We currently live in a world of information overload - so much so that it can be hard to tell what's true from what's false. This even applies to cleaning tips. Cleaning myths abound on the internet, in magazines, and through word of mouth.
Many of these myths are tempting to believe, especially ones about easy homemade cleaning solutions. However, many of them are untrue, with a few exceptions. Take a look at some of these common ones and find out the real facts.
Cleaning myths: which are true and which are false?
1. Vinger eradicates bacteria - FALSE
Vinegar is capable of many things, such as removing visible dirt from surfaces, but killing bacteria is not one - at least, it hadn't been scientifically proven.
The common claim that it can be used to disinfect surfaces is therefore technically false. The best way to know you've disinfected an area or object is to use commercial cleaners that are labelled as disinfectants.
2. Putting your jeans in the freezer will kill the germs - FALSE
For years, many have believed the myth that freezing denim destroys the bacteria on it and gets rid of odours. However, although cold temperatures CAN kill bacteria, they need to be below -62 degrees Celsius - which is far colder than any home freezer can get!
What's more, freezing your jeans doesn't remove the dead skin cells, skin oils, and general dirt that builds up when you've worn them for a while. Washing them with detergent and water is the only way to clean jeans.
3. Vodka eliminates odours on clothing - TRUE
Good news for those who love DIY cleaning solutions. Vodka, even the cheap stuff, really can remove unwanted scents from clothes and leave them smelling fresh and clean.
Make it work: Hang your clothes on the line and using a spray bottle, spray them with vodka, then let them air out til dry.
4. Washing dishes by hand saves water - FALSE
This is, in fact, untrue. Modern dishwashers are far more water efficient and use far fewer litres of water than washing and rinsing dishes in the sink.
5. You can wipe bacteria away using a microfibre cloth - TRUE
Microfibre cloths are almost magical in this way - they pick up germs as well as oils and dirt when you use them to swab surfaces.
They are also non-abrasive, and their gentleness means they can be used to clean anything without causing damage. Just remember to launder them properly and frequently, and replace them regularly.
Make it work: Dampen a clean microfibre cloth and go to town.
6. Your washing machine is self-cleaning - FALSE
Yes, it has detergent and water regularly swishing around in it, but a washing machine can't be properly cleaned on the inside in this way, despite what many assume. Sadly, we do need to clean them ourselves.
You probably already guessed this though, if you've ever seen the mould that often builds up on the rubber seal on the inside of the door. It doesn't help when you leave wet clothes in it for days.
How to clean the a washing machine:
Run a hot cycle on 60 degrees Celsius without clothes or detergent.
Clean the rubber seal inside the drum on a regular basis with soapy water to prevent gunk and mould accumulating on it. If you haven't wiped it down in a long time, use a diluted bleach solution to rub off the grime.
After washing and removing clothes from the washing machine, leave the door open to let it air out, instead of letting the water droplets sit inside. The dampness will invite mould growth.
Regularly take a look at the drain filter and check for excess water, and drain it out if necessary.
For frontloaders, pull out the drawer you pour detergents into (the machine's manual will have instructions on how to do take it out safely) and clean if needed.
7. Disinfectant products act instantly - FALSE
Applying disinfectants to a surface and immediately wiping them off doesn't work. Usually, you need to leave the product to sit there for a few minutes for it to take effect before rinsing or wiping it off.
Product labels will say how long to leave them on surfaces to give them the chance to kill bacteria.
8. The more washing detergent, the better - FALSE
It might seem logical that more soap in your washing machine equates to cleaner laundry, but this is not the case.
Using a lot of detergent will actually leave your clothes feeling sticky and less pleasant-smelling after you've washed them than if you use the recommended amount.
This is because too much detergent makes more soap suds than the machine cycle can rinse away, meaning the germs on your laundry won't get rinsed off either, plus you'll have a film of soap left on your clothes.
In conclusion...
There are a whole lot of cleaning myths out there. When it comes to cleaning tips and information, don't believe everything you hear.
Do your homework and some further research to find out for yourself what is true and what is not. Your cleaning will be a lot more effective for it!
Are there any cleaning myths you've heard of? Are they true or false? Share them in the comments below!
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