We all clean our homes, but unfortunately, many are unaware that we abuse everyday cleaning products. Even when you follow standard tactics, nuances in their implementation can significantly impact efficacy. Misuse can translate into reduced efficacy, potential surface damage, or health hazards.
Knowing how to use these daily products correctly can revolutionize your cleaning practice, making it more effective and safer.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong disinfectant and stain remover. But it is potent, and using it undiluted can damage surfaces or fabric, if not your health at all. Bleach should always be diluted before use, and you must follow the label guidelines. This is useful for general household cleaning. Mix one part bleach to one gallon of water. For stubborn spots and mold/mildew, double that to 3/4 a cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a green cleaning product that is used in many households. However, when misused, it can be harmful to some surfaces. The acid in vinegar can erode porous materials like stone or marble, leading to etching or discoloration. Do not mix vinegar, as it will release poisonous fumes, and never combine it with bleach.
Ammonia
Like bleach, use diluted ammonia. Always follow the label instructions, and never mix it with other cleaning products—particularly bleach. Ammonia smells overpowering and is a powerful cleaner, but it is also highly irritating to the skin and causes respiratory concerns if you inhale too much.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants are designed to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces; however, they may be less effective if misused. Always read the label; if the label requires enough contact time for the product to work, it means that the product must be left on the surface long enough before it is wiped off. It is also crucial to pre-clean the surface before using a disinfectant on a surface with dirt and debris, reducing the cleaner’s effectiveness.
Glass Cleaners
Glass cleaners are commonly used to remove streaks and smudges on windows. However, using too much can leave more streaks. The best method is to use the recommended cleaning solution and wipe the surface in one direction with microfiber clothing or newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Floor Cleaners
When cleaning the floor, pick the appropriate cleaner for your type of floor surface. For instance, cleaning agents smell like hardwood. Cleaning with water can damage the wood; for tiles or laminate flooring, don’t use too much water since it may seep into cracks.
Dishwasher Detergent
Most people also misunderstand the amount of dishwasher and laundry detergent. If dishwasher detergent is left too much on the dishes, it could leave a residue, damaging the dishwasher’s efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider using print labels, which make brands, and not using extra rinse, which can improve performance.
Laundry Detergent
Using too much laundry detergent may lead to the formation of excess duds that do not clear away correctly. Instead, it leaves the clothing dull and possibly.
Fabric Softener
While fabric softener is an excellent way to ensure clothes remain fresh and soft, using too much of the product can have the opposite consequence: leaving sticky residues on the material. Therefore, the recommended amount prescribed on the label should be diluted with water before being inserted into the laundry cycle.
All-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners are handy, but some are incompatible with specific surfaces. Therefore, avoid using all-purpose cleaners on delicate pieces such as silk and certain types of wood, as they can discolor the surface and cause other undesirable damages. Periodic tests of a small section to determine if an all-purpose cleaner is suitable for a specific surface are paramount before application.
Multi-surface Cleaners
Some multi-surface cleaners, like all-purpose cleaners, may not be ideal for specific surfaces. Hence, reading the label to determine if the cleaner is compatible with the surface is essential. Moreover, no multi-surface cleaner should be mixed with other products to produce lethal fumes.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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