Cleaning is a part of our daily lives, whether we love it or loathe it.
Over the years, we’ve been bombarded with countless tips, tricks, and “hacks” that promise to make cleaning easier and more effective. But how many of these actually work? Some of the most popular cleaning methods are based on myths that, when put to the test, fall flat. Let’s bust some of the most common cleaning myths and discover what really works when it comes to keeping your home spotless.
Vinegar is often touted as the ultimate natural cleaner. While it’s true that vinegar is effective in many cleaning scenarios, it’s not the universal solution many people believe it to be. Vinegar is acidic, which makes it great for cutting through grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits. However, it’s not suitable for every surface. For instance, vinegar can damage natural stone surfaces like marble and granite, causing them to dull or etch over time. It can also be too harsh for certain wood finishes. The key takeaway? Use vinegar selectively—great for glass, tiles, and some kitchen surfaces, but steer clear of delicate materials.
It’s easy to assume that using more detergent will get your clothes cleaner, but this is far from the truth. In reality, using too much detergent can have the opposite effect. Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out properly, leading to residue buildup on your clothes and in your washing machine. This can cause your clothes to feel stiff, look dull, and even develop an odour over time. Stick to the recommended amount of detergent for your load size, and if your clothes are especially dirty, consider pre-treating stains or using a longer wash cycle instead of adding more detergent.
For decades, people have sworn by using newspapers to clean windows and achieve a streak-free shine. While this method worked well in the past, modern newspapers are no longer the best option. Today’s newspapers are made with different ink and paper, which can leave streaks and even transfer ink onto your windows. Instead, microfiber cloths have become the go-to tool for window cleaning.
Bleach is often seen as the ultimate disinfectant and cleaner, but it’s not the magic solution for every cleaning job. While bleach is excellent for disinfecting and whitening, it doesn’t clean dirt and grime. If you use bleach on a dirty surface, you’re likely just disinfecting the dirt rather than removing it. For effective cleaning, you should first remove dirt and grime with a proper cleaner, then use bleach to disinfect if necessary. Additionally, bleach can damage fabrics and certain surfaces, so it’s important to use it with caution.
Using a dry cloth to dust your home might seem like a good idea, but it often just spreads dust around rather than trapping it. Dry cloths can push dust into the air, only for it to settle back down later. Instead, opt for a slightly damp cloth or a microfiber duster, which are far more effective at trapping and removing dust from surfaces. Microfiber cloths are particularly good at capturing dust without the need for any cleaning products, making them a must-have in your cleaning arsenal.
Baking soda and vinegar are both fantastic natural cleaners on their own, but when combined, they may not deliver the powerful cleaning punch you’re hoping for. When mixed together, they neutralize each other, resulting in a saltwater solution that’s far less effective. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, perfect for scrubbing, while vinegar’s acidity is great for cutting through grime.
It’s easy to get caught up in cleaning myths, especially when they’re passed down through generations or widely shared online. However, not all cleaning advice is created equal. So, the next time you reach for that bottle of bleach or consider using a newspaper to clean your windows, think twice.
