If there’s one thing we’ve learned since the rise of Google queries, it’s that there’s a lot of bad information floating around out there! This can lead to bad decisions that impact your health and quality of life.
We thought it would be helpful to debunk common myths about the deep cleaning Toronto homeowners might try, so you can avoid the hype and make smarter cleaning decisions for your home.
Myth: You don’t need any cleaner other than vinegar and baking soda to clean your home.
Actually, this isn’t such bad advice because vinegar and baking soda does make a good replacement for some cleaners. The key word here is some. Vinegar is also safe for use around kids and pets and has a certain bubbly cleaning effect that can assist in some situations.
However, the first part of this myth is that you have to use them together. This is not true because when cleaning certain surfaces like windows and mirrors, vinegar is a standalone cleaner.
At the same time, there are times when you must use vinegar with caution because it’s not suitable for porous surfaces like expensive stone countertops or sensitive hardwood floors.
Then there’s the baking soda. It is highly abrasive, which can come in handy, like when you’re tackling a wine stain on a formica kitchen counter. However, you can’t use it on delicate surfaces where the abrasive power will cause damage. In this case, gentle dish soap and water will serve you better.
Myth: Use mouthwash to clean your laundry washing machine.
We can’t even imagine what TikToker came up with this one. The first issue here is that most mouthwashes contain dyes that will stain your clothes. The ingredients in mouthwash will also corrode the rubber seals of front loaders and, frankly, can be a little sticky, too.
So, just no on this one. What you can use is baking soda if you want to go the DIY route, but honestly, when maintaining large, costly appliances, we say stick with the products made for the job!
Myth: It takes a rainbow of products to clean a toilet.
When we read this one, we literally cringed in fear. Cleaning products contain a mix of chemicals that are designed to work independently to tackle certain jobs. The thinking that by combining them all together like some kind of chemical experiment will create an ultra toilet scrubber is so dangerous it’s not even funny!
If you combine two products containing even small amounts of bleach and ammonia, which is highly likely since they’re both popular cleaning ingredients, it’s lights out.
This mix is lethal as it can produce toxic gases that can kill you, especially when used in poorly ventilated small spaces like a bathroom. Only use a toilet-specific cleaning product or sprinkle in some harmless baking soda to scrub the sides. This is not the time to be lazy and look for a quick fix.
Myth: Use a steam cleaner to remove pet urine.
Nope, this is not a deep-cleaning solution. The heat in the steam literally bakes in smell and stains into the carpet fibres. Cleaning urine requires quick thinking, using a clean white towel to blot up the excess, and then a rinse with cool water with a repeat until you remove it all.
The best way to combat the odour is to use an enzymatic stain and odour remover. This is the only thing capable of breaking down the stink factor of the uric acid.
Myth: Use lemon wedges to clean your dishwasher.
First, putting any solid form of food in your dishwasher is an issue because it will break down and possibly clog your filter. Even if water keeps flowing, small pieces of lemon can remain in the filter and rot, causing odours you’ll never track down.
Next, even if it didn’t lead to clogs, there just isn’t enough lemony power in a lemon wedge to deep clean dishwasher mineral buildup or kill odours.
If you want something natural, this is one of the scenarios where the one-two punch of vinegar and baking soda works. Place a bowl with one cup of vinegar on the top shelf, and sprinkle the bottom of the dishwasher with one cup of baking soda. Run an empty cycle to see real results.
Myth: Bleach it all.
It’s true that bleach kills bacteria and germs. However, it doesn’t clean grease or grime. In fact, it will erode many different surfaces, including most countertops, fabrics, and delicate floors.
Anything that is dyed should also never be cleaned with bleach. What you can use to see better results is dish detergent with hot water to tackle grease and grime.
Myth: Vinegar disinfects just like bleach.
Since we kind of gave bleach a bum rap above, we’re happy to help redeem it with this myth. Vinegar is no match for the viruses and foodborne bacteria that can make you sick.
Although it might kill some germs, your best bet is to use EPA-registered disinfectants like bleach and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to kill 99.9% of the things that can make you sick.
Myth: Cola cleans your toilet.
This does work; we’re not going to lie. However, there’s a problem: it works a little too well. If you do this all the time, you’ll actually damage the porcelain. Also, the dark food colouring can stain the toilet, and you really won’t do much to get rid of toilet bowl odours and germs.
While you can do this once in a while if you feel the stains need a good acidic clean, it’s best to stick with a toilet bowl cleaner that will kill germs, get rid of odours, and remove stains all in one go.
Myth: Use coffee grounds to clean your garbage disposal.
This is another one of those head-scratchers. This is actually the best way to cause clogs, not clean your garbage disposal. And we’re guessing you’re not looking for tips on clog causing!
Not only will coffee grinds cause clogs, but they’ll also dull your garbage disposal blades. Instead, it’s back to vinegar and baking powder, which is kind of making us feel like the first myth we busted shouldn’t have been busted at all!
Contact the Deep Cleaning Professionals in Toronto
So, there you have it. While we understand your desire to find quick deep cleaning hacks to make your cleaning easier, make sure you consider where the advice is coming from and whether you’re saving time or putting yourself or your home at risk.
If all of this seems too complicated or tiring, why not leave cleaning your home to the professionals? Maid4Condos offers routine cleaning services for homes and condos throughout Toronto, helping you keep your home clean and sparkling with no fuss or hassle!
Click here to learn more about Maid4Condos’ myth-free deep cleaning in Toronto. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.
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