Cleaning myths abound and advice is everywhere. It’s passed down from our grandmothers, whispered between friends, and is now flooding social media in the form of “life-changing hacks”. But not everything you see online is as magical as it seems (looking at you, toothpaste-on-everything hacks).
At SOAP Professional Cleaning, we’re always looking for new and better ways to clean, so we’re continually testing products and methods, and exploring newly proclaimed miracles (or cleaning myths). But we also love the old-fashioned, tried-and-true methods. Let’s bust some common cleaning myths and save you from wasted time, effort, and the heartbreak of ruined furniture.
Cleaning MYTH #1: Vinegar Cleans Everything
The truth: Vinegar is amazing for many things – streak-free glass, certainly, limescale removal, yep, bringing a shine back to your stainless steel, absolutely! It’s also great for deodorising. But it’s way too acidic for some surfaces, like natural stone, and can damage marble or granite over time. So, while Grandma was right about vinegar being a powerhouse, use it wisely! If you’re not sure, always test a small area first to avoid disaster.
Works great for: Windows, mirrors, limescale, removing burned-on residue from pans, and deodorising.
Avoid on: Natural stone, waxed wood, and anything you don’t want to smell like pickles.
Cleaning MYTH #2: More Soap = A Cleaner Surface
The truth: If you’ve ever felt like your floor or benchtop never stops feeling sticky after cleaning, this might be why. Using too much soap can a residue that actually attracts dirt, meaning you’re working harder for less clean.
The right way: A little soap goes a long way! Rinse properly, and when in doubt, use the less-is-more approach. Plus, always arm yourself with a copious amount of microfibre cloths for drying and polishing, which also helps to remove any soapy residue.
Cleaning MYTH #3: Bleach is King
The truth: Bleach disinfects, but it doesn’t actually clean. It kills germs, yes, but it won’t remove grease, grime, or dirt—it just bleaches it so you can’t see it anymore. Sneaky! Plus, if you try using bleach to remove mould, not only are you simply masking the problem, but it will cause the mould to release more mycotoxins. Because it only bleaches away the surface colour allowing mould to continue growing underneath, and as it is mostly water, bleaching can encourage your mould to grow back even stronger.
Instead, bring back our old friend, white vinegar, which kills 80% of mould species and penetrates deeper than bleach. Alternatively, Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) helps to break down the mould without the toxic fumes, or baking soda with a little water makes a great scrub and helps prevent re-growth.
The right way: Clean first, disinfect second. Use proper cleaning solutions to remove dirt, then bring in the bleach (if needed) for sanitising.
Avoid on: Mould and porous surfaces, like wood, drywall or grout.
Cleaning MYTH #4: Newspapers Are the Best for Cleaning Windows
The truth: Once upon a time, newspapers were made with thick, non-smudging ink, making them great for streak-free glass. Today’s papers? Not so much. The ink can run, and the paper isn’t as absorbent. Kitchen towels can be a good substitute, but many leave small fibres on the glass, which is not the look you’re going for.
The right way: A microfiber cloth and a vinegar-water mix will get you the same streak-free shine—without the inky fingers. Again, dry and polish with a clean microfibre cloth to eliminate any stubborn streaks.
Cleaning MYTH #5: Hairspray Removes Ink Stains
The truth: This used to work back when hairsprays were packed with alcohol. But these days, most formulas contain conditioning and sculpting agents that will leave behind a sticky mess.
The right way: Rubbing alcohol is your best bet for ink stains – but ignore the implied instruction in the name, and blot, don’t rub! Soak the stain a little first then keep blotting to lift the ink. Rubbing will just leave you with a bigger stain.
Cleaning MYTH #6: Dusting with a Dry Cloth is the Best Way to Remove Dust
The truth: By now you’ll know we’re big fans of dry microfibre cloths here at SOAP, but not for dusting. Swiping a dry cloth across a surface might look like it’s picking up dust, but in reality, it’s just moving it around—or worse, sending it flying into the air to settle elsewhere.
The right way: Use a damp microfiber cloth or a proper duster that traps dust instead of just redistributing it, which will also help reduce allergens in your home! Then, by all means follow up with the dry cloth to polish to a sparkling shine.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Myths
The internet is full of cleaning tips, but not all of them hold up under scrutiny. At SOAP Professional Cleaning, we’re often testing new ideas to build our armoury of hacks, but for the most part, we stick to what we know works – classic, time-tested methods with natural, effective solutions that leave your home truly clean (not just visibly clean).
If you’re tired of cleaning experiments that keep going wrong, why not let us handle the job.? No myths, no mess – just good, honest cleaning the way it’s meant to be.
Need professional cleaning that actually works? Give us a call!