I have never used anything but hot water (out of the tap, not boiling) to clean wood or rock. I have lots of river rock purchased from a landscape supply type outlet. An old toothbrush to scrub the rock (or wood if needed). I just have this thing about using other products; it should not be necessary to begin with [I cannot fathom why I would use vinegar on a rock???], and it is always a risk and I care about my fish, they have enough stress getting from Peru or wherever to my tank.
Another member several months ago remarked that the reason I had/have so little experience with diseases is because of my approach to keeping fish. I research the species and its habitat, and provide as close as I can to what the fish "expects," and I never add any substance, additive, medication, etc to a fish tank except for plant fertilizers (and I am careful to use as little as needed), water conditioner, and when absolutely necessary and always with the advice of a trained scientifically-based person, medication. In keeping with this approach, I will not use anything but water to clean wood and rock.
My fish so far as I know primarily die of old age. My male Bolivian Ram with a lifespan of 4-5 years (some suggest 6 max) lived into his 9th year in the same tank. My Whiptail (species
Rineloricaria parva) with a lifespan of 5-8 years was in its 12th year when it died last year. In the past 12 years I have had just three "disease" issues: two were internal protozoan brought in with new fish from a chain store [learned a couple things from those episodes], and once some new cories had gill flukes. That's it. I do think there is a solid connection here with my "approach."
