I go through lots of vinegar in my house. I love it because it’s versatile, so it eliminates the need to buy a bunch of other products. As great as it is though, there are some things you should never do with vinegar.

That’s what we’re going to talk about today.

White vinegar is actually created through a fermentation process. It can be made from (pretty much) anything that has sugar in it. It’s self-preserving and lasts indefinitely.

Your vinegar isn’t going to go bad.

I find it amazing that the same stuff that can turn a chicken bone rubbery if you soak it for 3 days can also make my hair shiny. Crazy, huh?

Like all things, however, you still have to be careful.

10 Things You Should Never Do With Vinegar

1. Never boil it.

High temperatures can cause the acetic acid in vinegar to become corrosive.

It can actually burn right through metal and rock! (Simmering vinegar on low heat to get rid of smells is okay.)

2. Never use it to clean upholstery.

It can (and likely will) cause staining. To be sure it’s safe for your furniture, test a little in a spot that’s not noticeable.

3. Never trust it to disinfect everything.

Vinegar cleans so many things! Unfortunately, it cannot kill flu germs or staphylococcus. You’ll need something stronger to do that.

4. Never clean granite with it.

The acid can damage your countertops. (source)

5. Never use it to clean your stone floors.

Same as with granite, the acid will damage your flooring.

6. Never use it on wood furniture or hardwood floors.

It can strip the wax, which is why so many DIYers use vinegar to strip the finish off of a piece of furniture they’re restoring.

7. Never pour it in your dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser.

I’m guilty of this one, for sure. I used to always put vinegar in there. I mean, you always hear that a little splash in with your dirty dishes will make them sparkle. Right?

It turns out the acid will eventually melt the rubber gaskets of the compartment and may even harm the hoses and seals in your dishwasher.

8. NEVER mix it with bleach.

Combining these two will create a toxic chlorine gas that will cause harm to anyone breathing it.

It can cause shortness of breath, nausea, fluid in the lungs, chest pain, wheezing, and irritated eyes.

Mixing it with bleach is the one thing you should absolutely NEVER DO WITH VINEGAR. 

9. Never treat wounds with it.

Vinegar doesn’t stop the growth of the kinds of bacteria that a wound might have. More importantly, its caustic so it’ll hurt!

10. Never use it to treat swimmer’s ear.

Lots of people swear by it, but it might not be the best idea. Although it does lower the pH in the ear which bacteria and fungi won’t like, the reality is that it’ll be painful.

Additionally, you’d have to use it at least 3 times a day for 3 weeks for relief.

Are there other things you should never do with vinegar?

Share your expertise in the comments!