The Most Common Cleaning Misconceptions To Avoid

By Ish B

Homeowners have fallen victim to numerous misconceptions and ineffective hacks. For example, when dealing with wooden surfaces, it’s advised not to spill tea, especially black tea, as it can cause stains on furniture. Coasters and alternative placements are recommended to avoid damage. Similarly, using olive oil and lemon juice on wooden furniture is discouraged, as lemon juice can ruin the polish, and olive oil may lead to degradation and attract pests.

image courtesy of focal point/Shutterstock

In kitchen hygiene, avoiding mixing vinegar and baking soda is crucial to cleaning dirty areas. While both substances have valuable applications, combining them is ineffective for cleaning stains. Instead, it’s recommended to stick to traditional cleaning agents. Dryer sheets, commonly used to add softness to laundry, are unsuitable for wiping down wooden furniture, as they can cause unwanted stains.

When it comes to laundry, hair products like conditioners should be reserved for hair care and not used to unshrink clothes made from synthetic fabrics. Additionally, using hot water to wash clothes is discouraged, as it can lead to the shrinking of fabrics. Following care labels is essential, especially for delicate fabrics like wool and synthetic fibers.

Image courtesy of Ju Jae-young/Shutterstock

Using wax paper to prevent color bleeding in sheets is not advisable, as the wax can melt onto surfaces in warm environments. Acid-free tissue paper is suggested as an alternative. The myth of using dental products like toothpaste, dental floss, or mouthwash for cleaning clothes in the laundry machine is debunked, as these products are not as potent as laundry detergents.

Household items like sponges should not be cleaned in the microwave, as the delicate microfibers can burn. A better alternative is to clean sponges with regular dishwashing liquid and air them out when stained. Moreover, using a magic eraser to clean toilets is not advised, as it may not effectively remove all grime and dirt. Magic erasers are best suited for buffing scuff marks on painted walls.

Image courtesy of greenapplysupply

Maintaining a clean and organized home involves navigating through various cleaning challenges. From skincare to home cleaning, understanding the limitations of everyday hacks and opting for proven alternatives is essential. Whether dealing with laundry or household hygiene, informed choices and reliance on effective products contribute to a cleaner and healthier living space.

Read the rest of the article and avoid the most common cleaning misconceptions.