8 Cleaning Hacks That Don't Actually Work
Nov 26, 2021 12:59 AM
Do you want to make cleaning easier and dream of the day when someone or something will solve all your messy problems? Of course you do. Today's products and cleaning tools are so much better than they used to be. New innovations hitting the market nearly daily to make life easier.
And the internet is full of hacks and tips that entice us with visions of better and effortless cleaning. Who thinks these things up and why have not we seen them before? Some are science-based, but most are not. Here are eight cleaning hacks that don't work and will just waste your time and money. Some are even flat out dangerous! Skip them and follow the saner advice that will give you a cleaner and safer result.
1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.
Like many other tips, this one is based on science. Yes, high heat can kill some bacteria, but recent research shows that the remaining bacteria can recolonize the sponge and potentially become even stronger.
A better choice is to use disposable, cotton or microfiber cloths that can be put in the washing machine after each use.
WARNING
The time it takes in the microwave to reach the desired temperature and kill all bacteria inside a sponge will result in a burning, scorched sponge. Recent studies show that about 40% of the bacteria is still present in the burnt sponges, some of which can be life threatening.
A better choice is to use disposable, cotton or microfiber cloths that can be put in the washing machine after each use.
WARNING
The time it takes in the microwave to reach the desired temperature and kill all bacteria inside a sponge will result in a burning, scorched sponge. Recent studies show that about 40% of the bacteria is still present in the burnt sponges, some of which can be life threatening.
2. Add salt to your washing machine to prevent paint bleeding.
Save the salt for your fries and do not put it in the washing machine. By the time you buy the clothes from the stores, it is already too late to prevent the color from bleeding. This process needs to happen while the fabric is still being made. Fortunately, if all your underwear is now pink, there are some useful tricks that can save the day.
3. Use hairspray to remove ink.
This is a tried and true trick that worked when hairspray was almost 100% alcohol. But times have changed. Today's hairsprays contain less alcohol (which is the magic ink remover) and more conditioners, oils and emollients. Save the hairspray for your updo and reach for the isopropyl alcohol instead.
4. Put a magic eraser in the toilet bowl to remove stains.
Yes, those little white erasers magically remove soap scum in the bathtub and crayon stains on the walls. But in your toilet tank, they do nothing to clean your toilet and may even interfere with flushing mechanisms. Scrubbers are made of melamine foam and require your elbow to work. They do not dissolve and do not contain any bacteria-killing or dirt-dissolving ingredients.
5. Coat a cooktop with car wax for easy cleaning.
Grease and food splatters are difficult to remove from cooktops, especially if they are caked on from weeks of high heat. When it comes to overcooking, stick to a quick clean and a product that penetrates grease.
WARNING
Some websites recommend coating the cooktop with a layer of maintenance wax. While this wax can make it easier to wipe away spills, it can also cause a fire.
WARNING
Some websites recommend coating the cooktop with a layer of maintenance wax. While this wax can make it easier to wipe away spills, it can also cause a fire.
6. Hot water kills all germs.
Hot water can kill some bacteria, but it must be very hot (212 degrees F) and the contaminated surface must be exposed for several minutes. Since most home water heaters are set at 120 degrees F, you are kidding yourself if you expect hot water alone to kill germs. If flu season sweeps through your home or you prepare raw meat in the kitchen, add a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach, pine oil or phenol solutions (Lysol) to your cleaning routine.
7. Coca Cola is the best toilet cleaner
Can you clean a toilet with Coca Cola (or any other carbonated soda)? Yes. Should you? No. Most carbonated sodas contain small amounts of citric and phosphoric acid, which can slowly remove rust and some stains. However, a quart of soda will not kill bacteria and leaves a sticky residue that could provide food for bacteria in the toilet. Stick with disinfectant toilet cleaners; they are better and cheaper.
8. Extra detergent makes the laundry cleaner.
More is not always better when it comes to cleaning laundry or dirty floors. Adding extra detergents and cleaners makes it harder to rinse out and remove all the sticky residue. When this residue is left in the fabrics or on the surface of your carpet or kitchen floor, it acts like a dirt magnet. Fabrics become dull and floors attract dirt faster. Instead of adding more, choose the best quality cleaner for the job, read the directions, and dose accordingly. An added bonus: you'll save money and have to go to the store less often.
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