7 Cleaning Myths We Need to Retire—and What to Do Instead

We only have 24 hours in a day, and most of us want a consistently clean and tidy home. But that’s not always possible if you’re wasting time with inefficient cleaning routines. Whether you’re using the wrong cleaning products or trying unproductive methods, you could be wasting your own time by following bad cleaning advice. Here are 8 cleaning myths that are costing you precious time—and what to do instead.

Chemical Cleaners Get the Job Done Faster

Many people think that cleaning products with strong chemicals are more effective than natural ones. But that isn’t necessarily true, and inhaling these chemicals while cleaning can be problematic. “Early versions of eco-friendly or green cleaning products were not as powerful as their old-school counterparts, but the innovation behind botanical cleaners has come a long way,” says Joy Mangano, cleaning expert and founder of Clean Boss. “When I was a young single mom cleaning my bathroom, I used to choose those traditional cleaners. I found myself wasting time because I constantly needed to take breaks as a result of breathing in the fumes. I still vividly remember the time I temporarily lost my sense of smell and had to walk outside for 10 minutes.”

So, try swapping out your traditional cleaners with natural cleaning products. You might be surprised at how much better the experience is overall. 

You Can Clean Everything With Bleach

Lots of people like to clean with bleach because it’s cheap and useful for a variety of surfaces, but the problem is that it isn’t good for cleaning dirt.

“We often hear ridiculous things such as bleach disinfects and cleans everything,” Mónica Taher, chief operating officer of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning. “Here’s the thing, bleach doesn’t have the power to remove dirt or grime.”

Not to mention, bleach can also be harmful to inhale and it can irritate the skin. So, save the bleach for your laundry room and for disinfecting surfaces, but skip it for everyday cleaning. 

Feather Dusters Are Best

“Hollywood taught us that feather dusters are great for removing dust,” Taher says. “They are not. In fact, they spread dust around instead of removing it.”

Instead, Taher suggests using a microfiber cloth for more effective dusting.

Vinegar Is the Best Way to Clean Fruits and Veggies

A lot of people think that vinegar is an ideal way to clean fruits and veggies before eating them, but there is a more efficient way of doing this. “Even organic versions of produce, like apples, avocados, peppers, cucumbers, and lemons are commonly covered in wax that traps bacteria, dirt, and pesticides onto your food,” explains Mangano. “You may be tempted to concoct a cumbersome home hack like vinegar and baking soda, but natural produce sprays are much quicker and don’t require mixing, measuring, or even rinsing.”

So, spray, wipe, and enjoy your snack or meal faster.  

“Sunday Resets” Are Superior

The #sundayreset trend on TikTok is definitely inspiring. After all, who doesn’t want to start the week with a clean slate? But Mangano tells me this isn’t an ideal way to maintain your home, and it can even make the weekend feel more stressful than necessary. “Focus on one room at a time, spread out across the week if necessary,” she says. “This will allow you to see visible progress, stay motivated, and save time on the weekends for hobbies, loved ones, and less overwhelming tasks.”

Cleaning Is the Job of One Person

Unless you live alone, you shouldn’t be the only one responsible for keeping things clean and tidy around your home. “The biggest time-wasting myth is feeling like one person needs to do it all. I can’t stand the idea that cleaning is something only women need to worry about,” she says. 

She advises getting your partner, roommate, or even kids involved—unless you can train your cat to use a toilet brush.

You Can Clean Without Organizing First

According to Taher, one of the most common cleaning time-wasters is cleaning without organizing first. “We need to declutter all surfaces,” she says. “That makes it easier to clean quickly.”

So, taking a few extra minutes to put things away, especially on kitchen and bathroom countertops can actually save time in the long run and helps you keep a tidier home.