Chemistry Question

[Warpy]

3. While you can probably soften fittings in a strong aceitc acid solution

it's still a very weak organic acid, nowhere near the strength of inorganic acids, in a weak solution in the bottle and weaker still in your rinse water.

I use it here in NM because our water is alkaline and full of minerals, which means an acid is necessary to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits on clothing and the machine. In the concentrations seen by the fittings as the weak acid flows by, it's not worth worrying about.

Just because you read something on the internet doesn't necessarily make it so. What you have is a weak acid in a weak concentration made weaker still in the wash.

Dishwashers are a little different. Instead of an acid, you might have better luck with a wetting agent consisting mostly of glycerine.