Let’s be honest; cleaning hacks can always be really fun if you find one that really works. But when repurposing other household products, it’s might be best to take the “better safe than sorry” approach.
There are several sources that claim that using coffee filters to clean off your screens is a simple DIY option and won’t scratch the surface, but why waste your precious cup ‘o Joe filters on your dusty TV screen when you could just as easily use a screen wiper cloth for it?
Does Hot Water Actually Sanitize Items?
Is it true that hot water can be used to sanitize items reliably? This cleaning hack does seem to hold water! The definition of “hot water” would mean that water needs to boil for it to properly sterilize and sanitize items, at least 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is almost double the heat that most people can handle when washing their hands. Even though you could sanitize items with hot water, it’s probably more efficient to incorporate a cleaning product into the process.
Do Dirtier Clothes Equal More Detergent?
Did you ever wonder why they made those cute little detergent pods? It's to help get the correct dosage when doing laundry because dirtier clothes don't mean you need more detergent.
Seeing as a high-efficiency washing machine uses less water, and having too much laundry can soak up all the water, meaning there won't be enough liquid to completely dissolve the detergent.
Does Vinegar & Baking Soda Actually Work?
Baking soda combined with vinegar makes for a great natural and easy DIY cleaning solution that has been around for quite some time. But does it actually work? The truth is that the reaction between vinegar and baking soda does give surfaces an immediate 'clean' look, but we will see we're just left with saltwater when we take a closer look.
The agitation of the fizzy reaction itself can better break up and carry dirt away, but there's not much long-lasting help. While this blend can be used for cleaning, but keep in mind that it's not the most effective for sterilizing and sanitizing.
Overcleaning Your Surfaces
Depending on how much you utilize your kitchen, and windows or doors nearby, and where you live, you might feel it necessary to wipe down your counters and cabinets daily from the dust. But, bear in mind that using strong cleaning products on your surfaces—especially wooden ones—can do more damage than you would expect.
Overcleaning can be an issue and can affect the ware and varnish of specific materials. It’s always important to understand how each surface needs to be maintained before starting a daily cleaning mode. Most surfaces just need a quick wipe with a damp cleaning cloth and a little bit of dish soap.