Social Media Cleaning Tips You Should Avoid

With our busy schedules and ever-increasing to-do lists, we’re always looking for ways to streamline tasks and get things done faster, especially where home maintenance is concerned. For many of us, the tips and tricks we see on social media can seem like a tempting option to speed up home cleaning – but in some cases, they can do more harm than good, and could even wind up causing damage to your furniture.

Using bleach to clean grout

Many social media users have been sharing their hacks for using bleach to clean the grout around tiling in their bathrooms and kitchens to get them looking bright white and sparkling, as these are two of the rooms in our homes which become the dirtiest quickest.

But in reality, regular bleaching can weaken and eventually crack the grout and can even discolour it over time too. It could end up costing you hundreds in replacement tiling much sooner than you might have thought.

Mixing cleaning products together

Some influencers on apps like TikTok suggest that you should mix cleaning products together to create a powerful solution to tackle built-up dirt and grime. But this is actually very dangerous and could create toxic fumes which can inflame your airways and lead to respiratory problems. In some cases, depending on the products you mix, it could cause burns to the lungs and throat, eyes and skin.

In particular, bleach and ammonia, bleach and rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide and vinegar should all be avoided together. You should always use cleaning products as the instructions explain for them to be used, to avoid damaging your body and your surfaces.

Pouring cleaner onto carpet stains

Getting a wine or coffee stain on the carpet can cause panic, leading to you douse the area in water or carpet cleaner on the afflicted area to try and remove it. But saturating the stain can damage the fibres of the carpet and can also cause excess moisture to leak through beneath the carpet and damage your flooring.

Rather than taking a more-is-more approach, it’s better to use a blotting method to lift the stain without spreading it any further or causing unnecessary damage. Lightly spritz the area with water to dilute the stain and then blot again to dry it with a clean cloth. If the stain is particularly set in, it can be beneficial to have it professionally cleaned.

Dusting furniture with dryer sheets

Technically, dryer sheets that have been through the tumble dryer already are perfectly fine to use on wooden furniture to remove dust and fingerprint marks. But a fresh dryer sheet straight from the box can be saturated with softeners which can leave greasy marks on upholstery and soft furnishings. If there are stains and grime on your upholstery, it’s a much better option to have them cleaned thoroughly by an expert as they’ll be able to use techniques and cleaning materials that won’t damage the fabric.

Final thoughts

While it may offer a quicker solution to a clean home, not all hacks are the best option when it comes to health and safety, or long-lasting results. Depending on the tips you’re following, it could damage your surfaces or furniture, so it’s always a better option to use dedicated products or have stubborn areas of your home professionally cleaned by experts who know how to achieve the best results.

For more advice on the best cleaning solutions or to book an appointment, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.