Unlike bleach, ammonia, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and simple soap and water, there is no evidence that vinegar is effective against the coronavirus. Many of those items can be found in the very room you’d likely use vinegar- the kitchen. “Vinegar can eat away at certain synthetic rubbers and it could corrode different grades of stainless steel, especially if there’s already scratches or chips on it,” she said. Here are some things Consumer Reports says you should not clean with vinegar:Knives - the sharp edge can be pitted. Stone countertops - the acid in vinegar can pit, scar, etch, and dull the surface.