Here at Housekeep, we love the idea of DIY home cleaning products, which can help the environment, and keep your wallet a little heavier! Because of this, we want to be sure that you don't fall prey to the destructive home cleaning myths that can end up causing more harm than good to your home, and some could end up costing you a lot more than that bottle of Mr Muscle would have.
These are the 5 most ridiculous cleaning myths we've seen doing the rounds, that we recommend you avoid at all costs!
Myth #1 - Use Newspaper to Clean Windows
WRONG! Newspaper is not only lighter and more susceptible to tearing during use, it can leave permanent stains on your windows.
Myth #2 - Vinegar Can Clean Everything
Another No-No. Whilst vinegar can help you with certain home cleaning tasks like cleaning the toilet bowl ( white distilled vinegar can remove stubborn stains by pouring down and brushing vigorously) it can cause serious damage to certain areas of your home. If you want to use vinegar as a natural cleaner, do NOT use on the following surfaces:
- Hardwood Floors
- Wax Floors
- Unsealed Grout - over time, the vinegar can deteriorate the condition of the grout
Myth #3 - Use Coca-Cola to clean your toilet
Whilst it may seem like an interesting and cost-effective idea - using a sugary substance to clean your toilet isn't the smartest of ideas. The citric acid will have a good effect, but the sugar in the coca-cola can be dangerous, as it attracts bacteria. Vinegar is actually a much better idea when it comes to toilet cleaning.
Myth #4 - Handwashing your dishes is better than using the dishwasher
Although is may be more fulfilling and satisfying to scrub the dishes yourself, a dishwasher will do a much better job of removing the bacteria from your crockery - with nearly 400 times more bacteria left on the dishes after hand washing when compared to using the dishwasher! And if that wasn't enough to convince you, if you wash your dishes by hand with hot water - you're actually harming the environment more than you would be by using a dishwasher! In this case, it pays to be a little lazy.
Myth #5 - Always wash clothes in cold water
Don't worry - We're surprised too! Washing clothes in cold water may be a great way to save on energy bills and keep clothes looking fresh - but hot water is the best way to remove bacteria and germs. Hot water is the best way to kill mold, viruses and other germs - so try to turn the dial to hot every once in a while, especially if you have been sick.
Are there any more ridiculous home cleaning myths that you've busted? We'd love to hear about them!