Cleaning can be stressful. No matter how often you mop, the floor gets dirty. You suddenly can’t remember the last time you changed the sheets. You used the wrong type of cleaning agent, and now the counters have a strange sheen. Everyone wants to have a neat home, but cleaning it is a whole other story. However, the more you know, the less stressful the cleaning process could be. Here is a list of cleaners to avoid and the proper way to use other products. Which one surprises you the most?
10 Cleaners You May Need To Avoid (and How to Use Them Properly)
Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are versatile cleaning tools, but they are not the best solution for everything. For instance, don’t use them on marble and granite countertops. The eraser could damage the sealant and make the surface look dull. The same applies to stainless steel. Similarly, the abrasiveness of the eraser could ruin a car’s paint job.
In short, be sure you know which surfaces to use the eraser on and which to avoid. If you’re not sure, do a small spot test before cleaning the entire area. [1]
Furniture Polish
Some furniture polishes actually damage wooden surfaces. They dull the finish, attract dust, and even darken the color over time. Cleaners to avoid include aerosol and liquid polishes. Semi-solid polishes or “paste wax” are ideal for wooden surfaces. (Just make sure your brand doesn’t include silicone.) Keep in mind that it does take a little more effort to use this kind of polish. But the good news is that you don’t need to polish often, just twice a year to three to four years depending on the item. [2]
Bleach
Bleach is a great cleaner and disinfectant, but it’s hazardous when it’s not used properly. Firstly, don’t mix bleach with other products like vinegar, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. This causes the bleach to release a toxic gas that’s harmful to inhale. Secondly, diluted bleach is as effective as high-concentrate bleach — and much safer. Diluting bleach with water could prevent skin, respiratory, and eye irritations. Thirdly, whenever you use bleach, ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid those toxic fumes. [3]
Vinegar
Many people believe that vinegar is the perfect all-purpose cleaner, but this is not the case. Vinegar can break the sealants on countertops and dull the shine. Similarly, vinegar can dull and dissolve the finish on wooden and stone tile flooring.