11 Cleaning Myths You Need to Avoid
You have to clean every day, but myths and misconceptions nullify and make cleaning dangerous.
House cleaning tips can be helpful but still cause a great deal of harm compared to good.
Let’s break 11 cleaning myths and find out how to make your home shine.
1. Vinegar Cleans Everything
The Myth: Vinegar is a miracle cleaner and can be used on any surface.
The Truth: Vinegar is a great cleaner of grime and as a nontoxic disinfectant but not for everyone. Vinegar must never be used on natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, and limestone since it etches and will destroy them beyond repair. Vinegar will not kill all viruses and bacteria like disinfectants containing alcohol or bleach.
Better Solution: A gentle, pH-balanced cleaner for fragile surfaces and a high-touch surface disinfectant.
2. Bleach is the ideal cleaner
The Myth: Bleach will disinfect and clean everything in its way.
The Truth: Bleach is a good disinfectant but a poor cleaner. Bleach will not kill dirt and grime, and in the long term, it is harmful if used on porous surfaces.
Bleach should not also be combined with other chemicals like ammonia or vinegar because it forms lethal fumes.
Wash gently with a suitable soap and, if needed, a suitable disinfectant.
3. Feather dusters collect dust
The Myth: Feather dusters are appropriate for dusting surfaces.
The Truth: Feather dusters don’t even pick up dust; they merely sweep it around. If you don’t have a good dusting instrument like ostrich feathers, dust will just drop again onto your surfaces.
Better Alternative: Wipe with a damp cloth or microfiber to trap dust and clean it.
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4. Newspapers polish glass better.
The Myth: Newspaper cleaning of windows leaves a streak-free glaze.
The Truth: In the past, newspapers made effective glass cleaners, but today print ink and paper surfaces result in smudges and streaks on glass. And ink also stains hands and window frames.
Clean using a squeegee or water-vinegar solution with microfiber cloth.
5. More Detergent Equals Cleaner Clothes
The Myth: The cleaner the clothes, the more detergent.
The Truth: Too much detergent deposits residue on your clothes and in your washing machine, building up and smelling bad. Too much detergent also disrupts the rinse cycle, leaving clothes stiff.
Better Option: Utilize the suggested or even smaller amount of detergent to get effective cleaning.
Also check Why Does Floor Make My Feet Black
6. Hot Water Destroys All Germs
The Myth: All hot water washing kills germs and bacteria.
The Truth: Hot water does indeed kill germs, but not all and not the viruses and bacteria. Certain germs are destroyed by searing heat over 140°F (60°C) that most household water heaters cannot deliver.
Improved Alternative: Apply the appropriate disinfectant and warm water.
7. Hairspray removes stains of ink
The Myth: Hairspray is a miracle ink stain remover for clothes and furniture.
The Truth: This gag worked once, as hair sprays do contain a lot of alcohol. Conditioners and oils are now included in most hair sprays that will guarantee to worsen the stain.
Improved Option: Rubbing alcohol or stain remover.
8. Lemon Juice Cleans Everything
The Myth: Lemon juice is a miracle cleaner.
The Reality: Lemon juice greases-cuts and deodorizes wonderfully but is too acidic to be used on some materials such as natural stone and some metals. It also leaves residue on surfaces if it is not totally cleaned.
Treat the lemon juice carefully and apply it only on the plastic and glass surfaces covered.
9. Instant Action Disinfectant Sprays
The Myth: Disinfectant spraying kills germs and bacteria instantly.
The Reality: Most disinfectants require a few minutes to remain on a surface to work. Spraying and wiping isn’t long enough for the chemical to be enough to kill germs.
Better Option: Read labels and allow disinfectants to sit for the labeled time before wiping.
10. Toilet Bowl Cleaner Will Clean Anywhere
The Myth: Toilet bowl cleaner is a great all-purpose cleaner.
The Truth: Harsh chemicals are in toilet bowl cleaners and are designed for porcelain that will ruin other surfaces like countertops, tile grout, and stainless steel.
Improved Version: Apply proper cleaners to different surfaces.
11. Air Fresheners Clean the Air
The Myth: Air fresheners cleanse the air and destroy odors.
The Reality: Air fresheners only mask odors, don’t remove bacteria or indoor air pollutants. Others are toxins that make indoor air unhealthy.
Better: Use an air purifier or nature-based alternatives such as baking soda and essential oils.
Last Words Steer clear of such myths of cleaning in a bid to clean better and safeguard your home from avoidable destruction. Research first always and never try any new tips unless you discover authentic sources online and adhere to scientific methods and experts.
