When Cleaning Hacks Don’t Cut It: Debunking Cleaning Myths

Thanks to social media, there are now dozens of channels where you can find useful “cleaning hacks” and make daily housekeeping easier. But whether you take inspiration from DIY cleaning products or a cleaning myth passed down from your parents, these cleaning hacks may not always yield the results that you want. In some cases, they can even damage your home or your appliances – and ultimately take more of your time and money to fix!

Of course, it can be hard for most people to tell when a cleaning method is effective, and when it’s truly just a myth. To help you stay informed about your options, our cleaning experts at Merry Maids® took a look at some of the most common cleaning myths, and debunked the ones that don’t work.

Here’s our list of the biggest “cleaning hacks” to avoid:

· Using newspaper to clean your windows. Although certain kinds of newspaper can work for windows, it’s far better to use a microfiber cloth or even a coffee filter. Because some newspapers still use petroleum-based ink, they can stain your hands and leave unsightly smears. Read this post to learn our preferred method for window cleaning!

· Pulling out the bleach for everything. Even if your grandma swore by the cleansing powers of bleach, it’s actually not a cleaner at all: It’s a disinfectant and stain remover. While diluted bleach solutions can be useful for sanitizing surfaces, bleach can also become toxic when combined with other cleaning products. If you decide to give it a shot, make sure to read all of the labels carefully, and keep your cleaning area well-ventilated.

· Feeding coffee grounds or lemons to your garbage disposal. When your garbage disposal starts to emit unpleasant odors, it can be tempting to freshen it up with lemon slices or coffee grounds, as many sources claim this will keep the blades clean. However, both of these tricks can cause your drain to become clogged. For more abrasive and deodorizing power, try a simple mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and boiling water.

· Cleaning all surfaces with Dawn and vinegar. “Dawn and vinegar” cleaning products have been taking the DIY world by storm lately. Although this mixture has some cleaning potential, the high levels of soap liquid make it very difficult to get a streak-free clean, and there are also no strong disinfecting agents. For a better homemade all-purpose cleaner, try out our concentrated peppermint cleaning recipe instead.

· Wiping up your cleaning products immediately. Because most cleaners are filled with powerful chemicals, you might assume that they work instantly, and try to cut time with a faster spray session. But in reality, it can take 5-10 minutes for even the strongest cleaning agents to break down germs, bacteria, and grime. By letting your solutions sink in, you’ll save energy on scrubbing, while ensuring that your counters stay clean for longer.

Need Some Extra Help? We’re Here for You!

For more than 40 years, our cleaning experts at Merry Maids® have been helping busy homeowners keep their homes pristine and clean. With the help of our time-tested cleaning methods and verified tips, we’ll make it easier for you to focus on the things that matter in life, and spend less time on the housekeeping.

Because all of our professionals are highly-trained, bonded, and insured, you can also trust that our cleaning methods will get the job done right the first time. If you’re unsatisfied for any reason, our worry-free guarantee can set your mind at ease about the quality of your clean.

Ready to discover more expert-approved cleaning hacks? Check out our cleaning tips section online.