There are many mistakes and myths about cleaning that are passed down by housewives from generation to generation, and the popularity of video clips circulating extensively on TikTok and YouTube sites that focus on the basics of cleaning the house using traditional methods, in an effort to save money or reduce the use of chemicals, is increasing in popularity. However, these methods may not contribute. In the ideal cleaning of the house, it may cause serious damage, some of which affects public health. These are the most famous myths:

1. Clean the glass with newspaper

Newspapers were an effective way to clean mirrors and windows, but the type of paper used recently disintegrates faster and may leave the glass worse than before. Also, the ink from newspapers may prevent good cleaning and leave traces and annoying spots on the glass that are difficult to clean, and the ink often sticks to the tires. Wooden windows are difficult to remove.

From a health perspective, inks harm the health of the skin of the hands that come into contact with them during the cleaning process. Instead, experts advise using a cloth made of microfiber so as not to leave any threads on the glass, or using a rubber squeegee with a window cleaner solution consisting of a quarter cup of white vinegar. And half a teaspoon of Dish Soap for every two cups of water.

2. Hairspray removes ink stains

The idea behind using hairspray to remove ink stains is due to the alcohol that is used in its manufacture and works to remove stains. However, most modern hairsprays no longer rely on alcohol to a large extent because it dries and damages the hair. Hairspray also leaves a sticky residue that can cause new stains. .

3. Polishing silver with ketchup

Silver loses its luster when it reacts with sulfur compounds and oxides present in the air. Indeed, the acetic acid found in ketchup reacts with oxidized surfaces and removes the black layer that forms on top of the Silver. It is used as a cheaper alternative to commercial polishing products, but silver-plated pieces contain a thin layer of silver. It may be damaged by acid, and ketchup does not react with some types of silver, especially those with a purity of 92.5%, as in sterling silver.

The Daily Mail reported that those who tried ketchup to clean silver were disappointed and did not achieve satisfactory results. Some added that the ketchup left a pink color on the belongings. It is also not recommended to use ketchup at all if the silver is stuck to the cloth. Other inexpensive alternatives are to clean the silver. Silver aluminum foil and toothpaste.

4. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner

Distilled white vinegar is often recommended as an effective household cleaner. Vinegar contains about 5% acetic acid, making it a versatile cleaner, but this acidic agent may harm some surfaces and household items made of marble, granite, and rubber, as well as plaster or waxed wood.

5. Wash cast iron with dishwashing liquid

Many housewives avoid Washing pots with dish soap in order to preserve the oily layer that protects their non-stick properties. According to the Good Housekeeping website, Nicole Papantonio, director of the Kitchen Appliance Evaluation Laboratory of the Home Economics Institute in New York, advises that these pots should be washed immediately after the cooking process is finished. Use a washing brush and a few drops of dish soap, then dry it well over the fire, or clean it with coarse salt and simply wipe it with a paper towel or cloth after removing the salt.

6. The vacuum cleaner destroys carpets

Carpets are made to withstand vacuuming, and it is the best way to get a deeper clean, so you can vacuum as much as you want, as long as your carpet is not made of natural fibers like wool.

7. Washing dishes by hand is better than in a dishwasher

In addition to the convenience that dishwashers provide, they also contribute to water savings, as the most efficient washing machines now use only approximately two gallons to clean a large amount of dishes.

According to an American study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan 2020, avoiding pre-rinsing by placing dishes in the dishwasher and canceling the hot drying setting reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It was found that washing dishes using the common running tap method, which includes washing under a continuous stream of hot water, consumes energy. And more water than any other method, and the study recommended using the two-sink method, one for washing and the other for rinsing if a dishwasher is not available. According to estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency, washing dishes manually for a year using either method consumes about 230 hours, which is equivalent to a 10-day vacation. .

8. Wash cars with dishwashing liquid

It is common to see people using dish soap to wash cars, but this idea does more harm than good, as dish soap can remove the protective wax layer of the car’s body, making the car’s paint vulnerable to scratches and cracks. Instead, it is preferable to use a cleaning liquid designated for washing cars.

9. Clothes should always be washed in cold water

It is recommended to wash clothes with cold water, to preserve their colors and reduce shrinkage. Sustainability experts always recommend washing clothes with cold water, as it consumes about a tenth of the energy needed to wash with hot water, and according to the American Cleaning Institute, a single family can reduce 1,600 pounds of annual carbon dioxide emissions by The method of washing with cold water, however, there are some exceptions, such as washing some white clothes and any clothes worn by a sick person, which should be washed with hot water.

10. Use more detergent

Detergent in excess of the specified amount for the washing machine affects your washing machine, because the detergent foam makes it work harder, and rinsing the foam from the clothes becomes difficult and it sticks to the clothes, causing white spots on them.