Spring has sprung, so it's time for good old-fashioned spring cleaning! But before you start scrubbing away, there are a few house-cleaning myths you need to know about. From common misconceptions about dusting to outdated advice about doing the laundry, here are 13 house-cleaning myths you need to stop believing.
MYTH! Dusting too often can damage your furniture. Frequent dusting can eliminate the top layer of protection on wood surfaces, making them more susceptible to scratches and other damages; instead of dusting every day, once a week should suffice.
MYTH! Using water to clean hardwood floors is a surefire way to ruin them. Water can cause hardwood floors to warp and discolour over time. Instead, opt for a hardwood floor cleaner or vinegar and water solution. Be sure to wring out the mop head thoroughly before mopping to avoid leaving water streaks behind.
MYTH! Disinfectant wipes may be convenient, but there are better ways to clean surfaces in your home. Disinfectant wipes can often do more harm than good by spreading bacteria instead of killing it. When cleaning surfaces in your home, opt for a solution of vinegar and water instead.
MYTH! Washing your clothes too often can shorten their lifespan. Laundry detergent and fabric softener can break down fibres in clothing, causing them to fade and wear out more quickly. If you're worried about your clothes smelling bad, try hanging them up to air out for a few hours instead of throwing them in the washing machine. They probably need to be washed if they still smell bad after that!
MYTH! Hot water is unnecessary for most laundry items and can cause damage. Hot water can shrink certain fabrics and cause colours to fade more quickly. When washing towels (and other items made from cotton or linen), stick to cold or lukewarm water instead.
MYTH! While bleach may seem the logical choice for removing stains and keeping your whites bright, it's one of the worst things you can use on your clothes! Bleach is incredibly harsh and can break down fibres in clothing, causing them to fall apart over time.
FACT! This one is true! You should wash your sheets once a week (or more if you have allergies or sensitivities). Not only will this help keep your sheets clean and stain-free, but it will also help prevent bugs like dust mites from residence in your bed.
MYTH! Vacuuming under your furniture may be a pain, but keeping your home free of dust and dirt is necessary. Dust bunnies have a way of accumulating in those hard-to-reach places, so make sure you vacuum under your furniture at least once a week.
There are a lot of myths out there about what does and doesn't work when it comes to house cleaning. If you want your home to be clean and clutter-free without damaging your belongings or doing extra work for yourself, avoid these common house cleaning mistakes. Now that you know what NOT to do when cleaning your home, check out our blog post on easy ways to motivate yourself to maintain a tidy home all year!
So, what's the verdict? Are you going to keep dusting your baseboards with a toothbrush? Probably not. At least, not after reading this article. Contact us at 08 9762 4572 for more information about house cleaning or help!