Chances are you already have a cleaning routine with an arsenal of your favorite cleaning products.
But some of your favorites can do more harm than good. Sometimes using a product for a purpose it was not designed for has an immediate and visible impact. In other cases, the damage takes longer to be noticed, and because it happens so slowly, you may not even be able to relate the product to the problem.
We contact cleaning experts to identify the perpetrators wrecking your home so you can avoid costly mistakes.
1. Glass cleaner
A lot of people use glass more than glass for cleaning, and if you're one of them, ditch this blue bottle!
"Never use window cleaner on anything but glass," says Omer Reiner , licensed real estate agent and president of Florida Cash Home Buyers in Fort Lauderdale. "I've heard a lot of people say that glass cleaner is an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer . But the ammonia in glass cleaner can chip many surfaces, including paint. And electronic screens can be damaged by glass cleaners.
2. Soap and water
"Soap and water are generally pretty safe to use with any product, but actually using it on a natural stone tile will erase the seal on the tile and give it a shiny look," says Johnny Pallares , owner of From La Rosa House Cleaning, according to Phoenix. . "Instead, consider using a natural stone cleaner recommended by the manufacturer or contractor who installed the tile."
Soap and water can also damage hardwood floors.
"Water damages flooring and can deform it," warns Kevin Huang , home improvement expert and founder and CEO of Ambient Home, based in Columbus, OH. "The soap dulls its shine because it leaves a filmy residue. These residues also cause scratches when walked on and can make the floor slippery.
3. Magic eraser
Magic Eraser, if implemented correctly, can transform scratched walls and make them look like new. But when is it abused? Destruction.
"There are a number of surfaces you want to avoid using Magic Eraser on," says Jessica Samson , cleaning expert at Maids.com. "Magic erasers have the abrasiveness of up to 3000 grit sandpaper. When used on your car paint, they abrade your car paint. Another surface to avoid is natural stone surfaces. It can also scrape delicate surfaces like marble and granite, non-stick cookware, stainless steel and anything with a wood surface.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is a star in the wallet when it comes to cleaning. However, it is by no means suitable for all fabrics.
"Baking soda is a staple in my cleaning toolbox," says Lorraine Daisy Resuello , director of marketing for Connection CoPilot in Delaware. "It removes stains naturally and effectively and is very affordable. But misapplication does more harm than good. Baking soda has a higher pH than lemon: about 8.3 versus 3 for lemon. Effectively removes stains but can destroy silk, wool and cashmere often found in blankets, bedding and clothing.
Breathe recommends testing the fabrics to avoid the tears she suffered after destroying her red silk pillows.
"To be on the safe side, dilute the baking soda with plenty of water," she says.
5. Liquid unlocker
The drain cleaner removes grease, hair, sludge and more. But it can also destroy unwanted targets.
"Liquid drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can break down food, solidified grease, and other organic matter," says Sharon Dylan , co-founder and career counselor at Management Help in Austin, TX. "When my kitchen sink became clogged with food and oil, I bought a drain cleaner. I wanted to get rid of the cork quickly, so I dumped the whole bottle in the sink.
A few hours later he heard a rumbling noise. When he entered the kitchen, he saw that the pipes under the sink were cracked and broken.
"The instructions said to start by pouring half the contents down the sink," she says. "I learned the hard way that drain cleaner can dissolve pipes if you use too much."
6. The wrong suction head
Vacuum cleaners are useful for cleaning your home thanks to the variety of tools they contain. But using your crevice tool when you should be using your extension pole could mean the death of your floors.
"If you're cleaning hardwood floors and not using a vacuum head with a brush, you're leaving your hardwood floors vulnerable to deep scratches," says Adriana Aziz , operations manager at MaidForYou. "This is a common mistake we see in customer homes. They don't know what vacuum attachments to use, and some have damaged their hardwood floors beyond repair.
7. Oven cleaner
Oven cleaners can transform dirty, dingy ovens into gleaming gourmet temples. But the chemicals that remove grease and cooked foods can also wreak havoc inside the home.
"Oven cleaner is extremely corrosive and I've seen it destroy everything from kitchen floors to countertops," says Aziz. "One of my professional cleaners wiped down the oven racks with a protective blanket, then rinsed off the cleaner and placed the racks on the counter, only to return to a wrecked counter."
In the end, the meter had to be replaced. Aziz says he even saw a particularly strong cleaner damage the surface of the oven.
It's amazing how some of your favorite cleaning tools, even old-fashioned soap and water, can clean up some gross, dirty spaces while trashing others. Remember the cheat sheet above to avoid your own cleaning crises, and always read the label directions on cleaning tools and chemicals before using them.
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