Vinegar is enjoying a new heyday in cleaning, as it is a cheap and environmentally friendly substance with genuinely powerful cleaning properties. But what should and shouldn’t you clean with vinegar in the kitchen? To keep your kitchen furniture looking as good as new in the long term, read our article – because not every surface takes kindly to vinegar!
What is worth cleaning with vinegar?
Microwave oven
Vinegar can help remove stubborn stains and odours from the microwave. Heat a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave, then wipe down the interior surfaces. The vapour from the vinegar loosens stubborn stains, making them easier to remove.
Fridge
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, vinegar is ideal for cleaning the fridge. Make a solution of vinegar and water, and wipe down the interior surfaces with it. Vinegar also helps to remove unpleasant odours.
Sink and tap
Vinegar effectively removes limescale and stubborn dirt from the sink and tap. Pour vinegar onto the affected areas, leave it to work for a while, then scrub it off.
Dishwasher
Vinegar can help to clean the dishwasher’s filter and internal parts. Pour a bottle of vinegar into the dishwasher, then run it on a short cycle. This will help remove built-up grime and get rid of any unpleasant odours.
What shouldn’t you clean with vinegar?
Marble and limestone
Vinegar is acidic and can therefore damage marble and limestone surfaces. When cleaning surfaces made of these materials, avoid using vinegar to prevent permanent damage.
Aluminium
Vinegar can react with aluminium, which may cause black stains and damage. Avoid using vinegar when cleaning aluminium cookware and surfaces.
Granite
Granite is a porous stone, and the acid in vinegar can damage it. It is better to use a cleaning product specifically designed for granite surfaces to clean them.
Metals
Vinegar can react with certain metals – such as fittings and handles – and cause corrosion. Avoid using vinegar when cleaning metal items to preserve their original condition.
In general, kitchen furniture itself
To ensure that our kitchen furniture remains looking good in the long term, regardless of the material, it is important not to use corrosive or abrasive cleaning products. Even before your kitchen furniture is finished – whilst it is still at the design stage – it is worth asking your kitchen furniture specialist what can be used to clean the specific material. It is important to use an alcohol-based cleaner specifically developed for your kitchen furniture, as vinegar and various scouring agents can cause damage. You might not notice it after just one or two uses, but over time, microscopic damage invisible to the naked eye can develop into visible damage, so it’s not worth taking the risk.
Would you like bespoke kitchen furniture? Visit us to our kitchen showroom, where we’ll design your dream kitchen furniture down to the last detail and install it in as little as 3 weeks. We provide a free design service with our kitchen furniture, but we’re also happy to provide a quote for ready-made designs. Please feel free to get in touch via our contact details!
