Singapore
China
Debunking Common Cleaning Myths at Home
When it comes to home maintenance, cleaning myths often mislead homeowners into using harmful techniques or wasting time and money. Whether it's relying on vinegar for everything or scrubbing carpets aggressively, these misconceptions can damage your home and health.
Bleach Kills All Germs — Not Always
Many believe bleach is the ultimate disinfectant. While it’s powerful, the CDC confirms that bleach needs proper dilution and contact time to be effective (CDC, 2020). Relying solely on bleach ignores safer, more targeted options for surfaces like wood or fabric. In custom interiors, using bleach on materials like engineered wood can lead to discoloration or erosion.
Strong Tip: Always check manufacturer guidelines before using bleach on surfaces like countertops, cabinetry, and upholstered furniture.
More Detergent Means Cleaner Results
Excessive detergent leaves residue that traps dirt, especially on custom textiles or cabinetry finishes. A study by the American Cleaning Institute found that 42% of people use more product than necessary, leading to soap buildup and even appliance damage.
Strong Advice: Use the recommended amount—more is not better. For tailored cabinetry or built-in storage, less product ensures the longevity of surfaces.
Vinegar Cleans Everything — It Doesn’t
Vinegar is acidic and can erode surfaces like granite, marble, or hardwood. Custom kitchen countertops made from composite stone can also react poorly over time. While vinegar has some natural cleaning properties, the NSF International highlights that it isn’t certified as a disinfectant (NSF, 2019).
Strong Insight: Use pH-neutral cleaners for delicate or natural surfaces often used in full-home customizations.
Carpets Should Be Scrubbed to Remove Stains
Scrubbing pushes stains deeper into the fibers. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) advises blotting instead of scrubbing. This is critical in custom interiors where premium fabrics or rugs are used. Aggressive treatment shortens their lifespan.
Strong Reminder: Treat premium materials with care—dab stains, don’t scrub.
Air Fresheners Clean the Air
Air fresheners mask odors but don’t eliminate pollutants. Harvard research has shown that many air fresheners emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can accumulate indoors, especially in homes with extensive built-in features or enclosed cabinetry systems.
Strong Recommendation: Improve ventilation and use HEPA filters instead of relying on artificial fragrances.
Bringing It Home with mretty
At mretty, we believe a well-designed home deserves equally thoughtful care. Our full-home customization service uses sustainable, high-quality materials that benefit from proper maintenance—not myths. Trust in smart, safe cleaning practices to preserve the beauty and function of your personalized space.
About the Author
Isabella Greene is an interior designer with over 12 years of experience specializing in sustainable materials and custom home functionality. She writes regularly on home care best practices and material longevity.
