Cleaning with Vinegar, the Dos and Don'ts

White vinegar is the workhorse of natural cleaning: cheap, effective, and packaging-light. But it is not a do-everything cleaner, and using it on the wrong surface can cause real damage. Here is a clear list of what vinegar is great for, where to never use it, and how to get the most out of it.

What vinegar cleans well

Diluted white vinegar shines on a lot of everyday jobs:

• Glass and mirrors, wiped down with a reusable cloth for a streak-free finish.
• Fixtures and faucets, where it cuts water spots and soap film.
• Kettles and coffee makers, where it descales mineral buildup.
• Showerheads, soaked in vinegar to clear clogged mineral deposits.
• Odors, since it deodorizes as it dries rather than masking smells.

A couple of simple recipes

An all-purpose spray is equal parts white vinegar and water in a refillable bottle. For a fresher scent, soak citrus peels in vinegar for two weeks, strain, and dilute. Both cost almost nothing and skip a plastic bottle of cleaner.

Where to never use vinegar

This is the part that saves you from an expensive mistake. Keep vinegar off:

• Natural stone like marble, granite, and travertine, where the acid etches the surface.
• Hardwood and waxed floors, which it can dull and strip.
• Stone tile and grout that is unsealed.
• Electronics and screens, where the acid harms coatings.
• Cast iron, which it can corrode and strip of seasoning.
• Rubber seals and gaskets, such as those in some appliances, which it can degrade over time.

One safety note that matters: never mix vinegar with bleach. The combination releases toxic chlorine gas.

Get the most out of it

Vinegar works by dwelling, so give a spray a minute to sit before wiping rather than expecting an instant result. Used on the right surfaces, it handles a large share of household cleaning for next to nothing and almost no packaging.