Cleaning hacks: Popular kitchen cleaning hack expert warns could cost thousands in repairs

White vinegar has become a popular cleaning product for people looking to save money, but that’s about it cannot be used for everything.

A kitchen worktop and maintenance expert with 15 years of experience has warned about the damage pantry staple can cause worksheets.

Simon Roberts out Vogue Worksheets Said white vinegar should not be used on benches made of natural stone materials such as granite, marble and some quartz composites.

“Vinegar is popular because it is cheap, accessible and seen as a natural alternative to chemical cleaners. The problem is that people often forget that it is acidic, and certain countertop materials are not designed to be repeatedly exposed to acid,” he said.

The damage vinegar causes to natural stone countertops can take a while to occur and may not be visible for months or even years, Roberts said.

“For marble and some sealed stone worktops, repeated exposure can slowly erode the protective seal. That seal is essential because it protects the surface from stains, etching and general wear and tear.”

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The worse the damage, the higher the repair costs will be, and if you need to replace the entire worktop it could cost in the thousands of pounds.

“In more severe cases, homeowners may require professional resealing or even complete replacement of the countertop,” he said.

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Vinegar isn’t the only cleaning product that can damage stone countertops; bleach, abrasive sponges, excessive cleaning and multi-purpose sprays that leave residue should also not be used.

“People generally try to keep their kitchens clean and fresh. The problem is that countertop materials vary so much, and what works perfectly on one surface can cause long-term problems on another,” says Roberts.

“A simple change in cleaning routine can significantly extend the life of a worktop. If people know what their surface is made of and use the right products, they can prevent damage that could otherwise lead to very expensive repairs or replacements.”

Instead of harsh, acidic cleaners, warm soapy water with a pH-neutral dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth is best for daily cleaning.

To use cutting boards can help prevent damage to stone worktops from knives and acidic or dark-colored foods and drinks, while coasters prevent hot pans from discoloring the surface.

It is also important to clean up spills quickly so that they do not stain the worktop.

While white vinegar is a very effective cleaner when used on the right surfaces, there are plenty of things you can do can’t clean with it.

In addition to natural stone worktops, telephones, tablets and computer screens can also be damaged.

Hardwood floors should also not be mopped with vinegar as it can damage the floor’s finish.

It is best to avoid vinegar on waxed furniture, cast iron cookware, knives, irons and grout.

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Vinegar is so bad for grout that Bryony Conlan, Business Development Manager at The Grout Man described it as “the bane of my existence”.

“People love it because it’s acidic, but what it just does is eat away at your grout and compromise the waterproofness of your shower,” she told nine.com.au.

As with the cleaning advice for natural stone worktops, you only need a pH-neutral cleaning agent and a soft cloth to regularly clean grout.

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