Why you should never try the “product overload” TikTok cleaning trend

It's not difficult to get involved in cleaning TikTok videos . Watching creative people tidy up is not only fascinating and relaxing, but also much more fun than cleaning up potential mess in your own four walls. Additionally, this dedicated page of TikTok (commonly known as Cleantok) is full of helpful cleaning tips and tricks that you can implement if you want to start cleaning.

But also remember that not everything you learn on the app is true. Case in point: The viral TikTok cleaning video currently circulating, dubbed "product overload." This is a good example of why you should do your own research before starting any cleaning hack.

We spoke with Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute , to learn more about the trend and why you should ignore it. In addition, it offers alternative methods to make your home shine in a much safer way .

What is TikTok's product overload trend?

If you haven't made it to your For Her page yet, you can probably already guess what this trend entails. As the name suggests, the supposed hack involves going beyond what is necessary and spraying plumbing fixtures (most commonly toilets, but also sinks and bathtubs) with a variety of different cleaning solutions. Sometimes entire bottles are poured down the drain one at a time to create a sort of artistic look before being cleaned and rinsed. Even if the visual representation of a particular TikTok proves unsatisfactory, ASMR sounds still attract users, and there are many of them. Currently, the hashtag #productoverload has more than 780 million views.

It's obvious that many of these product overload videos are created solely for the views and potential monetization that come with them, rather than the goal of bringing order. Still, it's important to understand why you should never try this.

Why is the tendency to overload products dangerous?

There are several reasons why you shouldn't try this trend, but the main one, as Ek explains, is that it's actually dangerous and can be harmful to your health. Aside from that, it can ruin your plumbing and cost you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in repair work. Read on to discover more reasons. Ek says this trend should never be followed.

1. It is harmful to health

Ek explains that combining cleaning products is never a good idea. Vapors from some combinations can cause respiratory irritation, breathing problems and make breathing difficult. Others can cause burns to the skin, eyes, throat, nose and lungs.

He adds that a good rule of thumb is to never mix cleaning products, as some chemicals release toxic gases when they interact with each other. For example, mixing bleach and ammonia results in the formation of chloramine gas, while bleach and vinegar produce chlorine gas, both of which are toxic to breathing. Even if you wear a mask and gloves, it's just not worth it. the risk.

2. It can destroy lamps and pipes.

While the biggest risk is causing harm to yourself or others in your home, the challenge of product overload can also wreak havoc on your fixtures and plumbing. You may need to replace a sink, toilet, or bathtub that has been irreversibly scratched by abrasive cleaners. You can also face a hefty plumbing bill if your pipes are clogged or corroded from excessive amounts of product.

Many cleaning products are designed for use with specific materials such as porcelain or stainless steel. Others are designed to be diluted so that they are strong enough to clean surfaces but not wear down the pipes. According to Ek, it's important to use one surface and one cleaner at a time. "Choose a product that is specifically designed for the product you are cleaning and follow the instructions on the cleaning product label to ensure the product is safe for the area you are cleaning," he says.

3. It's a waste (in more ways than one)

"More isn't always better," says Ek, "Things don't need to be cleaned, and that's a waste of product and money." Emptying an entire bottle of toilet cleaner in the name of #cleantok isn't just dangerous, it's downright stupid , if you think about it. Not only do chemicals waste products (and therefore a lot of money spent on purchasing them), but they can also clog sewage systems and their plastic packaging is likely to end up in landfills.

Safer alternatives to the product overload trend

For routine cleaning, it is perfectly fine to use commercial cleaning products as long as they are used as intended. Ek explains that major damage isn't always a one-time situation, and that's okay. "It may take more than one cleaning to remove stains and dirt that have built up over time," he says. If so, or if you're considering a DIY solution, the following ideas can help you achieve a more effective deep clean .

1. Thoroughly clean toilets

For light stains, drain as much water as possible from the container and then pour white vinegar directly over the ring line. Let it sit for a while (overnight if possible) and add baking soda before scrubbing and rinsing. Alternatively, you can use the same process to clean toilets but replace the vinegar with hydrogen peroxide. Remember: never use them together as they can cause an irritating acid reaction. For more stubborn stains, bleach can be effective if added to a container of water and then cleaned with a brush or pumice stone.

2. Thoroughly clean a bathtub

This is another place where bleach works wonders, especially since it's safe to use on most bathtub surfaces. Of course, always consult the manufacturer's recommendations beforehand. Dilute some with water and, wearing gloves, use a sponge or brush dipped in the solution to clean the entire surface. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse well. For soap scum or other stubborn stains, try one of the following methods and make sure it doesn't damage your tub type:

• Scrub with a paste of baking soda and dish soap.
• Scrub with a paste made from baking soda or cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide.
• Sprinkle with baking soda, drizzle with white vinegar and rub until a paste forms.
  

Allow the solution of your choice to sit for about half an hour before wiping and rinsing.

3. Thoroughly clean a sink

Whether it's the bathroom sink or the kitchen sink , these accessories get dirty every day. In between regular swipes, use the following techniques to keep them glowing:

• For stainless steel sinks, sprinkle baking soda on top before gently scrubbing with a sponge moistened with dish soap.
• For white or porcelain sinks, add baking soda followed by hydrogen peroxide and then clean with a sponge or brush. You can also remove rust stains from porcelain sinks by rubbing them with half a lemon and salt.
• Clean copper sinks with a sponge or soft cloth with warm water and dish soap.

When you are satisfied with the cleanliness, simply rinse the sink and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

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