Editing Vinegar (section)

=== Cleaning ===
White vinegar is often used as a household cleaning agent.<ref name=harvard/> For most uses, dilution with water is recommended for safety and to avoid damaging the surfaces being cleaned. Because it is acidic, it can dissolve [[Mineral Deposits|mineral deposits]] from glass, [[coffee maker]]s, and other smooth surfaces.<ref>[http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/myenvironment/home/cleaningproducts.php "My Environment: Cleaning Products"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401232858/http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/myenvironment/home/cleaningproducts.php |date=1 April 2010}}, Ontario Ministry of the Environment</ref> Vinegar is known as an effective cleaner of [[stainless steel]] and glass. Malt vinegar sprinkled onto crumpled newspaper is a traditional, and still-popular, method of cleaning grease-smeared windows and mirrors in the United Kingdom.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/housekeeping/bettystips_index.shtml "Trade Secrets: Betty's Tips"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120143316/https://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/housekeeping/bettystips_index.shtml |date=20 November 2022}}, BBC/Lifestyle/Homes/Housekeeping. Retrieved 2009-04-22.</ref>

Vinegar can be used for [[Polishing (metalworking)|polishing]] copper, brass, bronze or silver. It is an excellent [[solvent]] for cleaning [[epoxy resin]] as well as the gum on sticker-type [[price tag]]s. It has been reported as an effective [[drain cleaner]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rd.com/home/150-household-uses-for-vinegar |title=95+ Household Uses for Vinegar &#124; Reader's Digest |publisher=Rd.com |access-date=2015-01-03 |archive-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325033936/http://www.rd.com/home/150-household-uses-for-vinegar/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The use of vinegar in [[dishwasher]]s and [[washing machine]]s can cause damage to their rubber seals and hoses, leading to leaks. According to testing done by [[Consumer Reports]], vinegar is ineffective as a [[rinse aid]] and in removing hard-water film while used in a dishwasher. According to Brian Sansoni, chief spokesperson for the [[American Cleaning Institute]], vinegar "isn't very useful with stains that have already set into clothing, including food stains and bloodstains."<ref name="consumerreports">{{cite web |last1=Santanachote |first1=Perry |last2=Yao |first2=Daphne |title=9 Things You Should Never Clean With Vinegar |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/ |website=consumerreports.org |publisher=[[Consumer Reports]] |access-date=30 March 2023 |date=5 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How to clean your LG Washing Machine: 15 things you should know |url=https://www.lg.com/uk/lg-experience/helpful-hints/how-to-clean-washing-machine |website=lg.com |publisher=LG Electronics |access-date=30 March 2023 |quote=Make sure not to do this too frequently, especially near the seal of the machine as the vinegar can corrode the rubber seal.}}</ref> 

Other household items and surfaces that can be damaged by vinegar include flooring, stone countertops, knives, the screens of electronic devices, clothes iron water tanks, and rubber components of various [[small appliance]]s. Common metals that can be damaged by vinegar include aluminum, copper, and lower-quality grades of stainless steel often used in small appliances.<ref name="consumerreports"/>