10 Cleaning Myths You Didn’t Know You Were Doing

Introduction

Welcome, dear readers, to a thrilling journey into the mysterious world of household cleaning! As your trusted companions in all things pristine, we, The Cleaning Collective, are here to unravel the myths that have haunted homes across the UK for decades. Prepare yourself as we dive on in and discover that misleading and sometimes dangerous myths that you might be doing and not even know!

1. Vinegar is the Ultimate All-Purpose Cleaner

   Ah, the beloved vinegar – a kitchen staple and purported miracle cleaner. Even we wrote a blog on 57 Ways to Use White Vinegar for Cleaning as the stuff is generally amazing. While it's true that vinegar has its uses, it's not the cure-all potion some claim it to be. The acidity in vinegar can damage certain surfaces like granite and marble.

   The is also a cleaning fruit with vinegar myth, which has also being debunked as 'not really worth it' compared to washing with just water. Our tip: stick to specialised cleaners for different surfaces to ensure your home remains a shining beacon of cleanliness.

2. The More Detergent, the Cleaner the Clothes

   Picture this: mountains of bubbles and an avalanche of detergent—surely, that means your clothes are getting super clean, right? Wrong! Excessive detergent not only damages your washing machine but also leaves residue on your clothes. Follow the recommended dosage on the detergent bottle for a spotless wardrobe and a happy washing machine.

3. The Queen's Wave Cleans Windows Best

   The notion that waving like Her Majesty the Queen while cleaning windows results in a streak-free shine is nothing more than a royal ruse. Opt for tried-and-true methods like microfiber cloths and quality glass cleaners for crystal-clear windows that would make any monarch proud.

4. Bleach Eliminates All Germs

   Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but not all germs bow down to its might. Some bacteria and viruses are resistant to bleach, and improper use can lead to health hazards. Not only that but cleaning with bleach can seriously damage metals as well as your skin! Educate yourself on proper dilution ratios and use alternative disinfectants for a comprehensive defense against germs.

5. Dishwashers Clean Themselves

   Your dishwasher, the unsung hero of kitchen cleanup, needs a little TLC too. Contrary to popular belief, dishwashers don't magically clean themselves. Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to eliminate built-up grime and odours, ensuring your dishes emerge spotless every time.

6. Hairspray Removes Ink Stains

   A desperate attempt to save your favourite shirt from an ink catastrophe may lead you to the hairspray myth. Unfortunately, hairspray can set the ink stain rather than remove it. Opt for rubbing alcohol or specialised stain removers for a better chance at salvaging your garment.

7. Mayonnaise Polishes Wood to Perfection

   The myth that mayonnaise is the secret sauce for polishing wood furniture is a saucy tale indeed. While mayo may add zest to sandwiches, it won't revive your tired coffee table. Use dedicated wood polishes instead (which these days tends to be cheaper than mayo!).

8. Feather Dusters Actually Clean

   Feather dusters, with their elegant appearance, may seem like efficient dust busters. However, they often just relocate dust rather than capture it. Swap your feather duster for a microfiber cloth or electrostatic duster for a thorough clean.

9. Baking Soda Deodourises Everything

   While baking soda is a fantastic deodouriser, it doesn't work miracles on all surfaces. Avoid using it on delicate materials like silk and leather, as it may cause damage. Educate yourself on suitable deodourising agents for various items in your home.

10. More Cleaning Products Mean a Cleaner Home

    The allure of a fully stocked with home cleaning products is tempting, but too many products can lead to confusion and potential hazards. Streamline your cleaning routine with versatile, multi-surface cleaners and educate yourself on their proper usage for a safer and more efficient cleaning experience.