Cleaning Myths Debunked

Let's bust some cleaning myths and clean smarter.....

• Myth - Lemon juice can clean everything.

Debunked - While lemon juice is a natural cleaner and can be effective for some tasks like removing stains and deodorising, it's not a cure-all for cleaning. Lemon juice may not be suitable for all surfaces and its acidic nature can potentially damage certain materials like marble or granite. Additionally, it may not be strong enough to tackle tough grime or bacteria on its own.

• Myth - More detergent means cleaner clothes.

Debunked - Using too much detergent can actually have the opposite effect and leave clothes feeling stiff, dull or even with soapy residue. Excess detergent can also lead to build-up in the washing machine, causing odours and reducing its effectiveness over time. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for detergent usage and adjust based on factors like water hardness and load size.

• Myth - Vinegar is the best cleaner for all surfaces.

Debunked - While vinegar is a versatile and inexpensive cleaner, it's not suitable for every surface. Its acidic nature can damage certain materials like natural stone (like marble and granite), hardwood floors and aluminium. Additionally, vinegar's strong scent may not be desirable for some people. It's important to research and use appropriate cleaning products for different surfaces to avoid causing damage or unwanted reactions.

• Myth - Toilet cleaner can be used as a limescale remover all over your home.

Debunked - Many toilet cleaners contain harsh chemicals which can be highly corrosive and damaging to the fixtures and fittings in your home. Use toilet cleaner for its intended purpose only.

• Myth - Steam mops are the best way to clean any floor.

Debunked - Steam mops can actually be hugely damaging to certain floor types.

• Myth - Bleach is the best cleaning solution.

Debunked - A common cleaning myth is that bleach is best for just about every task. While bleach can be an effective disinfectant and stain remover, it can be very harmful to both your home and your health when used incorrectly.

• Myth - Newspaper can be used to clean windows to a streak-free shine.

Debunked - This may have been true in decades gone by, but the paper and ink used in modern newspapers makes cleaning windows with them less than effective nowadays.

• Myth - Wood should be polished often.

Debunked - Although freshly polished wood looks beautiful, polishing it too often can actually do more harm than good. Some polishes can create a build-up which will dull and darken the wood and attract dust.

• Myth - Vacuum then dust.

Debunked - This made sense in years gone by when vacuum cleaners used to spit out lots of dust. But modern vacuum cleaners don't, so always dust first and then vacuum.

• Myth - Using more product will make surfaces cleaner.

Debunked - With any cleaning product, too much can be just as ineffective as too little. By applying too much product, it can build up over time leaving a tacky, grimy residue.

• Myth - Feather dusters are the best way to dust.

Debunked - Although the feather duster has long been the traditional tool for dusting, they tend to scatter dust rather than remove it effectively. A microfibre cloth is the modern, more effective way to dust.

• Myth - Washing machines clean themselves.

Debunked - Washing machines can accumulate dirt and grime from soiled clothes, leftover detergent, mould and mildew which leads to bacteria growth.

• Myth - TV screens can be cleaned with glass cleaner.

Debunked - TV screens should NEVER be cleaned with glass cleaner as it can damage the anti-glare coating.

• Myth - Cleaning products work instantly.

Debunked - Most cleaning products require some 'dwell time' in order for them to work effectively.