Eight items you ought to avoid using dishwashing soap on:
Dish soap, a popular household cleaning agent, is often considered the go-to solution for various cleaning tasks. However, it's essential to know its limits to avoid causing more harm than good. We spoke to cleaning experts to uncover which surfaces are not dish-soap friendly and what alternatives to use.
Delah Gomasi, CEO of Maid for You, warns against using dish soap on hardwood floors. "The mild nature of dish soap can strip the delicate finish of hardwood floors over time, leading to dullness and potential warping," she emphasizes. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner or a simple water and vinegar mixture for a more than sufficient clean.
Nishant Prasad, co-founder of Clean Fanatics, shares the same concerns about dish soap's impact on leather. "Since leather is a natural material with naturally occurring oils, using dish soap can strip these oils away, causing stiffening and cracking," he explains. A leather-specific cleaner is the best solution to preserve the life and appearance of your leather items.
For those with granite or marble countertops, Prasad advises against using dish soap due to its inherent residue buildup. Forest Weber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning, notes that maintaining a residue-free countertop is essential not only to preserve their shine but also to prevent stains and weakening. Therefore, a stone-safe cleaner is a better choice when it comes to maintaining your stone countertops.
Another potential issue with dish soap is its impact on electronic devices. From smudged TVs to tablets and phones, Prasad warns against using dish soap due to the delicate coatings on their screens. These coatings can be ruined, leading to streaking and permanent cloudiness. A microfiber cloth with a screen-safe cleaner is the smart choice for maintaining the appearance and functionality of your devices.
Cast-iron pans called for special attention due to their seasoned finish. Gomasi warns that using dish soap on cast iron can strip the coating off, damaging the pan permanently. She suggests boiling some water in the pan, gently scraping off debris, and scrubbing it with some rock salt for a proper cleaning.
Coffee machines are another potential victim of dish soap. Prasad advises against using it to descale your coffee machine, as it may result in a sudsy mess and affect the taste of your coffee. Vinegar is a recommended alternative, as it effectively descales without leaving behind any unwanted residue.
When it comes to glass surfaces, such as windows, mirrors, shower doors, and the like, dish soap is not always the best choice. Gomasi points out that dish soap-based cleaning solutions do not provide a clear, streak-free finish, leading to a film-like residue. If commercial cleaners aren't your thing, mixing one part vinegar with one part water and using a microfiber cloth can provide a more sufficient alternative.
Lastly, washers and dishwashers should remain dish soap-free. Using dish soap in these appliances can lead to buildup, causing mechanical issues and affecting performance. Regular laundry and dishwasher detergent are the better choices for maintaining the lifespan and efficiency of your household appliances.
In conclusion, dish soap is a versatile household cleaner, but its benefits should be balanced against its limitations to avoid causing damage. Hardwood floors, leather, granite/marble countertops, electronic devices, cast-iron pans, coffee machines, and glass surfaces are examples of surfaces where dish soap should not be the primary cleaning agent.
Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in home organization and cleaning, stresses the importance of understanding a cleaning product's limits. She warns against using dish soap on delicate surfaces like fine china, as it can leave a film and potentially damage the finish. Instead, she suggests using a mild dishwashing liquid specifically designed for delicate items.
In her book, 'Living Well With Martha Stewart: Lessons in Grace, Style, and Courage,' she discusses the susceptibility of certain materials to harsh cleaning agents and the importance of using the right tools for the job. She emphasizes that proper cleaning is not just about getting rid of dirt, but also preserving the longevity and beauty of our belongings.
Jason bee46140de27502710bbcb12d1436353, a consumer advocate, agrees with Martha Stewart's sentiment. He advises against using dish soap on certain fabrics, as it can lead to shrinkage or discoloration. He suggests using a color-safe detergent or a gentle hand wash for delicate fabrics to maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.
Martha Stewart's cleaning advice extends beyond just using the right cleaning supplies. In her book 'Entertaining: More Than 200 Simple, Elegant Recipes for Every Occasion,' she shares tips on how to organize your cleaning supplies for easy access and how to create a cleaning schedule to keep your home clean and tidy. She believes that a clean and organized home is key to living a more productive and stress-free life.
