Everyone loves a first-rate cleaning hack, especially one that’s natural, cost-effective, and reportedly works miracles. The internet is brimming with DIY solutions promising sparkling results without the use of harsh chemicals.
But before you reach for that bottle under the sink, a kitchen guru is sounding the alarm about a popular cleaning product that could be quietly causing damage to your worktops.
It’s something that’s probably hiding in most kitchen cupboards at this very moment, praised for its antibacterial properties and wallet-friendly nature. Yet despite its good reputation, this common item could be costing you more than you ever thought possible.
Caitlin King, CEO of Wrap Your Kitchen, a company specialising in kitchen transformations, has seen the devastation up close. With years of experience in interior and home design, Caitlin’s aim is to help people maintain beautiful kitchens without unnecessary costs.
Now, she’s warning homeowners about one surprisingly common cleaning mistake.
Below, the kitchen expert reveals what you should never use on your countertops and suggests safer alternatives that will keep your surfaces looking top-notch for years to come.
The unexpected culprit: vinegar and acidic sprays
Caitlin has sounded the alarm about a common household product causing chaos on kitchen worktops nationwide – vinegar, along with other acidic cleaning sprays containing it. Despite being natural and wallet-friendly, vinegar isn’t as innocent as many believe.
It’s been championed for its antibacterial properties, making it popular amongst homeowners keen to avoid chemical-laden cleaners. Numerous people on social media platforms such as TikTok are also known to suggest it for cleaning purposes.
However, Caitlin warns caution is needed.
“Vinegar is incredibly popular because it ticks so many boxes,” Caitlin explains. “It’s cheap, it’s natural, and it does kill bacteria. But what people don’t realise is that it’s far too harsh for most kitchen surfaces. The very properties that make it effective at cleaning can also make it destructive.”
The problem stems from vinegar’s acidity. Whilst it’s brilliant for cutting through grease and dirt, it also attacks the protective coatings on your worktops.
Whether you have vinyl, laminate, natural stone, or sealed surfaces, acidic cleaners can wreak havoc over time.
Why vinegar damages your worktops
Rather than simply cleaning your countertops, vinegar actually strips them. Most kitchen surfaces feature a protective sealant that guards against stains, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.
When you apply vinegar or acidic solutions onto these surfaces, you’re slowly wearing away that protective coating. “The damage isn’t always obvious straight away,” Caitlin explains.
“You might not notice it after one or two uses. But over weeks and months, you’ll start to see the surface looking duller.
“The shine disappears. Colours can fade. And once that sealant is compromised, your countertops become vulnerable to everything: water damage, staining, even bacteria.”
Natural stone worktops, such as granite and marble, are particularly at risk. The acid in vinegar reacts with the calcium carbonate in the stone, causing etching and permanent dull patches.
Laminate and vinyl surfaces aren’t immune either, as the acid breaks down the protective coating and leaves them looking tired and worn long before their time.
“People spend good money on their kitchen surfaces, whether that’s installing new ones or wrapping existing ones for a fresh look,” says Caitlin. “Then they unknowingly use a product that shortens the lifespan of those surfaces. It’s such a shame, especially when there are so many better alternatives.”
The hidden cost of budget cleaning
Whilst vinegar might save you a few quid at the checkout, the long-term cost can be significant. Damaged worktops lose their lustre quickly.
What starts as a slightly dull finish can progress into discolouration, rough patches, and surfaces that trap bacteria in the compromised sealant. “I’ve worked with clients who couldn’t understand why their relatively new kitchen looked so tired,” Caitlin recalls.
“When we dug deeper, it often came down to their cleaning routine. Switching products made all the difference.”
Replacing or refurbishing worktops isn’t cheap. Depending on the material and size of your kitchen, you could be looking at hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
All because of a cleaning product that costs less than a quid a bottle.
What alternatives you should use instead
The good news is that protecting your worktops doesn’t require expensive or harsh chemical cleaners. Simple alternatives work just as well, if not better, without causing damage.
“Warm water and a mild dish soap are genuinely all you need for daily cleaning,” says Caitlin. “It sounds too simple to be true, but it works beautifully on virtually every surface type.”
For more challenging jobs, pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for kitchen surfaces are worth the modest investment. These products clean effectively without damaging protective sealants.
Expert’s final view
Offering her final thoughts on the matter, Caitlin said the “best thing” you can do for your countertops is stick to gentle, pH-neutral products.
“A simple mix of warm water and mild washing-up liquid will handle most everyday messes without any risk to your surfaces,” she said.
“For anything more stubborn, invest in a cleaner that’s specifically made for your countertop material.
“Yes, it costs a bit more than vinegar, but it’s still affordable, and it’ll save you a fortune in the long run by protecting your investment.”
She further advised: “I also recommend wiping up spills quickly, especially acidic ones like wine, coffee, or fruit juice. Don’t let them sit on the surface.
“Always use a soft cloth rather than anything abrasive. These small habits make a massive difference to how long your countertops stay looking good.”