The 10 Biggest
Myths in Cleaning
…
True or False
Is it possible that some common cleaning tricks are myths?
Your cleaning cabinet is bursting at the seams? But does that have to be? Is not it possible to clean with well-known household funds just as effectively? There are many myths about it – but which of the tips really work? Does cola help against the clogged toilet and does water actually remove stains from the carpet? Cleanadviser sheds light on the dark and reveals the ten best-known household cleaning myths.
1. Ketchup for cleaning pots – RIGHT
The pot itself shines metallic, but the floor has been brown-black for ages? What actually helps against it: ketchup! Stainless steel pots are usually coated with a copper layer, which produces copper oxide during cooking. The ketchup, however, contains acetic acid, which attacks the copper oxide on the bottom of the pot. Just apply a thick layer of ketchup to the floor and leave for 30 minutes. Then just wipe off – and the coating is gone.
2. Coffee grounds as a natural drain cleaner – WRONG
It would be too nice, but coffee grounds is unfortunately no emery paper – even if he feels that way. It does not scrape the tube free of food scraps, rather, the broth mixes with the remains in the pipe and can grow into a real chunk, which can only be removed by screwing the pipe. But what helps? Put four teaspoons of soda in the sink, then a cup of vinegar. As soon as it bubbles and bubbles, rinse with hot (not boiling!) water and the tube is free again!
3. Lemon juice causes blasted microwaves to shine – TRUE
Experience has shown that the microwave is one of the places in the home that are most likely to be forgotten when cleaning … Cleaning could not be easier! Put a glass of water and lemon juice in the microwave at the highest level for five minutes. The lemon water evaporates and softens the dirt. Then only wipe with a damp cloth, the microwave is not only clean, but also smells so fresh – just like new!
4. Black tea helps with window cleaning – WRONG
Allegedly, the tannins in the black tea help to remove grease and dirt on windows. Sounds good! But let’s be honest: The tannins of a teabag do not help with coarse dirt – the decisive factor is the amount of water! Much more effective, however, is the following trick: mix a cap of spirit with water and off to the window! The alcohol allows the water to evaporate faster, so that limescale and nasty streaks have no chance. In addition, a thin film adheres to the glass, which makes it difficult to fog up the windows.
5. Toothpaste for clean silver jewelery and cutlery – RIGHT
You polish your fingers sore, but the gray veil on the silver cutlery or your chain remains resistant? The following remedy you’ll find in every home: toothpaste! Rub the silver with it (no gel!). Then dip the chain or cutlery in warm water. Together with the toothpaste, the oxidized silver particles dissolve and your silver shines like new!
6. Coke helps against clogged toilet – WRONG
Probably the most enticing myth – Coke helps with Mentos against a clogged toilet – is probably so popular because it seems so logical. Although this mixture actually creates the necessary high pressure to dissolve blockages – it can also get too large and damage the pipe. Not to mention the mess that can cause the foaming mixture in the bathroom. Much more helpful is to tilt hot (not boiling!) water from a meter high in the toilet bowl. In most cases, the energy of falling alone is sufficient to remove the blockage.
7. Sparkling water removes stains in the carpet – RIGHT
Quick action is the motto for stains in the carpet. Here, sparkling water helps, because the carbon dioxide dissolves dyes and tannins from the fibers (Caution: it does not work with fat or oil!). The more the water bubbles, the better the dirt particles can be removed from the carpet. Important: If you have drowned the stain in the sparkling water, you only need to suck it up with an absorbent cloth in a circular motion. Always dab in one direction, never rub!
8. Vinegar is an all-purpose weapon in the household – FALSE
Unfortunately, vinegar is a miracle weapon – especially when it comes to decalcifying equipment or getting surfaces hygienically clean. However, the budget can not do everything: Especially for natural rock surfaces such as granite and marble, but also for pipes or rubber seals, vinegar is unsuitable – yes even dangerous! The acid in vinegar can aggressively eat into the material and destroy the surface.
9. Removing adhesive residue with oil & salt – RIGHT
Stay away from chemical label solvents, this tip works wonders against stubborn sticking and sticking residues on doors! The fatty acids in the oil effectively dissolve the glue. Simply mix olive oil with a little salt in a bowl and then apply the mixture to the appropriate place with a rag. Rub something, the glue dissolves as if by magic. Then wipe the affected area with water and a little detergent.
10. Cleaning gloves are hygienic – WRONG
Almost ironic: We wear cleaning gloves to protect us from bacteria and germs. But would you have thought that the inside of the gloves can be quite worrying? Because the frizzy surface and the moisture on and in the glove provide the perfect habitat for bacteria. Instead of regularly buying new cleaning gloves, you can clean yourself. Place the rubber gadgets regularly for 10-15 minutes with two teaspoons of vinegar and a little detergent in hot water. Then allow to dry completely.