Picking the right product from the cleaning aisle sounds easy, but if you’ve ever seen the offer, you know it’s easier said than done. With hundreds of shiny packages on display, all promising flawless results with next-to-no effort, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and reach for the item that looks the most promising. But separating what works from cleaning products that just burn a hole in your pocket takes careful deliberation and a bit of know-how.
As the leading name among maid services in Denver, we’re here to save the day with our professionalism and experience, and help you hold onto your hard-earned bucks and recognize the truth behind false promises. In today’s post, we look at the most overhyped cleaning products that don’t actually earn their keep and don’t deserve a place in your cleaning arsenal.
What cleaning products should you avoid?
Brands advertising their cleaning products are marketing-savvy and good at convincing homeowners to fork out for their latest all-purpose cleaning solution. In reality, you don’t need that many items to make sure that your home stays spick-and-span in most situations. Cutting back on gimmicky products can not only save you a lot of money but also reduce the negative environmental impact of toxic chemicals without sacrificing results.
1. Disinfecting wipes
While there is no denying they can be convenient, especially if you have a toddler or you’re traveling, it’s also hard to argue that people overuse them these days. Over-reliance on these wipes can leave a chemical residue and contribute to mountains of unnecessary waste. For daily cleanups, it’s always better to keep a reusable microfiber cloth close at hand. Save your disinfecting wipes to clean high-touch surfaces during the flu season or when you’re on the move and need a handy solution.
2. Specialty cleaners for every room
Kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner, tile cleaner—sound familiar? Yes, most of us have been led to believe that we need each of those when, in truth, they all use nearly identical ingredients. Most specialty cleaners are just clever marketing wrapped in different scents and alluring packaging. A proper homemade all-purpose cleaner, like a mixture of vinegar and lukewarm water, is equally as effective in tackling multiple rooms. Remember to avoid using vinegar solutions on stone surfaces to avoid eroding, discoloring, or damaging the finish.
3. Fabric refresher sprays
Advertised to eliminate unpleasant smells, most of these sprays just mask the odor with a synthetic fragrance. In addition to their dubious effectiveness, they are known to trigger allergies, irritate the respiratory system, and leave fabrics covered with residue that only attracts and traps more dust. Instead, just focus on laundering fabrics regularly, diffuse essential oils to overpower unpleasant odors, or use baking soda when you need to neutralize pungent smells.
4. Scented toilet bowl tabs
Drop-in toilet tablets are convenient, and in some cases, they even work, but their major downside is their abrasiveness and toxicity. They can corrode internal parts of your toilet tank or plumbing system. Another problem is that they usually just mask the buildup instead of preventing it. A weekly visit from your proven maid services is a much more effective and safer way to keep your toilet looking and smelling its best.
5. Disposable dusting sheets
Who doesn’t like the sight of a disposable duster impressively trapping particles and leaving behind a trail of cleanliness? But this is costly, both for your wallet and for the environment. A damp microfiber cloth or a washable dusting mitt works equally well at holding the dust, but it can last for years. Another perk of microfiber is that it attracts fine particles all on its own, so you don’t need to use chemicals or sprays to trap dirt.
6. Floor polish sprays
While these products deliver instant glossy flooring, they also leave behind abrasive and sticky residue that attracts more dirt over time. In addition, they can prove toxic for your kids or pets. It’s considered much safer and in some cases more effective to wet mop your floors every week using neutral-pH cleaner and hot water than to maintain the shine with ‘miracle’ shine boosters.
7. Toxic oven cleaners
Yes, cleaning the oven is one of the hardest house chores, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in a long while. There is no doubt that some commercial oven cleaners deliver quick and impressive results, but at what cost? Harsh fumes, skin irritation, and potential damage to your oven coating. If you want to avoid VOCs and keep your oven sparkling, just sprinkle baking soda, spray it with water, and let it sit overnight. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to scrub off the hardened grime the next day.
How can I get in touch with the best maid services in Denver, CO?
The cleaning industry thrives on convincing you that you need more products and heavy chemicals for better results—but that is rarely the case! All you ever need to make sure that your home is healthy and neat is to let professionals at Blue Spruce Maids apply their magic touch. Depending on the needs of your household, a weekly or bi-weekly appointment is all you need to enjoy a cozy and fresh home throughout the year.
From proven cleaning solutions for busy parents to taking care of the most dreaded house chores, we’re delivering safe solutions, experienced elbow grease, and the flexibility you need to stay on top of your changing cleaning needs. Just tell us where and when to come, and you’re free to make the most of your day at Denver Botanic Gardens while we deliver the shine. Contact us today!