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! While 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 damage to certain areas of your home. Some folks hate the smell of vinegar. Don’t worry – there are plenty of other cleaning products to choose from. If you want to use vinegar as a natural cleaner, do NOT use on the following surfaces:
- Hardwood Floors – except during the winter and very diluted. The vinegar actually cuts the salt.
- Wax Floors – the vinegar will remove the wax
- Unsealed Grout – over time, the vinegar can deteriorate the condition of the grout
Myth #3 – Use Coca-Cola to clean your toilet
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. If you want to use an alternative to name brand toilet bowl cleaners, 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 it may be more fulfilling and satisfying to scrub the dishes yourself (LOL!), a dishwasher will do a much better job of removing the bacteria from your plates and cups – 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 actually use more water and are doing more harm to the environment 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
I have heard this for years and always though it was bunk – except for clothes marked specifically for cold water. This may be a way to save on energy bills – 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!
Source – Rachel at housekeep.com. Edited by Tim Maloney