Numerous tips and tricks are circulating the internet that promise a fast cleaning solution to all sorts of problems. Unfortunately, a big portion of them is not very effective or flat out dangerous. Here we have compiled a list with the most common cleaning hacks you should avoid.

1. Hair Spray Removes Ink Stains

To be fair, there was a time when this trick actually may have worked. Once these hair products were filled with alcohol – the actual stain-removing ingredient. However, nowadays we know alcohol dries out the hair and is no longer put in such great quantities in these types of products. Therefore, if you try this “hack” now, you will just make a bigger mess.

2. Vinegar as a Wood Polish

One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is threat their wood surfaces with an acid-based liquid such as vinegar or even lemon juice. Our professional cleaners often have to deal with the aftermath of these errors. Vinegar can dissolve the delicate coating and damage the wood.

3. Coca-Cola Will Clean Your Toilet Bowl

The myth is based on the common knowledge that this soft drink can be used as a rust remover. Even if this is true you need to understand it does not possess any sanitising qualities. When you book house cleaning services, you expect every inch to be properly disinfected. Then why would you use a random liquid to deal with one of the dirtiest places in your home? Our London experts advice to avoid this hack and stick to working with specialised solvents.

4. Use Baking Soda to Scrub Your Tiles

Do not try to use sodium bicarbonate to scrub any part of your bathroom – sink, tub, tiles. The end result will be extremely unpleasant. The abrasive particles will scratch, damage or completely strip your tiles from their shiny coating. Save yourself the worries and expenses and just don’t do it.

5.Cleaning Biological Stains with Vinegar

Another myth involving this famous ingredient, that actually does not work. The experts from our London cleaning company advise using enzyme detergents if you want to eliminate completely stains from pet urine, vomit or other biological material. Vinegar is an acid, it can’t properly break the protein molecules of these types of stains thus is completely useless.

6. Sanitise Your Kitchen Sponges in the Microwave

Basically, the so-called “Cleaning Gurus” of the internet say that exposing your sponges to microwaves for a couple of minutes will kill all of the germs. Altho high temperatures eradicate most bacteria, your oven can’t provide the needed heath for this to happen. It’s best to just regularly change your sponges and don’t rely on internet “hacks” too much.

7. Window Cleaning with Old Newspapers

Altho using vinegar and newspapers for cleaning glass surfaces is a British tradition our London professionals strongly advise against it. The ink can be easily transferred to the window and leave smudges and spots. Use a regular window cleaner, a paper towel or a squeegee. It will be way more effective.

8. Remove Rust from Your Knives with Vinegar

Yet again another cleaning myth involving vinegar. If your knives are rusty, you need to sharpen them. Using vinegar can actually boost the corrosion and damage further the blades.

9. Clean Your Leather Upholstery with Essential Oils and Lemon Juice

As professionals from one of the fastest-growing cleaning companies in London, we don’t recommend treating leather fabrics with any DIY solutions especially the ones containing acid (the lemon juice). You will end up literally burning your upholstery if you use too much of it. Always clean leather with specialised products only.

10. Use Wax-paper as a Dust Repellent

The myth claims that if you rub your skirtings with wax paper it will prevent dust from building up. This is practically impossible and here is why. Wax paper leaves a sticky residue and we guarantee you it will attract every single dust particle it can. You will have to wash again everything to remove all of the accumulated gunk.

11. Put Dryer Sheets in the Air Vents for Fresh Smelling Home

This is not only a serious fire hazard but it is also impractical. The hack requires you to essentially clutter your air vents and prevent the free flow of air in the home. Avoid it at all cost, if you want your London home to smell good just book a professional cleaning service.

Stephanie Cooper

Stephanie is a content marketing specialist for Top Cleaners for the past several years. She has extensive experience working with cleaning companies and knows her audience. Stephanie creates engaging and useful content helping the customers of Top Cleaners with their struggles and providing them with the most accurate insight.