Vinegar benefits our homes in countless ways. This pungent liquid is an incredible, nontoxic cleaning agent that can get everything from your microwave to your bathtub sparkling clean while also starring in tangy barbecue sauce and giving rise to your grandmother's cake recipe. Plus, it's great for brightening up all your summer whites, from eyelet dresses to linen pants.

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The reason vinegar is excellent for cleaning is because it's super acidic. This means you're able to break down most build-ups like soap scum, hard water stains, and dirt. It's also non-toxic, so it doesn't leave any lingering chemicals in your home.
 

However, mighty as it is, vinegar does have its limitations when it comes to cleaning and can actually be pretty damaging to certain items in your home. Its high acidic content is a blessing for cleaning up some messes while having the power to hurt other materials.
 

Here are five items to always avoid cleaning with vinegar, plus what to use instead:
 

1. Countertops

   • The acid in vinegar can damage certain surfaces, especially stone like marble, granite, or limestone.

   • It can dull the stone and break down any sealant over time, leading to more stains and messes.

   • Instead, use soap and water for most countertops. For granite, try Weiman's Granite & Stone Cleaner to disinfect, condition, and maintain your stone.
      

2. Electronic Devices

   • Vinegar can damage the coating on screens.

   • Instead, use products specially formulated for electronics or a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
      

3. Hardwood Floors

   • Vinegar's high acidity can destroy both the sealant and the wood itself over time.

   • Use a cleaning product designed for hardwood floors, like a 1:4 ratio of Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner in Summer Citrus scent and warm water.
      

4. Waxed Furniture

   • Vinegar can erode the wax sealant and damage your prized furniture.

   • Use furniture polish instead, or a mix of soap and water for materials like wicker.
      

5. Aluminum and Cast-Iron Pans

   • Vinegar's high acid content reacts poorly with these materials, eating away at the aluminum and protective coating on cast iron, making them prone to rust.

   • For aluminum cookware, use dish soap and water.

   • For cast-iron skillets, follow proper cleaning guidelines to keep them in pristine condition.