vinegar and 1 part liquid soap. Mop the floor with this solution, and then follow up with a damp mop to remove any excess vinegar and soap. To avoid streaks, dry the floor with a microfiber mop.
Natural Stone Floors (e.g., Granite, Marble, Limestone):
The acetic acid in vinegar can etch and damage natural stone surfaces. Avoid using vinegar on granite, marble, travertine, or other natural stones, whether it’s on floors, countertops, or other areas.
2. In the Kitchen
Rubber Seals:
Vinegar can weaken and break down rubber. While it’s great for cleaning appliances like fridges and dishwashers, take care to keep vinegar away from rubber seals to avoid damaging them.
Cast Iron, Copper, and Aluminum:
Vinegar’s acidity can corrode metals like cast iron, copper, and aluminum. While you can use vinegar to clean these materials, always use it sparingly and clean it off immediately. Letting vinegar sit on these surfaces can lead to rust, corrosion, or discoloration.
Kitchen Knives:
Vinegar can help remove rust stains from knives, but it can also dull the blade and cause corrosion. Avoid leaving vinegar on your knives for long periods of time, and clean it off quickly to prevent damage.
3. In the Laundry Room
Clothing Irons:
While vinegar can clean the water reservoir of an iron, it’s not ideal for cleaning the iron itself. Using vinegar on the heated plate or in the water can damage the appliance.
Elastic Clothing:
While vinegar can soften clothes and remove stains, it breaks down the elastic fibers in clothing. It’s best to avoid using vinegar on items like elastic waistbands, undergarments, swimwear, and workout clothes.
4. Other Areas of the Home
Electronics:
Vinegar is great for leaving streak-free shines on mirrors and windows, but you should never use it on electronics such as TVs, smartphones, or tablets. The acetic acid can strip off anti-glare coatings and cause the screen to lose responsiveness.
Waxed Furniture:
Similar to hardwood floors, vinegar can remove the protective coating on waxed furniture. If your furniture is waxed, avoid using vinegar as it could leave the surface unprotected.
Why Choose Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia?
Cleaning your home can be complicated, especially when trying to figure out the right way to treat different materials and surfaces. At Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia, we make sure your home is spotless without the risk of damaging any of your precious surfaces.
From regular cleaning and deep cleaning to move-out cleaning and more, we offer a full range of services to keep your home in top condition. Book your next cleaning with Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia and enjoy a safe, effective, and stress-free clean!
