Some techniques that do more harm than help…
Pretty much everyone wants and needs a clean and organized space. However, no one wants to be the one cleaning it. This is exactly why so many people look for top tips and tricks to try to make the task of cleaning a lot easier.
Unfortunately, a lot of the cleaning tips and tricks out there aren’t practical or effective. Many of them might sound good, but they are ineffective, to say the least. Some might even do more harm than help.
This article will provide you with the top tips and cleaning techniques to avoid:
Use More Product
One of the worst things you can do is to double down on the number of cleaning products you are using. The common thought is that using more cleaning solutions will help make things cleaner. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In this case, less is better. Professionals know this and they would cringe if they saw you using more and more cleaning products when trying to clean.
What happens when you use too many cleaning products is that it can make the product increasingly difficult to wash off. This is not only going to result in the cleaning products getting wasted, but it’s also going to waste valuable resources like energy and water. Along with this, you could find yourself not doing an effective job of rinsing it off. You will find that the more cleaning solution you use, the more residue it leaves on all surfaces. The added residual solution can end up trapping dirt, grime, and dust. This can result in an unclean-looking surface or appearance that no one wants.
For better cleaning results, you want to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The instructions can be found on the back of the product’s label. Typically, you can get better results using less cleaning solution. One of the only times you might need to use more of any kind of cleaning product is when you live in an area that has very hard water. Hard water is water that contains a lot of minerals. High-mineral content in the water can result in needing more cleaning solutions to get the same results.
Microwaving Your Sponges
The sponge that you use to wash dishes can end up being a breeding ground for bacteria. After all, you are always using it to clean food off your plates, surfaces, and more. In addition, it’s always left damp. Bacteria thrive in moist and damp environments. As a result, it can cause you to look for solutions to want to free your sponge of harmful bacteria. This is why a lot of people look to microwave their sponges to kill off the bacteria.
While your microwave can certainly kill off microbes on your sponge, there is research that shows that microwaving a sponge doesn’t kill off all bacteria on it. In the research, they still found bacteria and pathogens on it that could cause food-borne diseases.
A good way to avoid getting your sponge too dirty is to simply not use it to clean anything but your dishes. Also, you’ll want to disinfect it after using it and replace it weekly.
Using Toothpaste on Your Silverware
If you have anything silver, you’ve likely delved into random ideas on cleaning it. One of the ideas that have spread is that toothpaste can be an effective cleaning solution for silver.
While using toothpaste on your silver is going to work, it’s also overly abrasive. Because of this, you could end up scratching the metal. Toothpaste is designed for brushing your teeth. Your teeth and enamel are stronger than silver. Silver is much more delicate, and you could end up irreparably damaging it. Stick to using toothpaste to clean your teeth. If you must, you can use it to clean silver that’s not too valuable for you.
Clean Everything with Vinegar
Vinegar might be acidic which makes it a good option to get things clean. However, the acidity can also harm some surfaces that you might think about using it on. It’s best to avoid using vinegar on delicate surfaces like wood, granite, and marble. Stick to only using vinegar on surfaces that can withstand the acidity. This includes your microwave, stove top, and more. It’s also recommended to keep vinegar away from your cast iron pots and pans.
Using Bleach to Get Rid Of Rust
Bleach is another common cleaning solution that a lot of people reach for. Bleach can be a very effective cleaning solution at that. It’s good for not only cleaning but disinfecting too. What it’s not good for is cleaning rust. Bleach has oxidizing properties. Because of this, it shouldn’t be used for rust. What should be used for cleaning rust is something acidic like vinegar. Vinegar has the appropriate acidity which can come in handy when cleaning rust. Mix white vinegar with salt to form a paste and it will become a lot easier to come off.
Pouring Soda In Your Toilets
A lot of people know about the high acidity levels found in soda. It got to the point where people recommended pouring soda down the toilet to get rid of clogs and to clean the toilet bowls. While there is some truth to soda being acidic, the pH isn’t nearly low enough to get rid of tough stains and other grime. Also, unfortunately, a lot of soda is dark which can stain your porcelain when used frequently enough.
Polishing Wood Surfaces Too Much
There are also a lot of people that believe that wood surfaces should be frequently polished. While it might seem like the right thing to do to keep the wood looking good and to keep it well protected, that’s not the case. Polishing too often can lead to wax build-up on the wood. This can end up making your hardwood look dull which isn’t what you want.
To get a better effect, you’ll want to clean the wooden surfaces with regular dusting using a gentle cloth. Try to give the wood a solid polish every two to four months. You can go even longer if the wood isn’t frequently used.
The cleanliness of your home or office can impact the quality of life of everyone that uses it. Cleaning is a serious task. It can dictate the overall health and wellness of all occupants. Don’t go for the first cleaning method you hear on the internet or from word of mouth. Stick to using tried and true cleaning methods from professionals. It’s always a good idea to hand the reigns off to professional cleaners that know what they are doing.
