Will Vinegar Ruin the Rubber Seals on Appliances?

Function

• Vinegar is a mild acid, called acetic acid. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits such as calcium carbonate from hard water. Because it is biodegradable and a natural product, vinegar is regarded as a safe, nontoxic product.

Advantages

• As a cleaning agent for dishwashers, washing machines and for cleaning refrigerators, vinegar is a very effective degreaser. Vinegar also removes odors from clothing and rinses detergent residue from dishes. Vinegar is safe for natural rubber seals and parts constructed from polypropelene, silicone, fluorocarbon, virgin Teflon and butyl synthetic rubber seals.

Disadvantages

• Vinegar is often used as a rinse aid, and therefore traces of vinegar may sit on rubber seals and surfaces for extended periods of time until the appliance is used again. Since vinegar is an acid, it can pit the surface of some synthetic rubber seals. Full strength vinegar should be avoided for seals made from polyacrylate, fluorosilicone, Buna-N and neoprene because vinegar may weaken them with long-term use and cause eventual failure.

Solution

• In most instances, diluted vinegar is safe for rubber seals because the effects of the acid are weakened. The appliance manufacturer may inform users to avoid certain chemicals, including vinegar, in the user manual.