We love cleaning hacks! But as the old saying goes, 'if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.' It turns out that some of the most popular cleaning hacks are actually pointless and can even cause damage to your home. But don't worry because we've got the cleaning hacks that you need to avoid listed for you:
Do Not Use Vinegar to Clean Rubber Seals
Vinegar is an amazing cleaning tool that is great for cleaning many surfaces such as glasses and kitchen countertops. But, using vinegar could cause the rubber seal of your kitchen appliances to damage. And that's the very last thing you want to happen, right? That's why we suggest you to avoid using vinegar on places like oven doors and fridges and other places where there may be a rubber seal.
Why Vinegar Damages Rubber Seals:
- Vinegar is acidic and can break down rubber compounds
- Causes rubber seals to become brittle and crack
- Leads to appliance malfunctions and air leaks
- Reduces energy efficiency in refrigerators and ovens
- Can void appliance warranties
- Expensive repairs or replacements needed
Safe Alternatives for Rubber Seals:
- Use mild soap and warm water
- Apply rubber conditioner or protectant
- Clean with specialized rubber cleaning products
- Use microfiber cloths for gentle cleaning
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives
- Regular maintenance prevents buildup
Do Not Use Toothpaste to Remove Old Scratches from Your Glasses
Many people are caught up in the thought that toothpaste is able to clean glasses and to even remove old scratches! This sadly is everything but the truth, the truth is that toothpaste actually should be avoided at all costs; toothpaste could cause the scratches to become even worse than they were before and that's not the result you want to achieve, right?
Why Toothpaste Damages Glasses:
- Contains abrasive particles that scratch glass surfaces
- Makes existing scratches more visible and deeper
- Can damage anti-reflective coatings
- Creates new micro-scratches on lenses
- Reduces optical clarity and vision quality
- May void lens warranties
Proper Glass Cleaning Methods:
- Use specialized lens cleaning solutions
- Apply with microfiber cleaning cloths
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Dry with lint-free cloths
- Store in protective cases
- Regular professional cleaning
Be Careful with Coconut Oil and Fabrics
Coconut oil is an insanely popular tool for both household and beauty regimes, but it should never be used anywhere near fabric. All oils stain fabrics and given the fact that coconut is an oil, you should avoid it from any fabrics.
Why Coconut Oil Stains Fabrics:
- Oil-based substances create permanent stains
- Attracts dirt and grime over time
- Difficult to remove from fabric fibers
- Can cause discoloration and yellowing
- Creates unpleasant odors when mixed with dirt
- May require professional cleaning
Safe Fabric Care Alternatives:
- Use fabric-specific cleaning products
- Follow manufacturer care instructions
- Test products on hidden areas first
- Use appropriate water temperatures
- Avoid oil-based products on fabrics
- Professional cleaning for delicate items
Do Not Use Any Salt Solutions When Washing Your Clothes
It is said that using a salt solution when you're washing your clothes will prevent the colours of your clothes from running and your clothes from fading. But, this is not the case! The salt solution has no effect at all on your clothes and could even cause damage to your washing machine after using it multiple times.
Why Salt Solutions Are Harmful:
- No effect on color retention or fading
- Can corrode washing machine components
- May damage rubber seals and hoses
- Creates mineral buildup in machine
- Can cause electrical problems
- Reduces machine lifespan
Proper Color Protection Methods:
- Sort clothes by color before washing
- Use cold water for colored items
- Add color-safe bleach alternatives
- Follow garment care labels
- Use appropriate detergent amounts
- Avoid overloading the machine
Do Not Use Mouthwash to Clean Your Washing Machine
There has been a popular cleaning hack floating around the internet lately, where you need to pour a certain amount of mouthwash in your washing machine in order to give it a deep clean. Which is, anything but the truth; it turns out that this hack is completely pointless and that the mouthwash is too mild to be able to make any difference to the cleanliness of the washing machine. Yes, you may get a minty smell in your washing machine, but it certainly won't get any cleaner because of it.
Why Mouthwash Doesn't Clean Washing Machines:
- Too mild to remove built-up residue
- Contains alcohol that can damage rubber seals
- May leave behind sticky residue
- Doesn't address mold or mildew issues
- Can cause unpleasant mixing with detergent
- Wastes money on ineffective cleaning
Proper Washing Machine Cleaning:
- Use specialized washing machine cleaners
- Run hot water cycles with vinegar
- Clean detergent dispensers regularly
- Wipe down door seals and gaskets
- Remove and clean lint filters
- Schedule professional maintenance
Additional Cleaning Hacks to Avoid:
Bleach and Ammonia Mixtures
- Never mix bleach with ammonia - creates toxic fumes
- Can cause serious respiratory problems
- May result in chemical burns
- Always use products separately
- Read labels carefully before mixing
- Ventilate areas when using strong chemicals
Steel Wool on Stainless Steel
- Avoid steel wool on stainless steel - causes scratches
- Use specialized stainless steel cleaners
- Apply with grain direction
- Polish with microfiber cloths
- Use appropriate cleaning products
- Regular maintenance prevents buildup
Lemon Juice on Marble
- Don't use lemon juice on marble - etches the surface
- Acidic substances damage marble permanently
- Use pH-neutral cleaners instead
- Test products on hidden areas
- Professional restoration may be needed
- Regular sealing prevents damage
Baking Soda on Aluminum
- Avoid baking soda on aluminum - causes discoloration
- Can create permanent dark spots
- Use gentle aluminum cleaners
- Apply with soft cloths
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
- Dry completely to prevent oxidation
Hydrogen Peroxide on Colored Fabrics
- Don't use hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics - causes bleaching
- Can create permanent white spots
- Use color-safe alternatives
- Test on hidden areas first
- Follow fabric care instructions
- Professional treatment for stains
Essential Oils in Humidifiers
- Avoid essential oils in humidifiers - can damage the unit
- May void manufacturer warranties
- Can cause respiratory irritation
- Use only water in humidifiers
- Clean regularly with vinegar
- Follow manufacturer instructions
Professional Cleaning Tips:
When to Call Professionals
- Persistent stains that won't come out
- Delicate or expensive items
- Mold or mildew problems
- Appliance malfunctions
- Specialized cleaning needs
- Regular maintenance schedules
Safe Cleaning Practices
- Always read product labels
- Test products on hidden areas
- Use appropriate protective equipment
- Ventilate areas properly
- Store chemicals safely
- Follow manufacturer instructions
Regular Maintenance
- Clean appliances regularly
- Replace filters as needed
- Check for wear and damage
- Schedule professional inspections
- Keep cleaning supplies organized
- Update cleaning methods as needed
If you require further help or enquiries regarding any of our services, don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have via:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 3670 9997