The internet has many videos on the best hacks for cleaning the kitchen quickly and easily. However, not all of them are useful. In fact, some have the opposite effect, and you may have to clean your kitchen all over again after trying them. From using bleach on counters to lining the fridge drawers with newspaper, here are some of the most popular kitchen cleaning hacks that do not work.
Using bleach to clean kitchen counters
People often forget how poisonous bleach can be to humans, animals, and the environment. The fumes emitted by it have specific organic compounds that can trigger health issues like COPD, chronic respiratory problems, headaches, allergic reactions, and asthma. So, instead of using bleach on the countertops, investing in a cleaner that contains three percent hydrogen peroxide should do the job.
Soaking knives in vinegar to remove rust
Contrary to what many online influencers suggest, vinegar is ineffective for removing rust from kitchen knives. An alternative that does work involves scrubbing the knives with sliced potatoes dipped in baking soda and then cleaning them with vegetable oil to prevent the development of rust in the future.
Using lemon wedges in the dishwasher
Lemon-based solutions will make your dishes smell fresh but are not very effective in removing stains. So, if your dishwashing detergent does not work, try another brand to get better results instead of using lemon wedges.
Using a dryer sheet to clean pots and pans
Using a dryer sheet to remove stuck-on food and stains from pots and pans is another misguided cleaning idea. This technique can have awful consequences, including food poisoning, because the chemicals in dryer sheets are appropriate for laundry, not pots and pans. The good old baking soda or salt-based cleaning solutions are more helpful for this purpose.
Laying newspaper in the fridge as an odor absorber
Unlike what many believe, lining the refrigerator’s drawers and compartments with newspaper does not help deodorize them. Instead, it can leave the food items and fruits in the fridge covered in ink and old paper. So, stay clear of this hack.