Many of us learned our cleaning habits growing up. For every cleaning tip that has served us well over the years, there’s another that’s all smoke-and-mirrors. Here are some of the most common cleaning myths and mistakes:
• Carpets: It is a myth that carpet cleaning does more harm than good. Some homeowners have
become so petrified of these dangers that they neglect any form of carpet cleaning. Most of
these dangers— mold, odors, shrinkage—arise from carpet that is left too wet for too long. If
you hire a reputable company or invest in solid carpet cleaning equipment, your carpet will be
fine and have better durability.
• Wood Cabinets and Furniture: It is a myth that consistently applying wood polish is the best
thing for maintaining wood. The interaction between the polish's chemical composition and the
wood can attract excess dust or even dull the finish. Consistent dusting may be enough to keep
your wood looking good. Otherwise, stick to the;manufacturer's recommendations.
• Tile Grout: The myth here is the degree of difficulty in cleaning tile grout. After removing as
much dirt as you can with water, you can use baking soda with a little bit of vinegar or a
pH-balanced cleaning solution to clean your grout . Still, many homeowners choose to hire a
pro, since the process is tedious and time-consuming — and homemade solutions won't come
close to the clean provided by professional, high-powered water vapor systems.
become so petrified of these dangers that they neglect any form of carpet cleaning. Most of
these dangers— mold, odors, shrinkage—arise from carpet that is left too wet for too long. If
you hire a reputable company or invest in solid carpet cleaning equipment, your carpet will be
fine and have better durability.
• Wood Cabinets and Furniture: It is a myth that consistently applying wood polish is the best
thing for maintaining wood. The interaction between the polish's chemical composition and the
wood can attract excess dust or even dull the finish. Consistent dusting may be enough to keep
your wood looking good. Otherwise, stick to the;manufacturer's recommendations.
• Tile Grout: The myth here is the degree of difficulty in cleaning tile grout. After removing as
much dirt as you can with water, you can use baking soda with a little bit of vinegar or a
pH-balanced cleaning solution to clean your grout . Still, many homeowners choose to hire a
pro, since the process is tedious and time-consuming — and homemade solutions won't come
close to the clean provided by professional, high-powered water vapor systems.
• Flooring, Countertops and Fixtures: It is a myth that bleach effectively cleans these surfaces.
You must first clean them, then disinfect them with bleach or a similar product. Without first
removing the dirt and food particles, germs can linger even after a bleach application.
You must first clean them, then disinfect them with bleach or a similar product. Without first
removing the dirt and food particles, germs can linger even after a bleach application.
• Gutter Cleaning: Contrary to popular belief, you can't just throw the leaves out of your gutter
and call it a day. Good gutter cleaning involves identifying leaks, checking seams and flushing
downspouts to prevent clogging. You must also thoroughly clean the channels and ensure that
gutters are draining properly.
and call it a day. Good gutter cleaning involves identifying leaks, checking seams and flushing
downspouts to prevent clogging. You must also thoroughly clean the channels and ensure that
gutters are draining properly.
Window Washing: It is a myth that using a squeegee will provide the same results as a
professional window washing service. Ever wash your windows and find them dirty by the time
summer rolls around? Many homeowners use paper towels, squeegees, or rags that cause
static to build up on window glass and attract new dust. Professional window washing uses a
specific methodology that most homeowners are either unable or unwilling to duplicate.
• Painting, Staining and Sealing: More so than myths, mistakes with these projects generally
involve bad habits or practices. The work may not be the most technically demanding, but
knowing which type of paint works best for your climate can save you dozens of labor hours
and extend the lifetime of the paint job. "A poor paint job can last as little 3 years before it needs
attention," says home improvement expert Matt Goering, "A good one can last for upwards
of 20."
• Professional vs. DIY Maintenance: Perhaps the most pervasive myth is that you're a wimp
if you don't do your own maintenance. People with hectic schedules can easily justify the costs
of hiring a handyman, especially if you can bundle your project list into one full day's work.
Professional maintenance also includes professional experience and expertise.
professional window washing service. Ever wash your windows and find them dirty by the time
summer rolls around? Many homeowners use paper towels, squeegees, or rags that cause
static to build up on window glass and attract new dust. Professional window washing uses a
specific methodology that most homeowners are either unable or unwilling to duplicate.
• Painting, Staining and Sealing: More so than myths, mistakes with these projects generally
involve bad habits or practices. The work may not be the most technically demanding, but
knowing which type of paint works best for your climate can save you dozens of labor hours
and extend the lifetime of the paint job. "A poor paint job can last as little 3 years before it needs
attention," says home improvement expert Matt Goering, "A good one can last for upwards
of 20."
• Professional vs. DIY Maintenance: Perhaps the most pervasive myth is that you're a wimp
if you don't do your own maintenance. People with hectic schedules can easily justify the costs
of hiring a handyman, especially if you can bundle your project list into one full day's work.
Professional maintenance also includes professional experience and expertise.
Not keeping priorities straight is the overarching mistake most homeowners make. Specifically, they often care more about things appearing clean than actually being clean. From reducing the risk of infection and other health hazards to increasing the life expectancy of your home furnishings, it’s easy to see why you should spend the time giving your home the deep cleaning it deserves.
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