When it comes to cleaning, there are a number of suggestions on how to do so. We usually follow what makes sense to us and what works with our preferences. However, there are widely held ideas about cleaning that we have been conditioned to believe but have proven false. Perhaps you have fallen victim to some of these.
Myth 1: Cleaning Products Work Immediately
Especially when in a hurry, how much we would like this to be true. In reality, though, cleaning solutions need time to sit on surfaces before they are wiped off.
Always check your solutions label instructions for recommended use. In general, a solution should sit for 2 or 3 minutes before being wiped off. A disinfectant needs 10 minutes to kill 99.9% of the bacteria effectively.
Myth 2: Bleach Cleans Everything
We associate bleach with cleanliness because of its strong smell. However, bleach is not a cleaner. It doesn’t remove dirt from surfaces.
Bleach is a disinfectant. It kills germs, mold, and mildew. Bleach is also great for removing tough stains from clothing. Keep in mind, though, that while bleach can remove tough stains from clothing, using bleach to clean stubborn bathroom stains will not rid the stain, but it will set it instead.
Myth 3: The More You Use, the Better it Cleans
Common sense may tell us that the dirtier it is, the more product we should use. Surprisingly, it is the opposite. Whether you are washing a load of clothes or cleaning a surface, using more is not the answer.
Using excessive detergent leaves a sticky residue on your clothing. The extra suds do not allow the dirt and solvent to wash away like it normally should, causing bacteria to be trapped due to the excess suds on clothing mixed with the dirt, oil, sweat, etc., from your clothing.
Also, using more cleaning products on surfaces than needed will more likely leave residue behind, which will require you to clean longer than necessary. Therefore, do yourself a favor and don’t waste money by using more.
Myth 4: Hand-washing is Better Than Using a Dishwasher
Using a dishwasher can save you more than 230 hours of personal time over the course of a year
Some are concerned that dishwashers use a large amount of water. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website, using an Energy Star dishwasher saves more than 7,000 gallons of water each year!
Dishwashers have another benefit. They heat water temperatures to 140 degrees, which is excellent for disinfecting compared to hand washing.
Myth 5: Too Much Vacuuming Can Wear Your Carpet Out
If you are worried that frequently vacuuming your carpet will wear it out, stop worrying. Not vacuuming your carpet allows dust, dirt, and grime to settle deep in the carpet, which will ruin the fibers. The longer you neglect vacuuming your carpet, the more trapped the dirt and debris become.
On the contrary, frequent vacuuming will keep your carpet clean and will prolong its life.
Myth 6: Antibacterial Soap is More Effective Than Regular Soap
According to the FDA, there is no scientific evidence that antibacterial soap kills more germs than plain soap. Washing your hands with soap and water is as effective in getting rid of bacteria and germs. Just remember to wash for at least 20 seconds and rinse well.
Conclusion
Now that the above myths have been debunked, work at improving the way you clean. Follow cleaning guidelines that make sense and have been proven to work.
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