Sometimes you may want a more powerful cleaner for certain surfaces and stubborn stains, or to deep clean some areas and objects. Can you add vinegar to Fabuloso to get that extra zing? How will it react with Fabuloso? Is vinegar safe to use on different surfaces?
This article indicates how vinegar will react with Fabuloso, what not to mix with vinegar and how to make an alternative cleaning solution using vinegar and other products.
Can You Mix Fabuloso and Vinegar?
Fabuloso can be mixed with vinegar. Fabuloso has a neutral pH level, while vinegar is acidic. The combination of these two items will not be harmful or toxic.
Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner used on non-porous hard surfaces. The vinegar used for cleaning purposes is distilled white vinegar. A combination of these two items can make an effective cleaning product, but care must be taken on the kind of surfaces it is used on. Both Fabuloso and vinegar are effective cleaners on their own.
Fabuloso is an all-purpose cleaner with a lovely fragrance. By itself, Fabuloso is an effective cleaner and removes dirt, grime, grease, and stains. It does not need to be combined with any other item.
Combining the 2 products will result in a slightly more effective cleaner but it is not entirely necessary to combine both, and in the long term, it can do more harm than good on certain surfaces. With these 2 items combined, certain bacteria, viruses, and mold will be eliminated. Both products are also great at removing odors.
If you combine the 2 products, use the solution on non-porous surfaces such as sinks, faucets, showers, bathtubs, and floors. Although Fabuloso alone does not harm Granite if used occasionally, using it with vinegar on wood or stone surfaces such as granite may cause damage.
To make an effective cleaner, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a couple of tablespoons of Fabuloso and shake gently to mix all the ingredients.
Always test on a small inconspicuous area to ensure there is no damage done to that surface.
How Do Fabuloso Ingredients React with Vinegar?
Fabuloso and Fabuloso Complete are all-purpose cleaners, the difference is that Fabuloso Complete has additional active ingredients for a deeper clean.
Fabuloso Ingredients:
o Water
o Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate – a surfactant used for removing grease and dirt
o Fragrance – provides a pleasant scent
o C9-11 Pareth-8 – a surfactant used for removing grease and dirt
o Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate – a surfactant used for removing grease and dirt
o Sodium Laureth Sulfate – a surfactant used for removing grease and dirt
o Sodium Chloride – a viscosity modifier
o Glutaral – preservative to maintain shelf life
o Citric Acid – balances the pH level
o Colorants – gives a certain color to the product
There is no known adverse reaction when vinegar is mixed with any of the above ingredients. Mixing vinegar with water will decrease its acidity.
Fabuloso Complete Ingredients:
o Water
o Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
o C9-11 Pareth-8
o Hydrogen Peroxide – used for removing stains
o Fragrance
o Lactic Acid – adjusts pH levels
o Xanthan Gum – keeps particles suspended and evenly dispersed
o BHT – maintains the freshness of the product
o Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer – gives an opaque appearance
o Colorants
Combining vinegar and hydrogen peroxide results in peracetic gas. It is corrosive, toxic, and harmful to the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin.
Although Fabuloso Complete may contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, to avoid any risks, this particular range should not be mixed with vinegar.
Fabuloso Wipes Ingredients:
Active Ingredients:
o Alkyl (C14, 50%; C12, 40%; C16, 10%)) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride – antimicrobial agent
o Octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride – these are antimicrobial agents
o Dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride – these are antimicrobial agents
o Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride – these are antimicrobial agents
Inactive Ingredients:
o Water – Solvent
o Composite Cloth – Carrier
o Fragrance – Fragrance
Combining vinegar with ammonium chloride does not result in any dangerous product, but the result becomes counterproductive due to the chemical properties in each item, so cleaning becomes ineffective.
Note: While the effect of some of the individual chemicals in Fabuloso products mixed with vinegar is unknown, it is best to use the products as directed. Combining cleaning products may result in toxic substances being produced and can damage the item it is used on.
Why Is Vinegar Used for Cleaning? (Can Fabuloso Alone Achieve That?)
Vinegar is an eco-friendly cleaner and due to its acidic nature, it is also used to clean dirt, grease, stains, and grime, as well as kill mold. It can also be used to clean the inside of appliances such as the dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and washing machine.
The vinegar used for cleaning is distilled white vinegar. It is used for the following reasons:
• It is made from acetic acid and therefore it can disinfect surfaces as it kills certain bacteria such as e-coli and salmonella it can also kill mold.
• Vinegar is non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it a popular cleaning product.
• It can be used in appliances and surfaces that come into contact with food.
• It can be used to clean laundry and can remove stains from fabric.
• It is inexpensive compared to commercial cleaning products.
Both Fabuloso and vinegar can be used to clean sinks, faucets, showers, bathtubs, floors (do not use vinegar on hardwood floors), and toilet bowls. This indicates that Fabuloso alone can suffice for these surfaces.
Out of a few downsides of Fabuloso, one is that this all-purpose cleaner is not a disinfectant, and will not kill germs or eliminate mold. However, the Fabuloso wipes can be used to disinfect and sanitize non-porous, hard surfaces. The Fabuloso wipes can kill viruses including coronavirus and bacteria, but it is not practical to use wipes to clean household surfaces frequently.
Fabuloso can also remove stains on hard surfaces, but it should not be used to remove stains on the fabric.
Fabuloso can be used on hard-non-porous surfaces but cannot be used to clean the inside of appliances.
Fabuloso can sometimes be mixed with laundry detergent but this should not be done frequently.
What Can I Mix with Fabuloso?
Certain items can be mixed with Fabuloso that will not cause an adverse reaction. These are:
1- Hydrogen Peroxide: Adding hydrogen peroxide and Fabuloso creates an effective disinfectant that kills bacteria and mold. You can use the solution on non-porous items.
2- Baking Soda: Fabuloso can be mixed with baking soda, and it results in an effective cleaner, especially for cleaning walls.
3- Rubbing Alcohol: Combining Fabuloso, cold water, and rubbing alcohol also creates an effective disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Prior to cleaning any surface with the above combinations, test a small area first.
What Can You Not Mix Fabuloso With?
Fabuloso should not be mixed with certain products, such as:
1- Bleach: When Fabuloso is mixed with bleach, chlorine gas is produced. Chlorine gas is poisonous and dangerous to people as well as pets. Under no circumstances can the two be mixed.
2- Other Branded Cleaning Products: Commercial items may include chemicals that can cause a toxic substance when mixed with Fabuloso. It is advised not to combine such items. For example, Fabuloso and Lysol is a harmful combination.
Instead of mixing products, it is better to get multiple cleaning products for their specific use, such as fabric cleaners, laundry detergents, and dishwashing detergents among others.
Eco-friendly household items such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and tea tree oil can also be used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes.
What Can I Mix with Vinegar to Clean?
1- Lemon Juice: Vinegar mixed with lemon juice makes a formidable cleaner as well as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal product. Mix 2 cups of vinegar and ½ cup of lemon juice and store in a spray bottle for ease of use.
2- Tee Tree Oil: To create a natural all-purpose cleaner, mix 2 cups of hot water, half a cup of vinegar, and 10 drops of tea tree oil. This makes a great anti-microbial cleaner. Avoid using the mixture on stone surfaces.
3- Borax: Mixing vinegar and borax creates another safe cleaning solution. Combine 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon borax, ¼ cup vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap in a spray bottle. Use after all the ingredients have dissolved.
4- Rubbing Alcohol: This is another product that can be mixed with vinegar. Mix ½ cup vinegar, 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and a gallon of water.
While these substances can be mixed, it is always good to test out the mixture in a small area first and see the result.
What Not to Mix with Vinegar
1- Bleach: Combining vinegar and bleach results in extremely toxic chlorine gas. It is lethal in large amounts. It may cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat. It may also cause chemical burns and breathing issues.
2- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar create peracetic acid which can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
3- Baking Soda: This mixture is not harmful, but it will not be effective either. Mixing these 2 will result in a water-like substance that will not clean much. Combining both in a closed container can cause it to explode.
These products should not be stored near Fabuloso either, to prevent contamination.
Things Not to Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective cleaner and a mild disinfectant, but there are certain items and surfaces that it should not be used on, even if it is combined with a product like Fabuloso. These surfaces are:
1- Granite and Marble
Vinegar can make the granite and marble surface dull and cause etching.
2- Ceramic tiles
Vinegar will damage the grouting and spoil the finish on the tiles.
3- Electronic devices
Gadgets should not be wiped with vinegar as it will ruin the screen.
4- Dishwasher and washing machine
Do not use frequently vinegar to clean the dishwasher as it will damage the rubber gasket over time. Occasional use is reasonable. Vinegar is a good alternative to use as a fabric softener, regular use will affect the rubber components in the machine.
5- Wood
It is advisable not to use vinegar for wooden flooring or furniture as the acid can damage the wood in the long run.
6- Irons
Limescale can accumulate in a steam iron, but do not use vinegar to remove it. Vinegar can damage the inner coating of the iron.
7- Knives
Cleaning kitchen knives with vinegar will make them dull.
Always clean products as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage to keep the warranty valid.
Final Thoughts!
Do not mix the Fabuloso Complete range with vinegar. If regular Fabuloso is mixed with vinegar, use a small amount, and try it out in a small area to ensure there is no damage done.
Vinegar is acidic and should only be used on products and surfaces that will not be damaged by it.
Check out another article on whether Fabuloso can be mixed with Tide detergent.
