There are tons of cleaning tips online, but some of them might just be gimmicks and not actually effective!

Incorrect cleaning methods

1. Use a banana to polish leather shoes

While the potassium in bananas has some cleaning properties, it's unlikely that you can clean leather shoes with just banana peels; it might only have a waxing effect.

Alternative method: Use white vinegar and baking soda to clean leather shoes. First, dilute the white vinegar with 50% water, then wipe away the stains with a cloth.

2. Use cola to clean limescale in the toilet.

Many home remedies mention using cola as a cleaning agent. The method is simple: just pour a can of cola into the toilet, let it sit for an hour, and then flush as usual. However, using cola to clean the toilet is a complete waste of money, because soda is unsuitable for cleaning anything, let alone bacteria.

Alternative method: The only way to remove limescale is to use lemon juice and wait overnight or at least 8 hours. In addition, use a toilet brush frequently to help dissolve the limescale.

3. Disinfect the washing machine with mouthwash.

A rumor circulating online claims that pouring half a cup of mouthwash into an empty washing machine and running it normally will disinfect the machine. However, experts say that even if it works, half a cup of mouthwash is far too little, and even though mouthwash is edible, its cleaning effect is not as strong as people imagine.

Alternative methods: Use bleach to kill bacteria and mold, or white vinegar to dissolve soap buildup and hard mineral deposits.

4. Use paper towels to remove burnt grime from the pan.

Drying sheets are used in clothes dryers (placed inside with wet clothes) to reduce static electricity, increase softness, and add fragrance. However, drying sheets should not be used as a cleaner for pots and pans. Think about it: do you think products for cleaning clothes would be effective on tableware?

Alternative method: Sprinkle baking soda or dishwashing powder on the burnt stains, leave it overnight, and then wash it.

5. You can clean a sponge by heating it in the microwave.

It is claimed that heating a damp sponge in a microwave on high for two minutes can kill any bacteria hidden inside. While this may have some effect, it certainly cannot kill bacteria.

Alternative methods: Expose to sunlight or soak in medical alcohol; prepare several and change them weekly!

6. Use lemon and baking soda to remove stains from kitchen countertops.

This method involves rubbing the countertop with half a lemon dipped in baking soda, then wiping it clean with a damp sponge or cloth. However, it's reported that this only removes some small stains and doesn't work on most. It's worth noting, though, that it can increase the countertop's shine.

Alternative method: To keep the countertop clean, it's best to use dish soap to clean it; food-grade dish soap is the best choice!

▍Source: Internet