Professionals say you should never use vinegar on hardwood floors, natural stone, or even electronics as the acidity of the vinegar can cause permanent damage.
Vinegar should not be used on stone surfaces like limestone, marble and granite as the acid in the vinegar etches, dulls and even pits the stone or breaks down the protective sealers.
Vinegar should also not be used on wood furniture or hardwood floors or waxed wood as vinegar strips and even dissolves the protective finish, leaving the wood cloudy, dull and even vulnerable to water damage.
Also never use straight vinegar on smartphones, tablets, computers or Televisions as it ruins the anti-glare coatings and lowers the responsiveness of touchscreens.
You should also never pour vinegar into dishwashers or washing machines as the acid will eat away at internal rubber hoses and gaskets.
And avoid using vinegar on sharp knives, aluminum, and cast iron as it can pit knife edges, corrode aluminum and strip seasoning off the cast iron.
And avoid using or putting vinegar in a clothes iron's water tank as the vinegar destroys internal protective linings and corrodes the heating elements.
Some people use vinegar in their washing machine to clean clothes and it sometimes works fine for them, but just be aware that it can cause damage, especially on newer washing machines.
Even when the vinegar is diluted it can still damage natural stone surfaces like marble, granite and even travertine and can even harm the finish of wood surfaces even when diluted.
You should also note use vinegar on egg spills, humidifiers or blood stains, delicate fabrics and tile grout either.
You can use distilled white vinegar to safely clean and deodorize glass, microwaves, coffee makers, and hard water buildup on chrome faucets.
Safe Surfaces and Uses for vinegar include:
Glass and Windows: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to cut grease and wipe surfaces without leaving streaks.
Microwaves: Boil a 1:1 mix of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for a few minutes; the steam loosens stuck-on food so you can wipe it right off.
Coffee Makers and Kettles: Run an equal parts water and vinegar solution through a brew cycle (or boil it in a kettle) to descale mineral deposits.
Showerheads and Faucets: Fill a bag with white vinegar, secure it around the fixture with a rubber band, and let it sit overnight to dissolve limescale.
Laundry: Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabrics, eliminate musty towel odors, and reduce static.