9 Major Myths About Cleaning You Didn't Know

Myth #1: Hair gel can be used as an anti-static for curtains

The main problem is this: hair gel is very sticky (that's why it holds your hairstyle well), so when you spray it on your curtains, it will make the fabric sticky, hard, and brittle. And in addition to that, practice shows that it simply doesn't work because it's very different in composition from regular anti-static.

Myth #2: Soft furniture should be cleaned with a damp cloth

Damp cloths are soaked in a special solution, which is great to use during laundry drying to give your clothes a neater appearance. But if you wipe the chair with such a cloth, all of the solution will end up on the upholstery. This way you won't remove dust and fur, but instead risk leaving a stain. You can only safely use a cloth that has already been used before, for dusting with it.

Myth #3: Bleach should be stored in a glass jar

It's unlikely that anyone enjoys bulky bleach bottles, so many people store this product in decorative containers to make the bathroom more cozy. At first glance – perfect, but in reality, bleach is a powerful chemical solution: over time, the glass jar might not hold up and crack. Generally, it's better to store any chemical substance in its original packaging where all necessary safety measures have been taken.

Myth #4: Stains on wood can be removed with vinegar and olive oil

What to do if you forgot to use coasters for hot dishes and now have round marks from plates and cups on a beautiful wooden surface? If you're looking for a quick fix, using a mixture of vinegar and oil is absolutely not an option. The reason is that vinegar is an acidic ingredient, so when you rub it into the wood, the polish designed for sealing and protecting the surface might get damaged. By the way, this rule also applies to washing wooden floors with vinegar.

Myth #5: Vinegar and olive oil can revive leather furniture

Once again, no acidic vinegar! Yes, white vinegar is indeed not a miracle solution for cleaning, so try to keep it away from leather furniture. This type of cleaning can cause damage to the soft material instead of refreshing and rejuvenating it.

Myth #6: Wooden furniture should be polished with olive oil and lemon juice

In fact, these products must never be used on wood. Olive oil will make the surface sticky and dust and dirt will accumulate on it. Therefore, it's better to use tested polishes.

Myth #7: Glasses in a dishwasher should be washed with rubber gloves on

It might seem logical that before placing fragile wine glasses in a dishwasher, you should put thin rubber gloves on them. Actually, they won't protect the glass from impacts. It could even happen in the opposite direction: if the rubber glove bursts during the wash cycle, the glasses may crack. It's best to place glasses only on special rack holders in such cases.

Myth #8: Wax paper protects clothes from fading

There is an opinion that to prevent color bleeding of colored laundry during drying, you should place wax paper between the items. But in reality, the waxed surface can melt and leave marks on your clothes. Especially if you store items in a warm place. The ideal way to avoid fading is to use parchment paper instead of waxed paper.

Myth #9: Furniture should be cleaned with freshly brewed tea

Water is not a good companion for wood. The same applies to wet tea bags. Besides, tea is quite a strong dye and can significantly affect the color of your furniture.