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Cleaning Expert Warns Against Using White Vinegar on Stone, Wood and Rubber Seals

She urges gentler alternatives, directing any laundry vinegar into the detergent slot to prevent contact with door seals.

Overview

  • Madame Sweat told followers in a new Instagram video that natural stone, hardwood floors and appliance rubber should not be cleaned with white vinegar.
  • She says vinegar’s acidity can etch natural stone surfaces even when diluted, so a mix of washing-up liquid and water with a soft cloth is safer.
  • For hardwood floors, she warns vinegar can strip protective finishes and risk warping, recommending Castile soap or a specialised wood floor cleaner with a microfibre mop.
  • On dishwashers and washing machines, she cautions that vinegar can degrade rubber seals over time and suggests baking soda for deodorising instead.
  • UK outlets including the Mirror and the Daily Record amplified the guidance on November 3, with readers thanking the expert and noting manufacturers advise against pouring vinegar directly into appliances.