Vinegar has some limitations as a cleaning agent, including:
Disinfecting
Vinegar is not an effective disinfectant because it doesn’t kill 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria and viruses as required by EPA standards. Vinegar only works against some germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Wood
Vinegar can damage unsealed or exposed wood by wearing away the surface and degrading the finish. It can also be absorbed into the wood, leaving a strong smell that’s hard to remove.
Rubber
Vinegar’s acidity can wear down rubber over time, causing it to degrade. This includes rubber found in washing machines and fridges.
Cast Iron
Vinegar can eat away at the seasoning that gives cast iron cookware its non-stick surface. Prolonged exposure to vinegar can cause pitting in the cast iron.
Stone
Vinegar’s acid can etch and dull natural stone countertops like granite, marble, and soapstone. It can cause pitting or scarring and make them lose their shine.
Grout
Vinegar can deteriorate damaged or unsealed grout due to its high acidity. However, vinegar can be used to clean sealed grout and remove stains.
Knives
Vinegar can dull the blade and cause corrosion on knives.