Clearing up Myths About Cleaning

 

Is bleach the best? Will newspaper give you streak-free glass? It’s time to trash some of those housecleaning remedies that have been passed down for generations.

Bleach is best:

Though most of us associate the smell of bleach with clean, bleach doesn’t really clean at all. It disinfects, kills germs, and can whiten stains, but it doesn’t clean dirt and grime. So, if you’re trying remove the grit from your bathtub, you’ll need an actual cleaning product. 

Newspaper will give you streak-free glass: 

At one time, newspapers were made of papers and ink that left mirrors and glasses streak-free. Today, it’s made from different materials that do leave streaks on your mirrors. Use rubbing alcohol or a glass cleaner with a microfibre cloth. 

Feather dusters dust: 

More often than not, they just spread the dust around. Instead, reach for a vacuum with a nozzle attachment or a damp cloth.

Fragrant scents equal clean: 

When a product is labelled “fresh laundry” or “clean spring air”, it may smell wonderful, but doesn’t do a thing when it comes to actually removing dirt, stains, and germs. 

You should wash all clothes in cold water: 

Most laundry can be washed in cold water, but some things, like whites, should be washed on ‘hot’, and man-made fibres, knits, and jeans should be washed on ‘warm’. 

Cleaning solutions act instantly: 

You can’t expect to spray a product and instantly see a perfectly clean, spotless surface. After applying a cleaning solution, let it soak. You usually need to add a bit of elbow grease, too.

Vinegar cleans everything: 

Vinegar is an acid, so it can cut through dirt and can kill bacteria, but only if you use it at full or nearly full strength. Most people put a capful in a bucket of water, and that doesn’t do much. The acids in vinegar can damage natural stone and wood surfaces.