Vinegar should 'never' be used to clean five items or risk 'damage' to surfaces
Vinegar should 'never' be used to clean five items or risk 'damage' to surfaces
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White vinegar is often celebrated as a wonder of eco-friendly cleaning, capable of tackling everything from stubborn mould and limescale to reviving stiff towels – truly a master of all trades. Made up of water, acetic acid, and traces of vitamins and minerals, white vinegar is reassuringly free from hidden nasties.
Yet, despite its myriad uses, vinegar isn't the right choice for every spot in your home. Its acidic nature means it can damage certain surfaces, sometimes unexpectedly. Baqir Khan, a cleaning expert and director at Extreme Cleaning, has revealed five household items that should never come into contact with white vinegar. He warns: "While white vinegar is a versatile and effective cleaning agent for many surfaces, there are some objects which you should avoid cleaning with it to avoid damage.".
Carpet stains are a common nuisance but should not be tackled with white vinegar. Baqir notes that white vinegar could "set certain stains" in carpets or even "affect the colour". Instead, he recommends a natural solution of baking soda mixed with water. Mix one part baking soda with three parts water, apply to the stain, let it dry, then vacuum up.
If the natural method falls short, Baqir suggests using a carpet cleaner or following the manufacturer's stain removal instructions, reports the Express. Just as it can bleach carpets, white vinegar may also "strip paint" from walls. Baqir suggests using a gentle soapy water solution or a cleaner specifically designed for painted surfaces.
