When it comes to keeping your home clean, you do your very best! And sometimes, you pick up a quick tip or trick on social media or from a friend. But are they always good tips?
Unfortunately, tips and tricks don’t often work – even when it comes to cleaning. And there are cleaning myths out there that have been making the rounds – some for years – that might be doing more harm than good.
So what’s a person to believe? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cleaning myths you may have heard – and discuss what you should be doing instead.
Myth: Use newspapers to clean glass and windows.
This one has been around for a LONG time, and, unfortunately, it’s not true. (Although who has newspapers nowadays to even use for cleaning glass?) Newspaper can rip when wet, and the black ink can transfer to your window sashes and trim making an even bigger mess. Instead, try using a microfiber cloth to leave your windows and glass streak-free.
Myth: Bleach cleans everything.
You probably have a big bottle of bleach in your laundry room or with your cleaning supplies, but guess what? Bleach is not a cleaner. Bleach is a disinfectant. So, while it does an amazing job of killing germs and bacteria – even viruses – it’s not a cleaning solution. When you use it all by itself, it does not get rid of dirt and grime and it can definitely damage surfaces and remove color. Use specific cleaning solutions for specific surfaces making sure to read the label, so you don’t do any harm to furniture, floors, counters, and other household items.
Myth: If you want to dust properly, you need to use a feather duster.
If – and this is a big IF – you have a feather duster made from genuine ostrich feathers then your feather duster is a good choice for attracting dust around your home. Unfortunately, feather dusters made from ostrich feathers are very expensive and most people don’t own one. Once again, you’re better off dusting with a microfiber cloth so that you can attract the dust not just move it around.
Myth: You can use hairspray to remove ink stains from clothes.
Throughout the years, the formula for hairspray has changed. It once used to be comprised mostly of alcohol and alcohol does remove ink. But nowadays, hairsprays have been reformulated to contain things that stiffen your hair, which can make your ink stain even worse. If you get ink on your clothes, just use a little rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Myth: You can use a can of Coke to clean your toilets.
While Coke is acidic and may remove some of your hard-water stains, it’s definitely not a cleaner. And can you imagine NOT cleaning your toilet? YUCK! Find a toilet cleaner you like and use it often.
When it comes to cleaning tips and tricks that you hear, always do your research – or ask us! We’d be happy to answer your questions when it comes to best practices for keeping your home looking its best.
