Everything gets dirty over time, and this is a fact of life that we all learn early on. Specifically, this applies to our very homes, where regular cleaning is necessary to keep our house spotless and prevent germs and bacteria from breeding.
Given how cleaning is not exactly all that complicated, many are satisfied with what they have learnt from others, typically their parents. As a result, plenty of falsehoods have spread over generations, ultimately causing inefficiencies or cleanliness issues to crop up over time. Let us uncover the truth behind five common cleaning misconceptions so that you can level up your knowledge and ensure the health and safety of your family members.
Misconception #1: Disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitising all refer to the same thing
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not entirely similar in either meaning or purpose. Cleaning is the first step in the process, and it entails removing dirt, germs, and any other impurities in or on an object or space. This is primarily done by using a simple cleaning solution such as soap and water, together with cleaning tools like a sponge or a cloth.
However, it is essential to note that cleaning does not necessarily kill all germs; it only reduces their numbers and minimises the possibility of spreading infections. An example of cleaning would be washing kitchen counters littered with crumbs and other food debris with a soapy washcloth after dinner preparation.
Sanitising an area typically involves using a product that is generally milder than the chemicals used for disinfecting to further reduce the number of germs and bacteria to a much safer level, according to public health standards. This process is particularly crucial in food preparation areas as the presence of fungi and germs can cause foodborne illnesses.
Disinfecting aggressively eliminates 100 per cent of germs using powerful chemicals that kills these organisms and prevent them from spreading. A disinfection procedure guarantees the surfaces are germ-free but does not necessarily remove visible dirt and debris. As such, they are more effective after basic cleaning is completed first.
Misconception #2: Bleach and vinegar are all-purpose cleaning solutions
Bleach is a disinfecting product, while vinegar is an acidic solution often used in cooking that also works wonders for cleaning purposes like unclogging drains and removing grease stains.
The former is effective in removing stains on a shirt or eliminate germs in dirty areas, such as trash cans, but they are ineffective at getting rid of tough patches of dirt. The latter is not a full-fledged cleaning solution, and its acidic properties will likely damage surfaces like hardwood and marble. As such, both products are only useful for specific situations, and they should not be treated as the all-purpose cleaning solutions some claim them to be.
Misconception #3: Frequent vacuuming can damage your carpet
Some believe that vacuuming too frequently can induce unwanted wear and tear on their carpets. In reality, hardly doing so will lead to the accumulation of dust and other abrasive particles, ultimately causing the carpet to break down.
In fact, frequent vacuuming of your carpet is the key to carpet longevity. Beyond the regular upkeep of your rug, it is best to have it maintained by professionals offering specialised services like carpet shampooing and deep extraction washing. Doing so can be a worthy investment, as it helps to guarantee the longevity of your carpet and ensure it remains spick and span.
Misconception #4: Feather dusters remove dust
Feather dusters do nothing more than to spread dust around and move it from one surface to another, making them counterproductive to cleaning. Moreover, the feather duster will retain the dust particles, which can potentially spread to other areas of the home if you use it to dust multiple rooms in your house. Instead, more effective alternatives like using a damp cloth or a microfiber duster to remove dust are recommended.
Misconception #5: Newspaper is effective at reducing streaks on the glass
While this might have been a viable option in the past, newspapers today no longer use the same ink and paper materials as they did before. Once dampened, the ink from modern newspapers may bleed onto the glass surface, causing more clean-up work. Thus, this cleaning hack is no longer feasible today.
Conclusion
Periodic cleaning is a must in any living space. However, simply doing it will not suffice. It needs to be thorough as well. By learning more about the best cleaning practices and uncovering the truth behind common misconceptions, like those we have shared, you can better clean your home and dramatically improve its overall cleanliness.
At APlus Clean Solutions, we provide commercial and general cleaning services in Singapore. Additionally, we offer custom home cleaning services tailored to the needs and preferences of our clients. Equipped with the proper training and equipment, our cleaners are guaranteed to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. So if you require the assistance of professional cleaners to clean your home regularly, do not hesitate to contact us at +65 8233 6300 to learn more.