Irons

Have you seen this iron-cleaning trick? You are supposed to pour the vinegar through your iron's water duct, but this little tip can damage the iron.

You're better off following the manufacturer's instructions in this case.

​Waxed furniture

Vinegar will strip the wax off of your furniture, leaving it looking dull.

Furniture polish designed for waxed furniture is a safer choice.

Stone countertops and floors

Vinegar is an acid and can etch granite and marble.

Liquid dishwashing liquid and warm water will do the trick without the damage.

Hardwood floors

This one varies depending on your finish, so just don't take the chance. Only clean your hardwood floor with cleansers designed for hardwood.

Dishwashers

So many online DIY sites tell you to put a splash of vinegar in with your dishes. While this may get your dishes clean, it can be hard on the rubber parts in your appliance.

If you don't want to replace hoses and seals sooner then you need to, skip the vinegar.

Pans

Some people swear by a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean pans, but it just doesn't work.

There are many other ways to get your pans clean without vinegar.

Clothing with vinegar and bleach

Vinegar is great at cleaning clothes, so mixing it with bleach sounds like a great idea, right? Nope. Mixing vinegar with bleach creates toxic chlorine gas.

When mixed with water, the gas creates hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids. The gas by itself isn't good for you, and it's even worse for your clothing.

Greasy surfaces

Vinegar just doesn't work on removing grease from surfaces because it is an acid. Use an alkaline soap, such as dish soap, for oil spills and messes.

The University of Nebraska has a fascinating explanation of cleaning science that explains acid verses alkaline.