Cleaning Myth busting 101: What Not to Believe About Cleaning!

You’ve probably heard a ton of home cleaning tips over the years, right? From soaking pots overnight to using bleach for everything, there’s no shortage of advice out there. But guess what? Some of that advice might not be true at all!  

The key is figuring out which tips you can toss out and which ones are actually helpful. For example, using bleach on everything might seem like a smart move for getting rid of germs, but it can actually harm your surfaces and isn’t needed for every cleaning job. Plus, those fumes? No thanks!  

So, how do you know what’s a good tip and what’s just an old myth? That’s where we come in! We’re here to bust a few cleaning myths you’ve probably heard over and over again. By clearing up these misconceptions, you can make your cleaning routine a whole lot easier and more effective. Get ready to save some time and effort by learning what really works when it comes to cleaning! Let’s dive in and get the facts straight! 

1. Myth: Bleach Is the Ultimate Germ-Killer 

Just about everyone has heard the old advice that bleach is the ultimate germ-killer, right? It is true that bleach is great against germs and bacteria, but this substance is far from being the powerhouse as the rest of us make it out to be. For example, certain germs like norovirus, which causes outbreaks of stomach flu are resistant to being wiped or diluted with bleach. Therefore, there is a likelihood that infections can still be present even when you are busy scrubbing with a sponge saturated with bleach Dettol solutions.  

What is worse, and let us be very honest here, is the fact that it is harmful on some surfaces when applied, anti-viral agents like bleach can be stubborn as well. If you’ve got wood furniture or clothes that are colored, you may wish to reconsider even that. For wood bleach has the ability to remove the wood’s finish and color the bright fabrics which only serve to bring the opposite effect, and you are now reduced to damaged items instead of a clean house. So, while bleach might be great for some jobs, it’s not the best choice for everything. Understanding its limits can help you avoid unnecessary damage and keep your home looking fresh and clean! 

2. Myth: Use Newspaper To Clean Glass

Back in the day where all was quite easy, windows were cleanest by just using the new paper, right? But that was a long time ago. Nowadays, newspapers are so thin and flimsy that they practically disintegrate the moment they touch water. So, if you are cleaning your windows or mirrors with some paper, imagine how many chunks of cardboard will stick to glass rather than cleaning it – what a catastrophe! Here’s where microfiber clothes come in and believe me, these are heroes! These are those magical clothes which help to clean the dirt without scratching the glass. For that, unlike newspapers, these will not shred to pieces with wetting.  

Microfiber cloths are super absorbent, so they can tackle fingerprints, smudges, and all that annoying residue like a pro. Plus, they leave your glass sparkling clean without a streak in sight—no lint, no fuss! And here’s the cherry on top: they’re reusable and washable, making them a great eco-friendly choice.  

So, next time you’re ready to tackle those glass surfaces, ditch the newspaper! Instead, use your microfiber cloth, and We can assure you will be in awe of how very clear your windows and mirrors will be after cleaning. The changes will be shocking! 

3. Myth: Vacuuming Too Much Damages the Carpet

You may have heard that vacuuming too often might harm your carpets, but at Poppies, we believe the opposite! Regular vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to keep your house clean and cosy. Aim to vacuum at least once a week to remove dust, pet hair and allergies. Your carpets will thank you.  

Gone are the days of old-fashioned vacuum cleaners with beater bars which could ruin your carpets! Today’s versions are designed to suit your needs, with a variety of attachments and settings for convenient cleaning. You may change the height or suction force to suit your carpet type, providing safe and effective cleaning.  

Do you have a plush carpet? Simply alter the height! Need a deeper clean? Crank up the suction! Some vacuums allow you to remove the beater bar while not in use, making cleaning easier and safer.  So do not be scared to vacuum once a week!  

4. Myth: Hot Water Kills Germs 

When it comes to killing germs, hot water might be your cleaning partner. However, it has to be really hot—around 140°F. Even yet, certain stubborn viruses may withstand high temperatures. So, if you want a properly clean surface, simply using hot water will not be enough.  

This is where white distilled vinegar comes in! Mixing hot water and vinegar not only disinfects your surfaces, but vinegar also has inherent antibacterial qualities that may be quite effective against microorganisms.  

But if you want, keeping it very simple, disinfectant wipes and sprays will do the job perfectly! They are specifically designed for such areas which are handled frequently like doorknobs and light switches to kill the crude and resistant germs instantly on contact. 

5. Myth: The More Laundry Detergent, The Cleaner 

This misconception applies to many other individuals as they usually think that more is better. Such a sound is correctly aimed with the more common detergent will produce more suds which lead to the clothes becoming over soapy and hard rather than soft which is pleasant to touch when worn. Too much soap can also build up inside the washing machine decreasing its efficiency and odor. 

Which of course means that the use of extra detergent is simply throwing money down the drain as a little gets much done. For such chores not to end in catastrophe then you should stick to the instructions that you find on the detergent container as these are appropriate for your machine and load. If you have any question regarding dry cleaning or any laundry service, then staff from Poppies Cleaning Service is at your service. Let us do the cleaning and doing the laundry including the ironing while you take it easy. 

6. Myth: Vinegar Is an All-Purpose Cleaner 

Vinegar is praised widely as a terrific natural cleanser, and with good reason—it works wonders around the house! It’s great for cleaning the microwave, freshening up the sink and keeping your windows streak-free. However, vinegar is not a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, it can damage some surfaces, such as stainless steel, grout, and natural stone. If you’ve been using vinegar to clean your marble or granite countertops, you might be causing long-term harm such as pitting and corrosion.   

It’s incredible to think that some cleaning techniques we’ve used for years might really cause more damage than good. That’s why it’s critical to understand which cleaning advice are really myths. Once you understand the basics, you can save time, safeguard your house, and even prevent wasting water. Using the right substances and practices will keep your surfaces, textiles, and finishes looking beautiful for years! 

Categorised in: Cleaning Tips & Hacks

This post was written by saumyamishra