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8 things you should never clean with vinegar

The internet will tell you that vinegar is good for cleaning everything, but here are some items you should avoid.

Alina Bradford
Alina Bradford has been writing how-tos, tech articles and more for almost two decades. She currently writes for CNET's Smart Home Section, MTVNews' tech section and for Live Science's reference section. Follow her on Twitter.
Alina Bradford
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1 of 9 Taylor Martin/CNET

Vinegar is a cleaning marvel and can be used for many other household problems.

There are a few times, though, when you need to put the bottle away and reach for a different cleanser.

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2 of 9 Lori Grunin/CNET

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.

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3 of 9 Alina Bradford

​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.

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4 of 9 Josh Miller/CNET

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.

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5 of 9 Colin West McDonald/CNET

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.

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6 of 9 Nasos Zovoilis / Getty Images

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.

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7 of 9 Alina Bradford

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.

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8 of 9 Alina Bradford

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.

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9 of 9 Alina Bradford

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.

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