6 Cleaning Myths You Should Never Believe

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Not every cleaning tip is effective.

We're here to set the record straight on some common misconceptions about cleaning your home. Before you grab the dustpan and broom, save yourself some work and read through these common cleaning myths first.

Myth Busting Alert: Too Much Soap Won’t Get Surfaces Cleaner

Surprisingly, soap can draw in dirt and dust, which can cause surfaces to lose their luster; this is also a problem with many cleaning products. Just use a moderate amount of soap to clean a surface, then wash it off with water or remove it with a damp cloth.

2. **Over-polishing can Create uneven finish**

Don't do this too often. Most polishes leave behind a sticky residue that builds up and traps dust over time. If you need to clean your wood floors, use a damp mop for a spot clean. When it's time for a deeper clean, a spray cleaner specifically designed for wood floors is the way to go.

For weekly dusting, use a lightly dampened microfiber cloth. Reserve your furniture polish for once a month or when surfaces start to lose their shine, and spray it on a cloth rather than directly on the furniture.

In conclusion, vinegar can be a valuable addition to your cleaning routine, but it's not a cure-all for every cleaning task.

This acidity can damage wood, waxed surfaces, cast iron, and stone countertops. Make sure to use soap or gentle cleaners specifically designed for these types of surfaces instead.

Air fresheners are a popular solution for eliminating unpleasant odors from cars, homes, and other confined spaces. However, they don't effectively eliminate odors. They merely mask the smells with fragrances, which don't address the underlying cause. In fact, the vaporized fragrance can even react with other chemicals in the air, creating an even stronger odor.

Air fresheners don't get rid of odors - they just cover them up. Research has shown that many air fresheners also release pollutants inside the home. If you want to get rid of an odor, you need to find its source and eliminate it. Regular cleaning and letting fresh air in can also greatly reduce odors.

Conventional wisdom holds that the reason newspaper is often streak-free when used to clean a surface is because it's a non-abrasive natural enabling it to clean without scratching. After all, that's why towels and cloths often leave streaks when trying to clean a surface.

instead.

Some people think bleach is a good way to disinfect and clean really tough spots where dirt has built up. However, non-professionals using bleach can actually make things worse.

Don't grab a bottle of bleach unless you have to disinfect, and even then, you will need to mix it with water.

Southern Living