A professional cleaner has advised homeowners to stop using bleach to remove stains and marks around the home. Krasi Delcheva, who works with Cleaners of London, said she never uses bleach, arguing that there is a product designed for every surface that does the job better.
Why bleach is best avoided
Delcheva highlighted several problems with the product. She said: "I never use bleach. There's a product designed for every surface that does the job better. One of my clients once dropped a bottle of bleach down the stairs. It ruined the whole runner. Over £2,500 of carpet gone in one splash."
She also cautioned against using bleach on sweat stains, noting that while it might seem an obvious remedy, it can react with the proteins in sweat and make the discolouration considerably worse.
Damage to surfaces and health
Bleach is an effective disinfectant, but experts caution against using it for stain removal because it poses respiratory hazards, can damage or corrode common household surfaces, and does not actually eliminate physical dirt. It is highly corrosive and can permanently damage items around the home, including rusting stainless steel, copper and aluminium.
It also deteriorates structural fibres and removes natural oils from materials such as wood and leather, and accidental spills can lead to unwanted complications.
Other cleaning tips to ignore
Delcheva also warned against some viral cleaning tricks. The WD-40 shower screen trick leaves behind a greasy residue and can turn bathtubs into a slip hazard, she explained. She advised that TVs, phones and computer screens require less cleaning than people assume, recommending a soft microfibre cloth, and a gentle screen-safe cleaner if the dirt is tougher.
She advised people not to trust every viral cleaning hack that appears online, as these tips can frequently cause more damage than benefit. It is essential to exercise caution and seek professional guidance if you are uncertain about the proper cleaning method for something.
