Not all cleaning tips are created equal.
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Cleaning tipscome at us from everywhere: Grandma, our friends, and even social media.
But not all cleaning tips are created equal, and some can even damage yourfurnitureorflooring.

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We’re here to step in and clear up some common misconceptions about cleaning your home.
Before you pull out the duster and mop, save yourself some trouble and read these top cleaning myths.
This is true of many cleaning products as well.
Use just enough soap to clean a surface.
Then rinse the soap away or wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Most polishes leave behind a tacky residue that builds up over time and attracts dust.
Instead, spot clean wood floors with a damp mop.
When it’s time for a deeper clean, use a spray cleaner for wood floors.
For weekly dusting, use a lightly dampened microfiber cloth.
Butvinegar shouldn’t be usedon everything.
The acidity can damage wood, waxed surfaces, cast iron, and stone countertops.
Use soap or gentle cleaners designed for these surfaces instead.
Researchers have found many air fresheners also release pollutants inside the home.
If you want to eliminate an odor, you better find the source and remove it.
Regular cleaning and fresh air also go a long way to reducing odors.
But newspaper will leave inky smudges on your windows when it gets wet.
Use a squeegee and clean microfiber cloth forstreak-free shineinstead.
Chlorine bleach maylighten stainsand kill germs, but it won’t remove dirt.
Bleach is extremely harsh, can damage surfaces, and becomes dangerous whenmixed with other cleaners.
University of Massachusets Amherst Environmental Health & Safety.Air Fresheners and Indoor Air Quality.