A basic ingredient since Antiquity, vinegar is not only used for a vinaigrette, to prepare marinades and healthy pickles or brighten up all kinds of dishes. It was used in the past vinegar to clean and today it is being claimed as an almost miraculous more sustainable and economical product. And we say almost, because no matter how natural it is, it should not be used in a crazy way either. if we don’t want to spoil some more delicate materials.
Along with baking soda and lemon juice, vinegar is one of those ingredients that can save us a lot of dollars on cleaning products with flashy names, it can even be used as a substitute for fabric softener in the washing machine. We talk about White vinegar, Clear; no one is going to rub the oven with sherry vinegar or with a balsamic, be it authentic from Modena or the cloying substitute.
In the market we can find specific cleaning vinegar, more concentrated and powerful than the one we would use for our dressings, and which, depending on the use, can be used diluted or reduced with water and/or lemon. In the absence of this, we can also get by with white kitchen vinegar, apple or cider, especially if we combine it with bicarbonate and we are going to let it rest before rubbing and rinsing.
The acidity of vinegar is what gives us its powerful cleaning capacity to get rid of the most encrusted dirt, stains, limescale and grease, even the most charred. It even acts as a polish for metals and glass, but all that glitters is not gold.
What we should not clean with vinegar
kitchen knives
If you invest in good kitchen knives – and we always recommend doing so – they deserve to be treat them well. As much as the manufacturer or seller says that they can be put in the dishwasher, it is not recommended, and we should not try to clean stains or food remains with vinegar.
Good knives are as efficient as they are delicate, so the acid in the vinegar could damage the blade material, even more so if it is enamelled. Better to use a neutral soap, a sponge or a soft cloth, and dry them by hand.
Waxed or natural finish wood
We know that wood is the enemy of food technologistswho do not tire of repeating to us that we must avoid at all costs this material, especially on kitchen tables. But the most romantic of us cannot resist its natural beauty and warmth associated with the crafts of other times.
If you also resist giving up wood in the kitchen, forget about cleaning waxed or unfinished objects and surfaces with vinegar. In addition to the smell probably staying for a while, it is very possible that it will cause stains and spoil the touch of its surface, ruining the blackboard if you have it Use specific products.
SPRINGLANE Erik kitchen chopping board 20 x 30 x 3 cm – Oak wood board Serving dish Anti-slip kitchen board incl. Care instructions
Marble
It is one of the materials more noble and also more expensive; if you’re lucky enough to enjoy it on your kitchen counter, pamper it like Michelangelo would his David. More accessible are the marble boards or individual pieces, perfect for serving and working with chocolate and masses that require cold, such as puff pastry, and also require delicate care.
Never clean marble with vinegar or use aggressive cleaners or harsh scouring pads that could damage its delicate, smooth and fine surface. In addition to losing its shine, you could end up with a porous touch and small cracks. This also applies to marble utensils such as a mortar and pestle or serving dishes.
Cepriani Augusto Cutting Board, Marble
Natural stone
Beyond marble, other natural stones such as granite, travertine, quartz, limestone or soapstone they are highly appreciated as kitchen surfaces and also for various utensils. Although each one may require specific care, in general these materials should be kept away from vinegar and strong or aggressive cleaners.
Of course, it applies to both work surfaces and the I usuallytiles or walls.
delicate metals
Today almost all culinary utensils are made of stainless steel, but we can still find metals more delicate both in new objects and in possible inherited family heirlooms -or second-hand flea market jewelry-.
The acid in vinegar can damage it to the minimum by chemical reaction, leaving stains, marks or damaging its polished surface, as happens, for example, with copper or aluminum. Depending on the material in question, one cleaning method or another will have to be chosen, but when in doubt it is preferable to avoid vinegar in washing.
We should even be very careful with stainless metals; if we are going to use vinegar to clean it, it is better dilute it and use it on a small surface to see how it reacts, drying it very well immediately after.
de Buyer 5610.26 Single Frying Pan, Silver, Metal, 26 cm, 1.95 kg
rubber gaskets
In the kitchen they usually have them large appliances such as the fridge, the dishwasher, the washing machine -if it is installed in this room-, the oven or some robots. Certain pots, pans, and other utensils also have rubber gaskets. Do not wash with undiluted cleaning vinegar without first consulting the manufacturer; the rubber can reach disintegrate by the action of acid.
Molten iron
Cast iron pans, pots and casseroles improve with use and care, as they acquire a layer of non-stick coating that strengthens over time. If you clean them with vinegar, especially if it is very concentrated and you don’t rinse and dry it quickly, you can spoil all its fabulous properties.
Screens and electronic devices
With the technology increasingly present in kitchens, its special maintenance must not be neglected. Nothing to use the same sponge and the same products such as vinegar to clean screens, whether or not they are touch screens, or speakers or keyboards.
This includes televisions, monitors, tablets, mobile phones, telephones, cameras, smart speakers, kitchen robots with screens, smart fridges, ovens and any other device electronic that we can use in the kitchen.
Starwax The Fabulous White Cleaning Vinegar 500ml – Multipurpose Degreaser, Anti-limescale and Stain Remover. Polishes, unclogs and eliminates bad odors
EQM CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS | ECHO-216 | Concentrated Cleaning Vinegar 10º Acidity | Format 1x5L, 2x5L, 3x5L | 100% Ecological | Powerful All-Purpose Household Cleaner
Materials that must be disinfected
A myth that is still widespread can make us believe that vinegar disinfects, but even with the most concentrated specific cleaning we will not be able to eliminate all possible pathogens and bacteria.
If you have to clean surfaces or objects that have been in contact with delicate or polluting substances, such as eggs and raw meat, use a good soap. disinfectant, bleach Or use the dishwasher.
Photos | Svetlana Evgrafova and Daniele from Vivo on iStock – Precious Plastic Melbourne and Kevin Doran on Unsplash
In DAP | How to clean the oven and leave it shiny: essential utensils so that it is not torture
In DAP | How to clean a fryer without oil (and a trick to remove the most stubborn dirt)