If you've spent time online, you've likely encountered a variety of cleaning and decluttering hacks. While many are shared widely, how effective are they really?
Viral tips range from how to decide what to keep to methods that promise quicker cleaning. However, these hacks often lack professional endorsement. It's essential to assess if these strategies suit your home or if they might even cause damage.
We've compiled and ranked some of the most popular viral cleaning and decluttering hacks, consulting experts to determine their value.
Ranking Viral Cleaning and Decluttering Hacks: Worst to Best
Below, we rank various cleaning and decluttering hacks from least to most effective, based on insights from professional organizers and cleaners.
1. Using a Saucepan Lid for Couch Cleaning
One popular tip suggests using a saucepan lid to clean your couch. However, cleaning expert Will Cotter warns against this hack.
He explains that the method involves soaking a microfiber towel in diluted dishwasher detergent, wrapping it around a pot lid, and using it to scrub the sofa. While it seems effective, it can harm your upholstery.
@tanyahomeinspo ♬ Flip A Switch. (Sped Up) - RAYE
Dishwasher detergent can be too abrasive for many fabrics, leading to fading and dirt attraction. Moreover, the chemicals pose potential health risks if not rinsed properly.
For couch cleaning, Cotter suggests vacuuming first, then using an appropriate upholstery cleaner like Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner. Blot stains and rinse thoroughly before using.
Will Cotter is a cleaning expert and COO of FreshSpace Cleaning, operating in multiple cities including Jacksonville and Indianapolis.
2. Carpet Scraping
The carpet scraping hack involves using a metal scraper to lift dirt and hair from carpets, gaining popularity for its perceived effectiveness. But is it truly beneficial?
While it works temporarily, cleaning expert Jenna Arkin cautions against frequent use. It may damage carpet fibers over time.
@cleanupwithjo ♬ In the Night Garden Closing Theme - Andrew Davenport
Every use can pull out fibers, similar to overly aggressive hair brushing. Arkin suggests testing the method on a small area first and recommends professional steam cleaning for maintaining carpet longevity.
Jenna Arkin is a cleaning expert and chemist, innovating safer formulations for ECOS cleaning products.
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3. The 20/20 Rule for Decluttering
Another viral concept is the 20/20 rule: if an item costs less than $20 and you haven't used it recently, consider discarding it. But how do professionals view this?
Nicole Gabai, a certified organizer, disagrees, stating that this approach oversimplifies the decluttering process. It often overlooks the true usefulness of items.
@maizimmy ♬ original sound - Mai Zimmy - Cleantok & MomLife
Gabai advises evaluating each item based on its utility instead of its potential cost to replace, which can lead to unnecessary expenses over time.
Nicole Gabai, a certified organizing professional, authored The Art of Organizing and focuses on helping clients achieve better organization through virtual methods.
4. The 4-Basket Decluttering Method
The 4-basket method involves using four bins labeled 'keep', 'donate', 'sell', and 'trash' to streamline decluttering. It's a popular trick still frequently shared online.
While experts find this method helpful, Gabai points out it doesn't address the next step: organizing what you choose to keep.
@gillaleighhome.designs ♬ This Is How We Do It (Album Version) - Montell Jordan
After sorting, it's crucial to establish where items in the 'keep' box will ultimately go to avoid unnecessary extra work.
5. Dusting Walls with a Mop
Using a dry mop for dusting walls has gained popularity, with many influencers promoting this technique. It's a clever way to eliminate dust without damaging your walls.
Cotter endorses this method, noting that dry mops are easy to use and reach high places. However, he recommends waiting 30 days before using a mop on newly painted walls to prevent damaging their finish.
@novacleaners ♬ original sound - NovaCleaners
Regular cleanings every six months can help maintain wall appearance.
6. Cleaning Faucets with Vinegar
One of the most effective hacks involves using vinegar to clean faucets and showerheads. This method is straightforward: fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the fixture, and let it sit.
@tidywithspark ♬ original sound - Sandy
Vinegar's acidity helps dissolve limescale and mineral buildup, making it a natural cleaning powerhouse, according to Jenna Arkin.
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Keeping cleaning vinegar on hand can help tackle various household tasks sustainably.
Before trying any viral cleaning hack, it's wise to patch-test products on inconspicuous areas. Rushing may lead to damage; a careful approach often yields the best results.
