It takes sweat and tears to keep a home tidy, so it’s paramount to get everything done right. Now and then, however, you may end up pausing and pondering—are my methods truly as effective as I think? Or am I causing more harm than good? Clad in your gloves with a bottle of bleach in one hand, you may be doing things right. However, things aren’t always as they seem to be. 

In the age of social media, cleaning myths have slowly perpetuated across households, leading many to believe that they’re textbook rules. Targeted products further enhance these beliefs, along with traditional methods that simply don’t work as intended anymore. These little hacks and tips are passed on from a friend to another, leaving them resounding in the folds of society.

These trying times call for only the best practices, however, especially since microbes can quickly settle into your home. Learning is always a welcome opportunity, so we’ve come up with these top cleaning myths—all of which lead you to clean your home improperly. It’s time to stop believing in the following methods:

Myth #1: Disinfectant products work instantly 

Most people use disinfectant wipes because of their convenience, but a mere swipe is never enough to kill germs instantly. Many are led to believe this is so, but you’ll need to work a little harder to ensure that an item or surface has been completely cleaned and disinfected. 

You may have to swipe for several times, for instance, or perhaps leave it on for a few minutes. In most cases, however, it’s best to leave the surface saturated with the product for 4 minutes or longer—anything less can still place you and your family at risk.

Myth #2: Air fresheners clean and improve your home’s air

Air fresheners come with a reputation that precedes them—despite the name, however, they don’t work as well as you think they do. They’re made to cover up unpleasant smells around your home, quite like perfume. 

When it comes to eliminating pollutants, you’re better off with more natural products, such as an air-purifying plant. Opening the window also helps, as this allows the air to circulate better, ensuring that you have a fresh supply every single day. It’s best to simply use air fresheners whenever they’re needed—and not for purification purposes.

Myth #3: Bleach allows you to clean everything

The power of bleach is undeniable, particularly when it comes to pesky stains. Unfortunately, many believe that this means that bleach is powerful enough to eliminate everything, but it shouldn’t be used as an all-purpose cleaner. 

They’re not useful for grease build-up and can be much too strong for wood surfaces and other materials. Bleach also can’t work against dirt and grime, so it’s best to keep them in your laundry room and bathrooms. When it comes to cleaning your kitchen surfaces, enlist the help of baking soda.

Employing the Best Cleaning Practices 

Keeping your home clean and sanitary can be difficult, but never impossible. A consistent and regular cleaning routine reduces the risk of germ and virus build-up, but you’re better off employing the right practices. No matter how much time and effort you spend cleaning, nothing will come off correctly if you allow misconceptions to perpetuate. Make sure to keep these myths in mind!

If you’re on the hunt for the best cleaning products in Australia, Reliance Chemicals has you covered. We are the pioneers of the best cleaning detergents and chemicals in the country, ensuring that you’re fully equipped to clean and sanitize with the right tools. Order today!