Cleaning Stuff Pros Don’t Like Using

While vinegar is often touted as a miracle cleaner, our experts say it’s actually pretty risky. The acidic solution can etch and damage delicate surfaces like stone, wood, and glass with protective coatings. So save the vinegar for things like descaling fixtures or disinfecting produce, but steer clear of using it on most household surfaces.

Those cheap steel wool pads may seem like a steal, but they can actually cause some serious damage. The coarse fibers can scratch up glass, stainless steel, porcelain, and more. Plus, the soap inside can even stain surfaces. If you do need to use steel wool, stick to the super fine #0000 grade, and be very careful where you use it.

Those all-in-one spray mop solutions may seem like a no-brainer, but our experts say they often just leave behind a sticky, cloudy film. Instead, do some research to find the right cleaner for your specific flooring type – whether that’s a pH-neutral soap for marble or just a good old-fashioned damp mop.

These chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix, but they’re actually pretty risky. They contain super corrosive stuff that can damage pipes and release toxic fumes. Instead, try using a basic drain snake – it’s cheaper, safer, and way more effective at actually clearing clogs.

Bleach may be a powerful disinfectant, but it’s also super harsh on your body. The strong fumes can really irritate your nose, throat, and eyes. Plus, you can’t even mix it with other cleaners without creating dangerous toxic gases. Instead, try gentler alternatives like peroxide or oxygen bleach.

Those dusting sprays may seem like a quick fix, but they can actually just create a waxy buildup on your surfaces over time. Plus, many contain sketchy ingredients you don’t want to be breathing in. Instead, our experts suggest ditching the sprays and using a good old-fashioned damp microfiber cloth to really trap and lift dust.

Ammonia is another super harsh chemical that experts avoid. The strong fumes can really irritate your body, and it can also damage certain surfaces. Definitely don’t mix it with other cleaners like vinegar or bleach – that creates even more dangerous gases. Stick to gentler alkaline substances instead.

Traditional oven cleaners are a no-go for our experts – the toxic fumes are just too much. Instead, they prefer to use steam cleaners or make a paste with baking soda and water to tackle tough oven grime. That way, you don’t have to worry about coating your oven in harsh chemicals before cooking your meals.

Those canned air fresheners may seem like a quick fix for funky smells, but our experts say they actually contain a lot of nasty synthetic ingredients that can irritate your lungs and eyes. Instead, try making your own all-natural spray or using an odor-absorbing solution to banish odors for good.

While multi-surface cleaners claim to do it all, our experts say they often just leave behind a sticky, shiny residue that ends up attracting more dust and grime. Instead, try mixing up your own simple solution with dish soap, water, and a few drops of essential oils. Or whip up a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste for a serious deep clean.

Gritty cleaners like Ajax and Comet are great for tackling super tough grime, but they can also leave tiny scratches that dull the finish on delicate surfaces like stainless steel or glass. So save these heavy-duty abrasives for things like rust stains or gunky grout, but avoid using them on anything that needs a pristine shine.