Are your cleaning shelves cluttered with products you barely use? This eye-opening article reveals the truth behind 10 overrated cleaning products that aren’t worth your time or money. From unnecessary specialty sprays to gimmicky gadgets, many items promise spotless results but deliver little more than frustration and waste. Learn which products are truly essential and which ones you can confidently skip.
Cleaning a microwave is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be as cumbersome as it seems. When you do this chore well—and often—you can avoid odors and stuck-on food that may contaminate the food you heat up. Plus, your microwave works better (and it's safer!).
Cleaning leather furniture requires the right approach to maintain its beauty and longevity. Start by dusting the surface with a soft cloth or vacuuming with a brush attachment to remove debris. Use a mild soap or a leather cleaner with a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, avoiding excessive water that can damage the material. For stains, gently blot with a mixture of water and vinegar or a specialized leather stain remover. Always test any solution on a hidden area first. Condition the leather with a quality leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking. Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources to avoid fading. Regular maintenance ensures your leather furniture stays clean, soft, and in top condition for years.
As with any electronic item, televisions attract dust and are magnets for smudges and children's fingerprints. Luckily, learning how to clean a flat-screen TV is fairly straightforward, requiring little time and few materials. Whether you have an LCD or a plasma TV, all flat-screen TVs are made of thin, flexible materials and should be treated gently.
Are you over-cleaning without realizing it? While cleanliness is essential, some things don’t need as much scrubbing as you think. Washing your jeans too often can wear them out faster, while excessive dusting can spread more particles into the air. Over-sanitizing kitchen counters may strip away beneficial bacteria, and scrubbing wooden furniture frequently can damage the finish. Showering multiple times a day can dry out your skin, just like overwashing your hair can strip natural oils. Constantly washing your car can remove its protective wax coating, while cleaning your oven too often may lead to unnecessary wear on its components. Even disinfecting your smartphone daily with harsh chemicals can weaken its screen coating. Balance is key—clean enough to maintain hygiene but avoid excessive scrubbing that does more harm than good. Save time, effort, and your belongings with smarter cleaning habits!
A portable or countertop ice maker needs to be cleaned every three to six months to reduce scale buildup, bacteria, and other concerns that can cause your unit to malfunction. Moisture breeds issues such as mold, scale, and slime growth. These issues can cause a bad ice taste, slow or low ice production, poor ice quality (soft, cloudy, or incomplete cubes), or health concerns.1 You may need to repair or replace the unit if it isn't maintained correctly.
Cleaning painted walls is simple with the right approach. Start by dusting the walls with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and cobwebs. Mix warm water with a mild dish soap or white vinegar for a gentle cleaning solution. Dip a soft sponge in the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe the walls in circular motions. Focus on high-touch areas like light switches and door frames. For tougher stains, use a baking soda paste or a diluted solution of water and ammonia. Always test a small, hidden area first to avoid damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could strip the paint. Once clean, dry the walls with a soft cloth to prevent streaks. Regular maintenance helps keep painted walls fresh and prolongs their lifespan without needing frequent repainting.
If your home was built between 1950 and 1980, there's a good chance it features one, so it's important to know how to clean a popcorn ceiling without damaging it. A popcorn ceiling was a popular alternative to smooth, skim-coated plaster ceilings because it could be quickly and easily sprayed on, hides imperfections, and acts as a sound buffer. Love them or hate them, popcorn ceilings pose a cleaning challenge because of their proclivity to collect dust.
Keeping your home spotless is easy with Your Complete House Cleaning Checklist By Experts. This detailed guide covers every room, ensuring nothing is overlooked. From dusting furniture and wiping down surfaces to scrubbing bathrooms and disinfecting high-touch areas, it provides expert tips to maintain a pristine home. The checklist helps you stay organised, saving time and effort by breaking down tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines. It includes essential cleaning supplies, techniques to tackle stubborn stains, and eco-friendly alternatives for a healthier living space. Following a structured cleaning plan not only enhances your home’s appearance but also improves indoor air quality and hygiene. Simplify your cleaning routine and enjoy a fresher, tidier home with this expert-backed guide.
Politicians talk about "kitchen table issues" for a reason; even in the days when formal dining rooms were standard, many people used those spaces mostly for Sunday dinners and holidays, preferring to gather around the kitchen table instead for everyday breakfasts, coffee breaks, after-school homework, and cozy family dinners.
Keeping your light fixtures shining bright enhances the ambiance of your home and ensures efficient lighting. Start by dusting fixtures regularly with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup. For deeper cleaning, turn off the power and remove shades or covers, washing them with warm soapy water. Wipe down bulbs with a dry cloth to maintain brightness and replace any dim or flickering ones. Chandeliers and ceiling fans require extra care—use a ladder and a gentle cleaner to remove grime. In damp areas like bathrooms, watch for moisture buildup and clean fixtures frequently to prevent rust or mildew. Opt for LED bulbs for longevity and energy efficiency. Lastly, ensure outdoor fixtures are weatherproof and free from debris. Regular maintenance not only keeps your fixtures looking great but also extends their lifespan and improves the overall lighting quality in your home.
Knowing how to clean a shower curtain and liner is essential for keeping a germ-free bathroom. Whether you've thought about it much or not, shower curtains and liners can be a real pain to keep tidy. But it's imperative to clean them because they can harbor 60 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Follow these expert tips for cleaning your shower curtain and liner with or without a washing machine—plus, learn how to de-grime a shower door.
Cleaning Venetian blinds and window tracks can be a breeze with the right approach. Start by dusting the blinds with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dirt. For deeper cleaning, mix mild dish soap with warm water and wipe each slat using a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, use a vinegar-water solution or a dedicated blind cleaner. Don’t forget to dry them with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. Window tracks also collect dust and debris, so begin by vacuuming loose dirt using a crevice tool. Then, apply a baking soda and vinegar mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a small brush or an old toothbrush. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Regular maintenance keeps blinds and tracks looking fresh and prevents buildup, ensuring a cleaner and healthier home environment.
Though houseflies are generally harmless, their presence can lead to unpleasant smells and they're generally considered unsanitary to have around, especially in the kitchen where they're most likely to gather. Having flies in the house doesn't necessarily mean you have a dirty home, but preventing fly infestations often involves being more vigilant about spaces you may have overlooked. We've gathered some useful tips and information to help curb this issue in your home.
When preparing for a bond clean, cleaning your blinds and curtains is essential to ensure you get your full deposit back. Start by dusting your blinds with a microfiber cloth or duster to remove surface dust. For vertical or horizontal blinds, use a mixture of warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, and wipe each slat with a cloth. For fabric curtains, check the care label for cleaning instructions—some can be washed in the machine, while others may require dry cleaning. If machine washing is an option, use a gentle cycle with cold water. If they need to be dry cleaned, take them to a professional. After cleaning, ensure both blinds and curtains are thoroughly dry to avoid any mold or musty odors. A fresh and spotless window treatment will leave your rental property looking its best for your bond inspection.
While water and rubbing alcohol combined create an effective homemade cleaning agent, it’s not an all-purpose cleaner that can be used on any surface. Rubbing alcohol can be harsh on certain items and will even ruin them if used often.
Mixing cleaning products can be dangerous and lead to harmful chemical reactions. For instance, never combine bleach with ammonia, as this creates toxic chloramine vapors that can irritate your respiratory system. Similarly, bleach and vinegar can release chlorine gas, which can cause breathing problems and eye irritation. Mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar forms peracetic acid, which can damage your skin and respiratory system. It's also a no-go to mix rubbing alcohol with bleach, as it can create chloroform, a hazardous substance. Products like drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and acid-based cleaners should also be used separately to avoid harmful reactions. Always read labels, and if unsure, opt for using one cleaner at a time to ensure safety and effectiveness. Taking these precautions will protect your health while maintaining a clean, safe home.
Knowing how to clean area rugs can protect your investment and ensure they last. Area rugs can accumulate dirt, pet hair, and other grime, especially in high-traffic areas where people track in dirt on their shoes. Fortunately, regular rug cleaning can minimize the mess.
When it comes to bond cleaning, renters often overlook several key areas that are crucial to securing their bond refund. Commonly forgotten spots include ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air conditioning units, which accumulate dust and grime over time. Windows and window tracks, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, are often neglected as well. Many also miss cleaning behind and underneath large furniture, appliances, or cabinets. The kitchen is another spot where renters frequently fail to focus, especially on the oven, stove, and range hood filters, which require thorough attention. Additionally, bathroom grout and tiles may appear clean on the surface but often need extra scrubbing to remove stains and soap scum. By addressing these areas during bond cleaning, renters can ensure they leave the property in pristine condition, maximizing their chances of getting their full bond back.
A new year is filled with resolutions and promises that may or may not be kept. But with the big holiday season behind you, it's the perfect time to get a head start on a cleaner home.
