Debunking 9 Cleaning Myths: They Do More Bad Than Good
Cleaning is an unavoidable task in every household and commercial space. While everyone needs a clean place to live and work, not everyone enjoys cleaning. That is why many prefer to look up cleaning tips and tutorials to make it easier. However, not all these tips and tricks are correct. They are cleaning myths waiting to be debunked.
In this article, we’re going to debunk the most common cleaning myths.
#1 Using More of a Cleaning Product is Better
There is a belief that more cleaning products equals better cleaning. However, this is not necessarily true. While using too much product may give out the impression of better cleaning, there is no noticeable difference. Whether the right amount or too much of a certain product, the effect of cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting is similar.
Also, in many cases, using too much detergent, fabric softener or bleach can damage cloths, dishes and surfaces. In addition, rinsing and washing off the cleaning product means using more water and spending more time.
#2 Vinegar Cleans Everything
Vinegar mixed with baking soda is an effective cleaning solution, especially for green cleaning practices. Vinegar has an acidic nature which led many to believe it is the ultimate cleaning solution for almost everything.
However, while it is a good cleaning solution for greasy stovetops, ovens and microwaves and also useful for unclogging drains, it damages marble, granite and wood surfaces. In addition, vinegar damages iron surfaces. Therefore, you shouldn’t clean steel and cast iron cookware with vinegar as it may cause rusting and degradation.
#3 Bleach Cleans Everything
Blean is a powerful cleaning and sanitising solution. It is one of the essential cleaning products used in deep cleaning due to its strong cleaning properties. However, cleaning can also damage and discolour certain surfaces and materials.
While it is the number one choice for cleaning toilets and sanitary ware, it is not recommended for cleaning cupboards, countertops, cloths, fabrics, curtains and carpets.
Read More: How to Wipe Stains Off Carpets?
#4 Baby Wipes are Universal Cleaners
Many people believe that if baby wipes and wet towels can clean milk spills, spits and other baby-related messes, they can also clean surfaces. However, this is far from the truth.
Baby wipes don’t contain any cleaning solutions. They are made for the sensitive skin of a baby. Therefore, they’re not suitable for cleaning greasy ovens or wiping dust and grime off surfaces. Baby wipes can’t thoroughly clean, sanitise and disinfect surfaces, thus they’re not considered a “real cleaning” solution.
#5 Dry Cleaning Clothes are Better for Dusting
There is a belief that dusting surfaces with a dry cleaning cloth is better because damp or wet cloths will make a mess and leave marks when the surface dries. This is another myth that not only doesn’t help you clean better but also causes harm.
The reason is simple. When you use a dry cloth instead of a damp cloth to dust a surface, it causes the dust particles to become airborne and sit on other surfaces. Also, dust in the air means bad air quality and may cause breathing problems, asthma and allergic reactions.
The best practice, therefore, is to dust the surface with a damp or wet cleaning cloth. Then, to avoid leaving marks, dry off the surface with a dry cloth.
Read More: Ways to Improve The Office Air Quality
#6 Cleaning Toilet with Soda
One of the most common cleaning hacks that are circulating around on the internet is cleaning toilets with a can of soda. While the acidic nature of soda can be effective in cleaning toilets and ceramic surfaces, there are three inherent problems with soda as a cleaning agent:
- Soda has artificial colourings and causes colour changes in sanitary ware.
- Soda doesn’t contain disinfectant and can’t get rid of germs, bacteria and moulds.
- The sugar content in the soda can attract bacteria.
Therefore, cleaning with is a myth that only makes the toilet look clean. However, soda not only doesn’t clean and disinfect toilets but also attracts bacteria and decolours sanitary ware.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Black Mould?
#7 Cleaning Silverware with Toothpaste
One of the cleaning hacks is cleaning and polishing silverware and jewellery with toothpaste. This is also another myth. Although it works and can make silverware shine and gleam like new, over time it causes corrosion and degradation of silverware.
The reason is the fluoride content of the toothpaste. Floride has an abrasive nature, which is fine for teeth but not for other purposes. Therefore, keep the toothpaste for brushing teeth and use proper silverware cleaning solutions.
Read More: What The Future Holds for Commercial Cleaning Industry?
#8 Microwaving or Boiling Dish Sponge
Dish sponges and scrubbers are a hotspot for bacteria, germs and other nasty substances in the kitchen. Many people believe microwaving or boiling the sponge can kill all the bacteria and sanitise it.
Whether for saving money or caring about the environment, research shows this method doesn’t work. While microwaving or boiling can reduce bacteria, the sponge can still hold enough of it to be considered dirty.
Therefore, the best solution is to replace the dish sponge every other week. You can also use a natural sponge to make sure it doesn’t harm the environment when you throw it away.
Read More: How to Reduce Rubbish Output in Office?
#9 Polishing Wood Regularly Prolonges Its Lifespan
Wood surfaces are present in many homes and offices. Whether wood countertops or hardwood floors, they lose their original shine and glean after a while and may require proper treatment like polishing.
While polishing can make the wood surface look pristine and prolong its lifespan, overdoing it can actually cause damage. Regular dusting and cleaning with microfibre cloths or mops is adequate for most wood surfaces. However, polishing more than twice a year can cause damage.
Also, the best way to take care of and polish wood floorings is to hire floor work services. Professional floor scrubbers know exactly how to treat wood floors and which cleaning solutions and equipment to use to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Cleaning is a difficult and time-consuming task, but also it is necessary for homes and commercial spaces like offices and retail stores. Many people find cleaning hard to do and are always looking for ways to make the job easier and faster. A particular thing they look for is cleaning hacks and tips. While many of the cleaning tips you find online are effective, there are many that are quite the opposite. They not only don’t help you end up with better cleaning results but also cause damage and harm. In this article, we debunked the most common cleaning myths.
The information in this article will help you understand what cleaning hacks aren’t effective and will help you avoid further damage by choosing the wrong cleaning solutions or practices.
