These Cleaning Myths Are Holding You Back

If you're like me, then you love to have a clean house. Now that a lot of us have the extra time to devote to cleaning we should be wise to some of the common myths that exist. Tasks such as vacuuming, putting away clean dishes, and emptying the laundry hamper each provide a short respite on an otherwise hectic day. However, certain tasks could be reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of your your most basic cleaning habits! Keep reading to learn how to take your tidiness to the next level.

Myth #1: Bleach is the best cleaner.

This is one of the most common myths out there. In fact, when people think of clean, their first thought often lands on bleach. Although bleach certainly has its uses, it is important to remember that it doesn't clean so much as sanitize. This means that bleach is excellent at killing bacteria and other microorganisms, but not always effective when it comes to removing dirt, grime, or any other visible filth. Of course, there's nothing wrong with sanitizing especially in the times of COVID-19, just be sure to always wipe down a surface with a cleaning agent before applying the bleach.

Myth #2: Polish cleans wood.

Much as with #1, many people mistakenly believe that wood polish actually cleans the surface to which it is applied; in reality, it simply improves the appearance of the wood. In fact, polishing or waxing wood too often can cause a build-up over time that dulls its appearance. In order to remove dirt and dust from wood, the most effective solution is often a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Myth #3: Washing dishes by hand is more effective than by machine.

I for one am certainly guilty of this! Regardless of your dishwashing prowess, you are most likely not being as effective or efficient as your dishwasher. On the effectiveness front, the machine is able to expose dishes to much hotter water for a much longer period of time, making it more likely to remove every food particle except in the most caked-on cases. Further, the drying cycle essentially sanitizes your dishes while it dries them by killing bacteria. Best of all, the machine does all this while using far less water than you would washing by hand, which saves you money on your utilities.

Myth #4: Coffee grounds clean garbage disposals.

Don't do this. The grounds will build up in your pipes over time and cause clogs. Instead, try occasionally running a few slices of lime or lemon peel through the disposal to remove gunk and freshen the unit's scent. Baking soda and vinegar can also be helpful for stubborn odors.

Looking for more cleaning myths? Check out this article from realtor.com!