Four Controversial Myths About Cleaning Debunked!

A new week is upon us, and many homes will be facing the wrath of a scrubbing brush, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, a broom, and many other cleaning agents and chemicals.

While we make mental notes of all the laundry and cleaning we have to do, here are a few myths and misconceptions about cleaning that you might find interesting.

1. Bleach cleans everything

Contrary to popular opinion, bleach does not clean everything! Everyone assumes that bleach is the ultimate cleaner, but this is wrong. Although bleach is useful for disinfecting and sterilizing, it is not sufficient enough to clean greasy surfaces. You need a good amount of soap and water for that.

PS: Be careful how you mix chemicals. Mixing bleach and toilet cleaners or ammonia causes the release of chlorine gas. This can be fatal if it comes in contact with your eyes or lungs.

2. Cleaning and disinfecting are the same

First of all, no, they are not the same thing.

Cleaning is the process of removing dirt and dust from surfaces while disinfecting kills germs on surfaces by dousing them in chemicals. You can use Dettol antiseptic liquid to clean surfaces around your home by simply diluting it with some water.

3. Your toilet is the dirtiest place in the household

Toilets are not even one of the top five dirtiest spots in a home.

Based on research, the top five dirtiest places in the household are dish sponges/dishcloths, bathroom light switches, refrigerator handles, kitchen sinks, and coffee maker reservoirs! So, you may want to pay special attention to these spots when you are cleaning this week.

4. You should wash your sheets every two weeks

Sweat, oil, and pieces of skin are sometimes trapped in your sheets when you sleep. So, while it seems easier to ‘re-lay’ the sheets each morning and sleep in them for the next two weeks, washing them each week will do your skin a lot of good.

Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of clean sheets?

Beyond cleaning our homes, it appears we need to ensure that our anti-COVID mode is back on. There have been conversations about the third wave of the COVID-19 virus and reported cases of Monkeypox. Please, wash your hands regularly with a good antiseptic soap like Dettol.