When it comes to cleaning, there are countless tips and tricks shared amongst homeowners and experts. But how do you know which tricks will work and which are just myths? That's why we've compiled our list uncovering the truth behind the most common cleaning myths.
View the slideshow above for cleaning myths you need to wipe from your memory.
We often like to stick to the housekeeping tricks of past generations. Whether it's a secret family recipe, using cutting boards shaped liked pigs, or the best way to make a bed, we use a lot of things that we never read in a book. Every family does things a little differently, and we all try to preserve these traditions throughout each generation.
The same goes for household cleaning tips. Tricks of the trade are shared amongst friends and passed down through generations. Unfortunately, some of these may be a little less than accurate. Ever been told not to vacuum too frequently or it will ruin your carpet? Or that cola products are a great way to clean your toilet? While grandma's recipes should never (ever) be altered, some of those old cleaning tips may need to be.
See New Year's Resolution: Clean Home, and Cleaning With Vinegar for more tips on cleaning and organizing.
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Tags: Cleaning
Vinegar Can Clean Anything
Contrary to popular belief, vinegar does not clean everything. For instance, vinegar will damage your hardwood floors if used as a cleaner. Also if you dump some vinegar in a laundry machine, it will harm the wash as well.
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The More Soap, the Better
Using too much soap will leave you with soap residue. This can be a problem with surfaces such as carpeting. If your carpet contains a lot of soapy residue, then the dirt you are trying to avoid will only stick to the carpet that much more easily.
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Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garbage Disposal As a Deodorizer
Toss coffee grinds down your garbage disposal and you will get a nice fresh coffee scent to cover up any odors. But you’ll also be damaging your garbage disposal.
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Newspaper Is a Great Paper Towl Alternative
When paired with glass cleaners, newspaper will work, but it may also leave smeared ink on your windows. Try using coffee filters if you’re aiming for perfectly clean and streak free glass or stainless steel.
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If It's Dirty, Clean It With Bleach
In the past, if you didn’t douse your entire bathroom with bleach, you wouldn’t really be cleaning it. Bleach isn’t as much of a cleanser as it is a disinfectant. Give your lungs a breather and use a mild cleanser if you simply want to clean.
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Impatient? It’s OK to Wipe Up Cleaning Spray Right Away
Even though some cleaners seem to start taking action as soon as you spray them on the surface, they need time to really work their magic. Check the directions for the correct amount of time needed for the cleanser to do its thing.
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Natural Cleaners Are the Same As Their Chemical Counterparts
While we totally support going green and using environmentally friendly cleaners, they don’t have the same germ fighting capabilities. Green solutions made of lemon juice and vinegar will kill some germs but not things like flu viruses. Keep some EPA registered disinfectants around (out of children's reach) to use when someone in the house is sick.
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Wash All Clothing In Cold Water
Choosing the cold option on the washing machine is great for saving energy and money on your utility bills! While cold water is great, sometimes you should still opt for washing clothes in hot water. The heat helps to kill bacteria, mold and viruses. So be sure to wash your under garments, towels or anything else that may be filled with germs in hot water.
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Vacuuming Too Often Will Ruin Your Carpet
Dirt sitting for too long on your carpet will do more damage to the fibers, than frequent vacuuming will. You should vacuum at least once weekly to keep your carpets clean and in top condition.
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Wood Cleaner Cleans Wood, Stainless Steel Cleaner Cleans Stainless Steel
Don’t waste money buying a specialty cleaner for every different surface in your home. Most surfaces you can clean by simply using a damp microfiber cloth. Add a disinfectant spray to surfaces that are filled with germs.
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If It Smells Fresh, It's Clean
We often associate freshness and cleanliness with fruity or soapy fragrant scents. But the fragrance may just be covering up the actual problem.
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