Despite users branding them 'genius' and 'amazing', a cleaning expert has warned that five viral CleanTok tutorials could wreck havoc on your home and finances. Here's what to avoid
People are being warned over popular cleaning hacks that could leave you with a hefty bill.
Videos under the CleanTok hashtag on TikTok have astronomically spiked in recent months, amassing more than 75 billion views and millions of likes. Now, content creators are raking in thousands by peddling a whole range of cleaning tutorials - from pouring Coca-Cola down the loo to banish stains to cleaning your hob with grapefruit. And while some of these seemingly bizarre tricks are actually pretty effective, some could ruin your home, wreck your finances and even damage your health. So, experts have warned you should avoid these five viral hacks for good.
Too many products
It may look pretty to flood your toilet or sink with a slew of colourful cleaning products, but doing so risks releasing poisonous gases into the air. Not only can this cause health issues but it can also lead to hefty plumbing bills. Instead, stick to one product and follow the instructions carefully. If you're using potent cleaners like bleach, it is also worth wearing gloves and opening a window to allow proper ventilation.
Paint roller cleaners
Videos of users dipping paint rollers into a bucket of hot water and disinfectant before using the appliance to wash their walls have influenced thousands of TikTokers. People have branded the hack as 'genius' and a 'great idea' - but it could be doing more damage than good. All this actually does is 'rub chemicals into the walls' which could turn into a fire hazard if repeated. Stick to scrubbing walls with a cloth.
Bicarbonate of soda - a holy grail?
Bicarbonate of soda is often touted as one of the best natural cleaners you could use. The cheap baking item, is great for removing stains on carpets and deodorising nasty smells. Scrub it into your rug or add it to your dust bin to neutralise odours, but don't clean aluminium and wooden surfaces with it as it might cause irreversible discolouration. The gritty powder should also be avoided if you're cleaning materials such as glass and marble which can easily be scratched.
Vinegar
White vinegar is another cult favourite often advertised as the perfect panacea for your cleaning needs. Again, the acidic properties can be great for banishing stubborn limescale from your taps or shower heads but can damage window frames which may lead to expensive repairs. There's also the after-smell to consider, which can be extremely difficult to get rid of. If you still want to clean your bathroom with white vinegar, just be prepared for the smell.
Ironing the carpet
No, it's not because of creases - cleaning influencers are placing damp towels over a carpet dent and steaming them with an iron to get rid of unsightly bumps. This is a clear fire hazard that could easily go wrong. Just bear in mind the average carpet replacement costs.
Adapted from: Mirror
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