A clean house is a wonderful feeling – it feels hygienic, smells fresh, and uplifts your mood. However, the cleaning products available on shelves today are totally overwhelming, not to mention expensive. If you’ve ever stood in the cleaning aisle and wondered which products are actually worth the splurge, you’re not alone. While there are some must-haves, many cleaning experts feel that most of the lot are over-hyped and have much cheaper and simpler alternatives.
Ditch these 5 cleaning products that are over-hyped, and opt for these alternatives instead.
5 Cleaning products that are over-hyped
1. Carpet shampoo/cleaners
There are many carpet shampoos and cleaners on the market, many of which seem to cost an arm and a leg. Many cleaning experts have found that while they feel and smell like they’re doing a good job, carpet cleaners can sometimes leave behind residue, and if this isn’t removed, your carpet attracts more dirt and grime – ending up dirtier than when you started.
What to use instead
You can make your own carpet cleaner with products you no doubt have stocked in your cupboards. Simply mix together a couple drops of liquid dish detergent with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 2 cups warm water. Dip a sponge or microfibre cloth and wring out most of the excess. Use the damp sponge or microfibre cloth to wipe down carpets, or dab any stains. Leave to air dry before giving it a quick vacuum to suck up any loosened grime.
2. Disinfecting sprays
While they might have been convenient and necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic, disinfectant sprays are usually very pricey and don’t last as long. And yes, disinfecting parts of your home after cleaning is important, you can use products you have in stock that do a better job for half the price.
What to use instead
Make your own disinfecting sprays with either of the following (please do not mix any of these together):
- Hydrogen peroxide: use a 3% hydrogen peroxide as is for an all-rounder disinfectant
- Isopropyl alcohol: Also known as rubbing alcohol, a 70% strength bottle is much cheaper and works wonders for killing many pathogens (like Covid-19, E.coli, Salmonella, and other fungi)
- Bleach and water: Check the label for diluting directions and specific use. While this is a cheap option, the solution is only good for a day and needs to be made fresh every time you need to disinfect.
3. Paper towels
While they make for a versatile product to have handy in your kitchen, paper towels are a one-use product. And that means waste: waste in your bin and a constant amount of money spent with no value-back guarantee. Sure they help in a jiffy when the dog made a mess on your kitchen floor or the kids spilled their juice in the dining room, but paper towels feel like an over-hyped product when there are many alternatives that do the job better, and cost less.
What to use instead
Microfibre cloths are the answer. They come in packs, mop up more than a paper towel can, are also versatile, and, most notably, are machine washable – making them a prized product to have for cleaning tasks that don’t break the bank.
4. Foaming bathroom cleaners
While scrubbing bubbles do work well for getting rid of grime and soap scum, they can be quite pricey. Not to mention the chemicals used are harsh and can produce irritating fumes – that triggers many people’s sinuses or asthma, and when used in large amounts and frequently, can pose as a health risk.
What to use instead
Opt to make your own bathroom cleaner that contains less harsh chemicals, produces a less toxic fume, and, of course, works just as well for less money. Simply mix one part distilled white vinegar and one part liquid dish detergent into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto the desired surface, leave for a few minutes and wipe off. Repeat and scrub the surface with a sponge if it is heavily soiled.
5. Bleach
While everyone I know has a bottle of thin or thick bleach in their cupboard (or propped next to the loo), bleach is not an all-purpose cleaner, or a necessary disinfectant. While it works very well to clean rags and kitchen wash cloths, bleach is not a necessary cleaning product to stock. The only cleaning product that disinfects your toilet bowl or bath is not only bleach – in fact, many cleaning experts feel that it does more harm than good. Many experts come across the belief that bleach is an all-prupose cleaner (which it is not) and the only worthwhile disinfectant to use in the kitchen and bathroom (which it isn’t). In fact, the rate at which your clothes, carpets and other household furniture pieces become stained or bleached by accident, is higher than the rate it disinfects. Not to mention that mixing it incorrectly can be life-threatening.
What to use instead
Cut down on harsh chemicals, fumes and costs of bleach, and use a hydrogen peroxide or vinegar-based solutionm instead. They’re jsut as affective for daily disinfecting tasks and save your sinuses and lungs from unwanted bleach fumes. Keep that bottle of bleach for more intense cleaning tasks.
