10 Grandma Cleaning Tricks You Should Stop Using and What to Try Instead

You’ve probably heard plenty of cleaning tips from grandma that seem simple and easy to try. While many of her tricks were handy in the past, not all of them are effective or safe for today’s homes and materials.

Knowing which cleaning habits to skip can save you time, effort, and sometimes damage. This article points out some common old-school cleaning methods that no longer make sense.

Using ammonia on wood floors

You might remember grandma using ammonia for just about everything, including wood floors. But with hardwood, ammonia isn’t your friend. It can strip the finish and damage the wood over time.

If you want to keep your floors looking good, it’s better to skip ammonia altogether. Instead, opt for gentle cleaners made specifically for wood. They clean well without ruining the surface.

Using harsh chemicals like ammonia might seem like a quick fix, but it can cause more harm than good in the long run. Keep your floors safe by choosing safer options.

Relying on gasoline for tough stains

Using gasoline to remove stains might sound like a quick fix, but it’s actually pretty risky. Gasoline is highly flammable and releasing its fumes indoors can be dangerous for your health.

There are safer stain removers available now that work just as well without the fire hazard. It’s better to skip gasoline and reach for products designed for the job to keep your home and yourself safe.

Washing clothes with too much bleach

Using bleach might seem like an easy way to get your clothes super white and stain-free. But pouring too much bleach can actually damage the fabric fibers over time. This makes your clothes wear out faster and lose their strength.

Always check the care label before adding bleach. Some fabrics like wool, silk, and spandex don’t react well to bleach and can get ruined. If you want to avoid damage, try using color-safe bleach instead. It’s gentler and still helps with stains and odors.

Using vinegar on natural stone surfaces

You might think vinegar is a go-to cleaner, but it’s actually harmful to natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, and limestone. The acidity in vinegar can etch and dull the stone, causing tiny pits and discoloration over time.

If you want to keep your stone looking fresh, stick to pH-neutral cleaners made specifically for these materials. It’s an easy swap that prevents damage and keeps your surfaces looking their best. Avoid vinegar, even diluted—it’s just not worth the risk.

Dusting with dry cloths that just spread dust

If you’re still dusting with a completely dry cloth, you might be doing more harm than good. Dry dusting can just push dust particles around instead of really picking them up.

This means dust ends up settling back on surfaces or even floating in the air, which isn’t great, especially if allergies bother you.

Instead, using a slightly damp cloth or a microfiber one designed for dust can trap dust better. Just be cautious—too much moisture on microfiber throws off its dust-grabbing power.

Overusing baking soda as a scrub on delicate fabrics

Baking soda might seem like a magic cleaner, but using it too much on delicate fabrics can backfire. Since it’s mildly abrasive, scrubbing with it can wear down fibers like silk or wool.

If you’re hoping to freshen up delicate clothes, it’s better to skip the heavy scrubbing. Instead, try gentler cleaning methods or stick to professional care for those pieces.

Overdoing it might cause damage or color fading, so treat delicate fabrics with extra care when using baking soda.

Cleaning windows only with newspaper

You might remember grandma wiping windows with old newspapers. It’s an affordable and eco-friendly idea that many still like.

But newspapers aren’t the best choice for cleaning large windows anymore. They can leave ink stains on your hands or even on window frames.

If you want to use newspapers, it’s better as a backup for small spots. For big windows, modern cleaning cloths and solutions work more efficiently and leave fewer streaks.

Ignoring microfiber cloths in favor of old rags

Using old rags instead of microfiber cloths can make your cleaning harder. Microfiber cloths pick up dust and dirt much better with less effort.

Sticking to old T-shirts or regular rags might save money now, but they don’t clean as effectively. Plus, microfiber cloths last longer if you wash them properly and won’t scratch surfaces.

If you want your home to sparkle without extra scrubbing, it’s worth upgrading to microfiber. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

Using harsh wax paper for surfaces

You might think wax paper is great for making surfaces shine, but it can actually be too abrasive for some finishes. Using it too often can wear down delicate wood or painted surfaces over time.

If you want to restore shine, there are gentler options like microfiber cloths or specially designed polishers. Saving wax paper for tasks like wrapping food or simple protection is a smarter move. Your surfaces will thank you for the extra care.

Relying solely on homemade citrus cleaners

Using citrus cleaners sounds great because they’re natural and smell fresh. But if you rely only on them, you might miss out on stronger cleaning power for tough grime or bacteria.

Citrus solutions work well for light cleaning and leaving a pleasant scent, but they aren’t always enough for deep cleaning or disinfecting. You’ll want to mix in other products or methods when dealing with stubborn messes.

So, don’t put all your trust in citrus peels alone. It’s better to combine them with other cleaning techniques for a truly clean home.

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