You know the old saying that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is? We're guessing your social media feeds are full of DIY cleaning tips, but we're here to tell you that not everything you read on the internet is true. In fact, even though those home cleaning hacks seem as though they do the trick, you should actually avoid them. They tend to do more damage than good, and you can end up having to replace your valuable furniture. But don't take our word for it! We've consulted cleaning experts, and they explained the most egregious cleaning hacks they've come across and what we should be doing instead. Now let's get to work!
Cleaning hacks you should absolutely avoid in your home
The internet made our everyday lives so much easier and simple. We can ask our smartphones literally any question and get an answer within seconds. However, this didn't come without a price, given as many advice and tips we find online aren't true. From quick and "effective" diets to cleaning hacks and tricks, there is plenty of false information out there.
But don't worry—we've done a little digging for you. This article will focus on cleaning tips you can find all over the internet and debunk them. So whether you just moved into your new home and want to tidy up your new place or you're planning your big spring cleaning session, you'll be confident you won't ruin any of your belongings.
Cleaning glass surfaces with newspaper
One of the first things professionals who handle deep cleaning services advise is not to use newspapers to clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces in your home. Even though this was a normal practice before, it's not such a good idea nowadays.
Newspapers used to be much thicker than now and thus more suitable to use. Today's newspapers degrade quickly when wet, leaving newsprint stains on your mirror frames and window sills, not to mention your fingers. Chances are you'll also end up with ink smearing everywhere.
Instead, your best bet is a basic microfiber towel and your favorite window cleaning product. In case you come across a stubborn area, we recommend pre-washing with a towel moistened with rubbing alcohol. This can help you with exceptionally difficult stains like toothpaste spatter or makeup.
Using artificial air fresheners to neutralize odors
An artificial air freshener is another store-bought item that rarely works. While the sprays may temporarily mask the odor, they don't address the source of the odor. Sometimes, although very rare, they might even cause undesirable respiratory responses.
Instead of using artificial air fresheners, try to confront the stink head-on. Spraying diluted vodka on couches and window hangings can help to remove trapped scents. Additionally, keeping up with laundry, washing floors and walls, and thoroughly cleaning your trashcan can all help.
If you wish to use an air freshener, you may easily make an environmentally friendly version that actually works. It's very simple—in a glass spray bottle, mix equal parts water and vinegar and add 12 to 14 drops of essential oil for one cup of solution. Vinegar is great in eliminating odor and acts as a natural preservative, allowing the spray to last three months
Using hairspray to fight ink stains
Hairsprays have changed in the same way as newspapers have over time, and they shouldn't be used as cleaning solutions anymore. In fact, most current hairsprays no longer include alcohol, so they can't really help you with removing the stain. Instead, this cleaning trick could make the discoloration more difficult to remove.
To remove an ink stain, soak it in rubbing alcohol for 15 minutes and then gently blot it with a towel. If the stain is on clothing, run it through the washing machine after rubbing alcohol has been applied. It's as simple as limiting your hairspray use to your hair only.
Putting bleach-based tablets into your toilet tank
This is surely one of the most common and worst toilet cleaning hacks ever. Although using a bleach-based tablet appears to be a quick and economical solution to avoid washing your toilet, this time-saving cleaning trick has the potential to damage your toilet tank over time
These tablets have a pungent and acidic nature, and if left for an extended period of time, they can actually deform various working systems situated inside your toilet's tank. For example, rubber gaskets, bolts, and flappers. Eventually, this might lead to water leaks and poor efficiency.
If you do want to use these tablets, keep them in your bowl rather than the tank. A good idea is to make a weekly baking soda and vinegar application to the bowl as it can be very beneficial.
Keeping an open box of baking soda in your fridge
Many people believe that keeping an open box of baking soda in the fridge will help neutralize scents. However, this isn't always the greatest solution. Adding an open box of baking soda inside your refrigerator will not harm your appliance, but it is only moderately effective as an odor eliminator.
Because not all aromas from your refrigerator are generated by food (some are caused by a combination of bacteria and home mildew), baking soda—aka sodium bicarbonate—only helps modify the structure of stinking acidic molecules. This means that it can't help you truly eradicate the smell.
Instead, we recommend buying a package of activated charcoal. As it's formed of pure carbon, it has the ability to absorb all organic compounds.
Did you always avoid these home cleaning hacks?
Be honest - maybe they aren't mentioned in this article, but you've probably fallen for some of the internet's quick and easy tips a lot of times. And don't worry because you're not alone. Online space is designed to attract visitors in various ways, and it's easy for anyone to believe something completely untrue.
Therefore, you need to be very careful and not trust everything you read. Do a bit of digging and double-check the facts before trying anything, and you'll avoid potential negative consequences. To be on the safest side, why not get in touch with professionals and let them ensure your home is spotlessly clean? You can relax knowing your home is in great hands and handled by experts who know exactly which cleaning hacks to avoid.