Debunked: 8 Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Really Work

Everyone wants to make cleaning easier. Fortunately, there are tons of tools and products in today’s world that allow us not to scrub as hard as before. The internet is also exploding with tons of tips and hacks to make one of the most tiresome chores less of a hassle. Some are based on science, and some are based on logic, but not all of them work. Some are even downright dangerous. However, while these methods can simplify our routines, we must remain cautious and discerning. Many people find themselves facing unexpected challenges in projects, particularly when employing untested cleaning hacks that may damage surfaces or equipment. Therefore, it’s essential to research and choose proven solutions that genuinely enhance our cleaning experience without risking our safety or belongings.

Here are eight cleaning hacks that you should do better to stay away from. Sometimes, it’s just better to stick to the classic cleaning techniques. Even in cleaning, classics rarely go wrong.

Cleaning Hack #1: Coca Cola As Toilet Cleaner

Coca-cola, like most other carbonated sodas, has small amounts of citric and phosphoric acids. Science proves that these can slowly remove rust and some stains. But should you use it to clean your toilets? No.

Why it doesn’t work: Coca-cola may lift rust and stains, but it doesn’t have enough firepower to kill bacteria. It’ll only coat your toilet with a sticky residue that will not only attract creepy crawlies like cockroaches and ants but will also provide food for the bacteria. Simply put, you’ll merely be helping the bacteria to grow. Better stick with your trusty toilet cleaners.

Cleaning Hack #2: Hot Water Kills Germs

Don’t get us wrong. This tip is correct. But there is a specific, temperature needed for the hot water to kill germs effectively.

Why it doesn’t work: To effectively kill germs, hot water should be at a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Farenheight. Most water heaters at home only go up half of that though at 120 degrees Farenheight. If you do plan on disinfecting things with hot water, make sure to boil it. Better yet, simply use disinfectants like Lysol or chlorine bleach.

Cleaning Hack #3: Extra Detergent Means Cleaner Laundry

Logic would tell us that the more cleaning solution we add to whatever we’re cleaning must be better because there’s more stuff to kill all the germs. But when it comes to cleaning, that idea actually might make things worse.

Why it doesn’t work: Adding all that extra detergent makes it harder to wash off. It’ll only leave a sticky residue that will work as a dirt magnet. It’ll also turn the fabrics dull a lot quicker. Instead of dumping more detergent, choose the best quality cleaner, and follow directions and measurements properly. It might cost more than your usual detergent but trust us, it’ll save you more bucks in the long run, plus it’ll be better for your things.

Cleaning Hack #4: Microwaving Your Sponges Kills Bacteria

This has a scientific basis. High heat does kill bacteria, but not everything. Some may survive and repopulate the sponge and because they’ve built some kind of resistance, they might actually emerge stronger.

Why it doesn’t work: Most of the time, 40% of the bacteria will still be left on your sponge. To kill all the bacteria on your sponge, you’d need to put your sponge in the microwave for quite a long time. And this will actually set flame to the sponge. It would be better if you replace your sponge with microfiber cloths, disposable wipes, or cotton. And no, don’t put it in the microwave. Simply toss it in the washer and you’re good.

Cleaning Hack #5: Using Hairspray to Remove Ink

In the olden times, hairspray had plenty of uses other than just keeping the hair up. The reason for this is because it was almost 100% alcohol. But since that isn’t exactly healthy to use frequently, manufacturers have changed the formula.

Why it doesn’t work: Nowadays, hairsprays are still made with a little bit of alcohol, but they contain more oils, emollients, and conditioners to protect our hair. Because of that, they’re not as effective in combating ink anymore. Next time you have an ink situation, grab the isopropyl alcohol instead.

Cleaning Hack #6: Using Car Wax for Easy Cooktop Cleaning
We understand that grease and food spatter can be tough to scrub off your cooktops, especially if they’ve become a little crusty. But there’s no need to involve any car wax as some sites would suggest.

Why it doesn’t work: Wax can make a lot of things easier to wipe away, but it isn’t the best solution for an already greasy surface. It will only make it a lot messier and can even be the cause of a fire. Instead of that, take care to wipe away any food spatter or grease immediately and use a good product that gets that grease off properly.

Cleaning Hack #7: Adding Salt to Wash to Prevent Dye Bleeding

Dye bleeding is quite common for newer clothes. Unfortunately, there’s little we can do once we buy them from the store.

Why it doesn’t work: Stopping dye bleeding should be done while the fabric is still being manufactured, not after. It’s quite a good indicator of quality if your new clothes have little to no dye bleeding.

Cleaning Hack #8: Placing a Magic Eraser in Your Toilet Tank to Remove Stains

Those magic erasers are great at removing soap scum on your bathtubs and sinks. But putting them on your toilet tank would render them useless. They might even cause problems for your flushing mechanisms.

Why it doesn’t work: Magic erasers are made of melamine foam and they don’t dissolve. They also don’t have any dirt-lifting or bacteria-killing components. The only way they can be effective for removing soap scum is when you use them with some elbow work.