Overwhelmed by the countless detergents and cleaners on supermarket shelves? Choosing the right product for your kitchen or floor can feel like a challenge. This confusion often drives us to rely on old-school tips passed down from our grandmothers. The motto, “Grandma’s way is the best way,” still resonates with many.
Recently, however, social media and blogs have introduced a flood of natural cleaning hacks, from using ketchup to clean pots to relying on plants to eliminate dust. But how many of these tips are genuinely effective? In honor of UN World Environment Day, Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia puts ten popular natural cleaning tips to the test.
Coffee Grounds: A Sink Clog Miracle? – FALSE
Using coffee grounds to clear clogged sinks might sound practical, but it’s counterproductive. Coffee grounds don’t scrub away leftovers—they build up, creating larger blockages that can only be cleared by dismantling the pipes.
Try this instead: Pour four teaspoons of baking soda into the drain, follow with a cup of vinegar, and wait for the fizzing reaction. Rinse thoroughly with hot water, and your pipes will flow freely again!
Ketchup: The Pot Cleaner You Didn’t Know You Needed – TRUE
Got stubborn stains on the bottoms of your stainless steel pots? Ketchup can help! The acetic acid in ketchup reacts with copper oxide, making it easy to lift burnt stains.
How to use it: Cover the stained surface with a thick ketchup layer and leave it for 30 minutes. Wipe it clean and enjoy your pots’ renewed shine.
Houseplants: Dust Absorbers Extraordinaire – TRUE
Dust is everywhere, and it doesn’t take long to resettle after cleaning. But houseplants can help!
Certain plants, like ferns and orchids, act as natural dust catchers. Their leaves trap floating particles, which can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Plus, they purify the air and add a touch of life to your home.
Vinegar: A Cleaning Superstar? – PARTLY TRUE
Vinegar often gets praised as a miracle cleaner, but it’s not suitable for every surface.
Avoid using it on:
- Natural stone surfaces like granite or marble
- Pipes and rubber seals
The acid in vinegar can corrode or damage these materials, leaving them worse for wear.
Gloves: A Bacteria-Free Shield? – FALSE
Think gloves protect you from germs? Not entirely. The humid interior of gloves creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
What to do: After each use, soak your gloves in hot water mixed with two teaspoons of vinegar and a little detergent. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes, rinse, and air dry.
Sparkling Water: A Stain Savior – TRUE
For quick stain removal, sparkling water can come to the rescue.
How it works: Saturate the stain with sparkling water and gently blot (don’t rub!) with an absorbent cloth. The carbon dioxide helps lift color and tannins from the fabric. Note: It’s not effective for oil or grease stains.
Lemon Juice: The Exhaust Hood’s Best Friend – TRUE
Greasy exhaust ducts can be tricky to clean, but lemon juice simplifies the process.
How to clean it: Rub half a lemon across the surface to break down oils. For tougher stains, add a few drops of detergent to a cloth and wipe gently. Avoid abrasive sponges that could scratch the surface.
Oil: Goodbye, Sticky Residue – TRUE
Removing stubborn glue or sticker residue is easy with a mix of oil and salt.
Here’s how: Combine olive oil with a pinch of salt and rub the mixture onto the sticky surface with a cloth. Afterward, clean the area with a spritz of water and a kitchen-safe cleaning solution.
Coke: A Toilet Unclogger? – PARTIALLY TRUE
Using Coke to clear toilet clogs is a popular online hack, but it’s not the safest. The high pressure generated can damage pipes.
A safer alternative: Pour hot (not boiling) water from a height of one meter into the bowl. The pressure effectively dislodges blockages without risking pipe damage.
Toothpaste: Silver Jewelry’s Secret Weapon – TRUE
Is your silver jewelry losing its shine? Toothpaste is a great way to restore its luster.
How to use it: Apply non-gel toothpaste to the tarnished areas and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and your jewelry will sparkle again.
Final Thoughts
Natural cleaning hacks can be effective, but not every tip is foolproof. Before trying a new method, consider the material and potential risks. For reliable, professional cleaning, trust Antz Cleaning Services Malaysia to handle the job safely and efficiently.
Happy cleaning, and here’s to a greener, cleaner world!
For exceptional, reliable, and thorough cleaning services that cater to both residential and commercial needs, look no further than Antz Cleaning Service Malaysia. Whether you’re located in the Klang Valley or beyond, Antz ensures that every corner of your space is spotless and well-maintained. Visit us today at Cleaning Service Malaysia for more information on our services. If you’re specifically looking for professional cleaning solutions in Kuala Lumpur, explore our dedicated Cleaning Service KL page to discover how Antz can elevate your cleaning experience.
