Popular cleaning hack expert warns could cost thousands in repairs

White vinegar has become a popular cleaning product for people looking to save money, but it can't be used on everything.

A kitchen worktops and maintenance expert with 15 years experience has warned of the damage the pantry staple can cause to benchtops.

Simon Roberts from Vogue Worktops said white vinegar should not be used on benches made from natural stone materials like 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 it is acidic, and certain worktop materials are not designed to be exposed to acid repeatedly," he said.

The damage vinegar causes to natural stone benchtops can take a while to appear and might not show for months or even years, Roberts said.

"With marble and some sealed stone worktops, repeated exposure can slowly wear down the protective seal. That seal is essential because it protects the surface from staining, etching and general wear."

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The worse the damage is the higher the cost in repairs will be, and if you need the entire benchtop replaced it could cost in the thousands.

"In more serious cases, homeowners may need professional resealing or even full worktop replacement," he said.

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Vinegar isn't the only cleaning product that can damage stone benchtops; bleach, abrasive sponges, excessive cleaning and multi-purpose sprays that leave residue buildup also shouldn't be used.

"People are generally just trying to keep their kitchens clean and fresh. The issue is that worktop materials vary so much, and what works perfectly on one surface can cause long-term issues on another," Roberts said.

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

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

Using chopping boards can help prevent damage to stone benchtops from knives and acidic or dark coloured foods and drinks, while trivets stop hot pans from discolouring the surface.

It's also important to clean spills quickly so that they don't stain the benchtop.

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

In addition to natural stone benchtops, phones, tablets and computer screens can also be damaged.

Hardwood floors also shouldn't be mopped with vinegar because it can damage the finish on the floor.

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

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

"People love it because it's acidic, but what it's just doing is just eating away at your grout and compromising the waterproofing of your shower," she told nine.com.au.

Like the cleaning advice with natural stone benchtops, for regular grout cleaning all you need is a pH neutral cleaner and a soft cloth.

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