8 Common Cleaning Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know

“Bleach kills everything.”

“If it smells nice, it must be clean.”

“The more soap, the better.”

Does this sound familiar?

We’ve all heard cleaning tips from parents, neighbors, or the internet. But not all of them are true. Some of them can waste your time or even damage your stuff.

In this article, we’re busting the most common cleaning myths so you can clean smarter, not harder. 

Are you ready? Let’s scrub the truth clean!

Myth 1: Bleach Cleans Everything

The truth is that bleach disinfects. It doesn’t clean dirt.

Bleach is excellent at killing germs and bacteria. 

But if your surface is dusty, greasy, or sticky, bleach won’t help much. 

You’ll need to clean with soap and water first, then use bleach to sanitize if needed.

Pro Tip: Always clean before you disinfect.

Myth 2: If It Smells Good, It’s Clean

Let’s get this straight… A fresh smell doesn’t mean a clean surface.

Air fresheners and scented cleaners may leave your room smelling great, but that doesn’t mean they remove dirt, grime, or germs. 

No, it doesn’t.

Real cleaning means scrubbing, wiping, and rinsing, not just spraying and sniffing.

Pro Tip: Focus on removing buildup, not just masking odors.

Myth 3: The More Cleaning Products, the Better

Seriously? 

Too many cleaning products can cause more mess.

Using too much soap or disinfectant can leave behind a sticky film. 

This film attracts dirt and can even damage surfaces. Plus, it’s harder to rinse off.

Pro Tip: Follow the instructions on the label. A little goes a long way.

Myth 4: Vinegar Cleans Everything

The truth is that vinegar is great, but not for every surface.

Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can be used on grease and remove mineral buildup. 

However, it is acidic, which can damage stone countertops, hardwood floors, and even some appliances.

Pro Tip: Ensure you use vinegar on glass, tiles, or chrome, but skip it on marble and granite.

Myth 5: Disinfectant Works Right Away

Most disinfectants need time to kill germs.

If you spray and wipe too fast, the disinfectant might not have time to work. 

Most products must sit on the surface for 3 to 10 minutes to kill bacteria and viruses.

Pro Tip: Read the label and give it time to do its job.

Myth 6: Newspaper Is Best for Cleaning Windows

Actually, it was, but not anymore.

In the past, the newspaper was a great trick for streak-free windows. 

Today, most newspapers use different inks that can smudge and leave marks.

Pro Tip: Use a microfiber cloth or coffee filter instead for shiny, clean windows.

Myth 7: You Don’t Need to Clean the Washing Machine

Did you know that your washing machine can get dirty?

Soap scum, dirt, and even mold can build up in your washer over time. 

That funky smell in your laundry? It could be your machine, not your clothes.

Pro Tip: Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or washing machine cleaner once a month.

Myth 8: Cleaning and Disinfecting Are the Same

They’re not!

Cleaning removes dirt and grime.

Disinfecting kills germs and bacteria.

You usually need to do both, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Pro Tip: Clean first and disinfect second for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Believing cleaning myths can waste time, money, and effort. But now that you know the truth, you’re ready to take on messes like a pro.

So next time someone says, “Just use more bleach!” or “This smells clean enough,” you’ll know better and clean better.

But in some cases, it might require professional cleaning services, and that’s when you’ll call us.

Contact us, and let’s get your place germ-free and sparkling.