Five surfaces you should never clean with vinegar
It’s common for Brits to reach for white vinegar as their go-to natural cleaning solution, believing it’s a safe alternative to harsh chemicals. But while vinegar can work wonders on some surfaces, its acidic nature makes it a nightmare for others around your home.
Vinegar has become this miracle cleaner in people’s minds, but I see the damage it causes all the time, says Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru, a leading Australian fencing supplier. People think natural means safe for everything, but vinegar’s acidity can permanently ruin expensive surfaces that cost thousands to replace.
Five surfaces you should never clean with vinegar
Dale shares his expertise on which surfaces to avoid when cleaning with vinegar, plus safer alternatives that won’t leave you with costly repairs.
1. Granite, Marble and Quartz Worktops
Your expensive stone worktops might look tough, but vinegar’s acid will etch the surface, leaving permanent dull spots that can’t be polished out. Natural stones like marble are particularly vulnerable because they’re made of calcium carbonate, which dissolves when it meets acid.
I’ve seen beautiful granite kitchens ruined by well-meaning homeowners who thought vinegar was gentler than commercial cleaners. Those white marks you see after cleaning? That’s permanent etching that requires professional restoration or complete replacement.
Instead, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or simple warm water with a microfibre cloth for daily cleaning.
2. Hardwood Floors
Vinegar strips away the protective polyurethane coating on hardwood floors, leaving the wood exposed to moisture and stains. Over time, this causes the wood to dull, discolour and potentially warp.
Your floors lose their shine because you’re literally eating away at the protective layer. Once that coating’s gone, you’re looking at expensive refinishing to restore the surface.
Stick to cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors, or use a barely damp mop with plain water for regular maintenance.
3. Natural Stone Patios and Outdoor Surfaces
Garden patios made from limestone, travertine or sandstone face the same etching problems as indoor stone surfaces. The acid weakens the stone structure, which makes it more porous and prone to staining and weather damage.
Outdoor stone gets enough punishment from weather without adding acid to the mix. Vinegar speeds up deterioration that would normally take years.
Use a mild soap solution or pressure wash with plain water instead.
4. Washing Machines and Dishwashers
While some cleaning guides suggest vinegar for descaling appliances, it actually damages rubber seals, gaskets and hoses over time. The acid breaks down these components, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
Appliance manufacturers don’t recommend vinegar for a reason. Those rubber parts cost hundreds to replace when they fail prematurely. Use descaling products specifically designed for your appliances, or check your manual for manufacturer-approved cleaning methods.
5. Cast Iron BBQ Grates and Cookware
Vinegar strips away the protective seasoning layer on cast iron, leaving it vulnerable to rust. This seasoning takes time to build up and protects both the metal and your food.
Cast iron needs that oily protective layer to function properly. Vinegar removes it faster than you can say ‘barbecue season’. Clean cast iron with coarse salt and a brush, then re-oil while warm to maintain the protective coating.
Natural cleaning products CAN cause damage
The biggest mistake I see homeowners make is assuming that natural cleaning products can’t cause damage. Vinegar might be natural, but so is hydrochloric acid – that doesn’t make it safe for your worktops. Before you mix any DIY cleaning solution, take a moment to read the labels and understand what you’re working with.
My advice is always to test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first. If you’re unsure about a surface, stick to products specifically designed for that material. Yes, they might cost a bit more than vinegar, but they’re still much cheaper than replacing damaged surfaces.
When it comes to outdoor surfaces like fencing, decking, or patio stones, the same rules apply. Weather does enough damage over time without adding acidic cleaners to speed up the process. A gentle approach with the right products will keep your home looking its best for years longer.
Fence Guru is a leading Australian fencing supplier established in 2014, offering a wide range of high-quality fencing products nationwide. Their extensive product range includes pool, garden, security, PVC, glass, and aluminium fencing, all sourced from trusted national trade suppliers and compliant with Australian Standards. With 24 Click & Collect locations across Australia, Fence Guru caters to DIY enthusiasts, tradies, and builders, providing convenient and fast access to fencing supplies.
