8 Popular Cleaning Myths That Don’t Work (and What Does)
We’ve all heard them—those “life-changing” cleaning tips that promise to save time, money, and effort. But are they actually true? Many popular cleaning myths floating around the internet or passed down through family aren’t as effective as they seem. Some might even do more harm than good! To help you clean smarter, not harder, we’re debunking 8 of the most common cleaning myths and showing you what really works. Ready to say goodbye to ineffective methods and embrace the truth? Let’s get started!
1. Myth: Vinegar Cleans Everything
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Vinegar is often touted as the ultimate natural cleaner, but it’s not as versatile as you might think. Sure, vinegar is great for cutting through grease and shining up windows, but it can actually damage certain surfaces. When used on natural stone like granite or marble, the acid in vinegar can etch the surface, leaving it dull and prone to stains.
What Does Work:
For natural stone surfaces, stick to stone-safe cleaners specifically formulated to protect and clean without causing damage. Vinegar is best saved for non-porous surfaces like glass or ceramic.
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2. Myth: Lemon Juice Cleans Everything
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Lemon juice is another natural cleaning favorite, praised for its fresh scent and grease-cutting power. However, it’s not a universal cleaner. Lemon juice is acidic, which makes it great for deodorizing and shining, but it can damage delicate surfaces like marble and copper, leaving them dull or discolored.
What Does Work:
Use lemon juice to freshen up your garbage disposal or cut grease in your kitchen, but when it comes to more sensitive surfaces, stick with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner.
3. Myth: Bleach is the Best Cleaner for Everything
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but it’s not actually a cleaner. While it kills germs and bacteria, bleach doesn’t remove dirt or grime. In fact, using bleach on porous surfaces like wood or fabric can cause long-term damage, including discoloration and weakening of the material.
What Does Work:
Use bleach for disinfecting, especially on surfaces like toilets, tiles, and sinks, but make sure to clean the surface with soap and water first. For other materials, use specialized cleaners to protect the surface.
4. Myth: Newspapers Are Great for Cleaning Windows
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Using newspapers to clean windows was popular back when newspapers were printed on thicker paper with different inks. Today’s newspapers are thinner, and the ink can smudge, leaving streaks and residue behind on your windows.
What Does Work:
For a streak-free shine, use a microfiber cloth or a squeegee. These tools are designed to effectively clean glass without leaving any residue or fibers behind.
5. Myth: More Soap Means a Cleaner Surface
Why It Doesn’t Work:
It’s easy to assume that more soap means more cleaning power, but the truth is that using too much soap can backfire. Excess soap leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt, making your surfaces grimy faster.
What Does Work:
Use the recommended amount of soap for the job. If more cleaning is needed, it’s better to repeat the process rather than overload the surface with soap.
6. Myth: Baking Soda and Vinegar Make the Perfect Cleaning Combo
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Baking soda and vinegar seem like the ultimate natural cleaning duo. When mixed, they create a satisfying fizz, but it’s more for show than cleaning power. The fizz is actually the result of the acid in vinegar reacting with the base in baking soda, neutralizing both substances and leaving behind mostly water.
What Does Work:
Use baking soda as a scrub for tough stains or deodorizing surfaces, and vinegar separately to cut through grease or as a disinfectant. But don’t combine them if you want real cleaning power.
7. Myth: Toothpaste Can Clean Anything
Why It Doesn’t Work:
Toothpaste is sometimes recommended for cleaning a variety of surfaces, from shoes to silverware. While it can be effective on small scuffs, it’s actually too abrasive for many surfaces and can leave scratches or damage delicate materials.
What Does Work:
Stick with specialty cleaners for tasks like polishing silver or removing scuff marks. Toothpaste should stay where it belongs—on your teeth!
8. Myth: Hairspray Gets Rid of Ink Stains
Why It Doesn’t Work:
This trick used to work when hairsprays were full of alcohol, but most modern formulas contain very little alcohol, making them ineffective for ink removal. Plus, hairspray can leave behind a sticky residue.
What Does Work:
Use rubbing alcohol or a dedicated stain remover to get rid of ink stains effectively and without the mess.
Conclusion: Stop Falling for These Cleaning Myths
Cleaning can already be a time-consuming task—don’t let these myths waste even more of your precious time! By understanding what actually works, you can clean more efficiently and avoid damaging your home. Whether you’re tired of these old cleaning myths or just want a professional to handle the tough stuff, Angles Pro Cleaners is here to help.
Need help with your cleaning? Get a free quote today!
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