Vinegar and baking soda are great all-purpose cleaners that help remove grease and grime from a variety of surfaces.

They are used in the fight against limescale, cleaning clogged sinks, to remove odors from the refrigerator, etc.

However, there are certain surfaces that cannot be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda.

What cannot be cleaned, wash with vinegar

  • Marble countertops and stoves.

    Vinegar reacts with marble work surfaces and leaves dull white marks, often known as etching marks.

    Acetic acid can damage the surface of the cladding material, so it is best to use non-abrasive dishwashing detergent and warm water.

  • Rubber materials, for example, the rubber part of a washing machine.

    Vinegar can damage the rubber, which can lead to leaks and other serious problems.

  • Wooden surfaces, in particular parquet, on a waxed surface, vinegar can erase the shiny surface.

  • Iron

    Do not pour vinegar into the water compartment to clean the iron.

  • Stains such as ink stains, ice cream, traces of grass or blood cannot be treated with vinegar.

    Colored substances are quickly absorbed into the fibers of the material, so you will need a serious stain remover to remove them later. 

What can't be cleaned with baking soda

  • Mirrors and glass.

    Although baking soda is a mild abrasive, using it on glass and mirrors can scratch the surface.

    Instead, you can use a vinegar solution or a special glass cleaner.

  • Marble countertops, baking soda can erode the marble's protective layer.

  • Wooden surfaces.

    Using baking soda on wood surfaces can wear away the sealant and cause staining. 

  • Aluminum pots and pans.

    Baking soda is safe for most metals, but it should not be used when cleaning aluminum pots and pans because aluminum and baking soda can react, causing the aluminum to oxidize and change color. 

  • Antique silver.

    Many people use baking soda to clean silverware, but be careful as the abrasive nature of this powder can damage the finish.

Read also:

  • How to get rid of clutter in the bathroom or kitchen in 15 minutes: 5 simple solutions

  • How to wash woolen clothes correctly in a washing machine, by hand

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