Cleaning can feel like an endless cycle, and with so much advice online, it’s easy to believe every so-called “trick.” However, not all cleaning tips work, and some even make matters worse. Let’s take a closer look at common cleaning myths, uncover what works, and explore which practices could be a waste of time.
Cleaning Myths About Vinegar
Vinegar shows up in cleaning advice as a wonder product, but it’s not the miracle many claim it to be. While vinegar’s acidity can tackle some grease and grime, it’s not suitable for every surface. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone, such as granite or marble, as it can cause etching and dull the stone’s finish.
What Works Instead: Use a pH-neutral cleaner on delicate surfaces like stone and wood. When it comes to general household use, vinegar is great for glass, mirrors, and even descaling kettles. However, for tougher jobs, a more targeted cleaner or disinfectant is usually needed.
Cleaning Myths About Bleach – Does It Disinfect All Surfaces?
Bleach is strong, but it’s not a cleaner—it’s a disinfectant. This distinction means that bleach kills germs but doesn’t effectively remove dirt or grease on its own. Using bleach on dirty surfaces only sanitises a layer of grime. Additionally, bleach can damage certain materials, especially porous ones like wood or some plastics.
What Works Instead: Clean the area first with soap and water to remove grime, then follow with bleach or another disinfectant if you need to sanitise. For example, Zoflora, a popular disinfectant, is a versatile and pleasant-smelling alternative that disinfects effectively without the harshness of bleach.
The Myth that Baking Soda and Vinegar Together are a Super Cleaner
Mixing baking soda and vinegar is a classic DIY cleaner combo, but the science doesn’t quite support it. When combined, baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) neutralise each other, producing water and a bit of carbon dioxide gas—effective at creating bubbles but not much else. The foaming reaction might look impressive, but it won’t boost cleaning power.
What Works Instead: Use each ingredient separately. Baking soda is great for scrubbing away stains, especially in sinks and bathtubs, while vinegar works well as a rinse. By using each independently, you’ll get more effective cleaning without wasting supplies.
Cleaning Myths About Feather Dusters
Feather dusters might look elegant, but they often do little more than spread dust around. Many feather dusters lack the necessary fibres to capture dust particles, which means that the dust ends up settling somewhere else instead of being removed.
What Works Instead: Use a microfiber cloth or damp cloth for dusting. Microfiber traps dust, so it’s genuinely removed rather than displaced. A slightly damp cloth for tight spaces will prevent particles from flying up and capture even fine dust.
The Myth that Newspaper is Best for Streak-Free Windows
Spring cleaning is a popular cleaning ritual in our country. Windows are the first place to get a deep clean. Using newspaper for cleaning windows is a classic tip that worked well in the past when papers were printed with thicker, ink-heavy stock. Today’s newspaper inks can transfer smudges onto glass, and the thin paper can tear during cleaning, which makes it far less effective than people believe.
What Works Instead: Use a microfiber cloth with a streak-free window cleaner or simply water and vinegar. Microfiber cloths are effective at cleaning glass without leaving lint or smears, making them a more reliable choice for modern-day window cleaning.
More Detergent Means a Cleaner Load
When washing clothes, it’s tempting to add extra detergent for a better clean. However, using too much detergent can cause a residue build-up on fabrics and in your washing machine. Excess detergent may also cause clothes to feel sticky or stiff, especially if it doesn’t rinse out completely.
What Works Instead: Follow the detergent instructions based on load size. For a fresh, clean smell, try adding a few drops of Zoflora to the final rinse cycle. Zoflora can add a pleasant fragrance and disinfectant boost and ensure your clothes are truly clean without leftover residue.
The Cleaning Myths About Washing Up Liquid
Washing up liquid is great for dishes, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for household cleaning. It can leave a sticky film on some surfaces and doesn’t disinfect. Additionally, using washing up liquid on wood floors or furniture can dull the finish and cause streaking.
What Works Instead: Use a dedicated cleaner for each type of surface. For floors, choose a suitable floor cleaner to avoid sticky residues. For disinfecting purposes, a solution like Zoflora, which offers both disinfecting and freshening properties, is better for areas where hygiene is important, such as kitchen counters and bathrooms.
Toilet Brushes Clean Themselves in Bleach
Some people believe that leaving a toilet brush in bleach or cleaner automatically sanitises it. However, toilet brushes can harbour bacteria if they’re not cleaned and dried properly. Soaking in bleach alone doesn’t guarantee complete sanitisation, especially if grime has built up.
What Works Instead: Clean the toilet brush thoroughly after each use. Rinse it with hot water, soak it in disinfectant like Zoflora, and allow it to dry completely before storing. Using Zoflora can provide an added fresh scent, and disinfecting with it is more reliable than simply leaving the brush in bleach.
Cleaning Myths about Carpets
While carpets benefit from occasional deep cleaning, frequent deep cleaning can damage carpet fibres and wear them down faster. Too much moisture from deep-cleaning machines can also lead to mould or mildew if carpets aren’t dried properly.
What Works Instead: Vacuum carpets weekly to prevent dirt build-up and deep-clean only as needed, typically every six months. Spot clean any spills as they happen to keep carpets fresh without causing excessive wear. This approach maintains carpet quality while preventing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Stains Can Always Be Removed by Scrubbing
It’s natural to want to scrub at a stain, but vigorous scrubbing often pushes stains deeper into fabric or carpet fibres. Scrubbing can also weaken materials, especially if you use harsh pressure or abrasive brushes.
What Works Instead: For fabrics, blot stains with a clean cloth rather than scrubbing. Apply a gentle stain remover and let it sit before blotting again. For carpets, dab the stain gently and use specialised carpet cleaner, following the instructions for best results.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Myths
It’s easy to fall for common cleaning myths, especially when they seem to promise quick results. However, effective cleaning requires a bit of patience and the right products for each job. Remember to avoid relying on old myths like bleach for every surface or baking soda and vinegar for every mess. Instead, choose tried-and-tested solutions, like Zoflora, which works as an effective disinfectant for various surfaces while adding a fresh scent. Stick to what truly works, and you’ll find that cleaning becomes not only more effective but also a lot easier.