Five Items You Ought Not to Wash with Dishwashing Soap
When you're on a cleaning spree, multi-purpose cleaning solutions are a game-changer, allowing you to maintain your cleaning momentum while saving both bucks and cabinet space. Dish soap is one of these versatile warriors that can handle a range of tasks. However, it's not suitable for every surface without causing further issues.
To make the most out of your cleaning marathon and safely clean your home like a pro, we've consulted Stephanie Phillips, a cleaning expert and the owner of a renowned cleaning service based in Nashville, TN. Let's dive into the surfaces you should steer clear of when tackling with dish soap:
1. Wooden Furniture - No, Really, Put That Soap Down!
Although dish soap may seem convenient for cleaning wooden furniture, reconsider its usage. Strong detergents within dish soap can strip the natural oils that protect the surface of the wood, leading to a dry, dull finish. Over time, this can cause the wood to crack, warp, or lose its luster, often leaving a stubborn residue that can discolor the wood's appearance.
"Every now and then, I apply a bit of wood polish to a clean cloth to keep it looking nice and to protect the surface," recommends Stephanie Phillips. "However, I'd advise avoiding dish soap on any wood surface. I also suggest my clients keep their wooden dining tables covered while eating to prevent serious scrubbing."
2. Leather - Treat It Kindly
Leather requires tender love and care due to its sensitive nature. While dish soap excels at breaking down oil and grease, it's not ideal for leather. Breaking down the oils that make up leather's protective coating is counterproductive, causing the leather to become dry, brittle, or cracked.
"I always have a dedicated leather cleaner on hand, ensuring I follow cleaning with conditioning," says Phillips. "Leather is a material I practice restraint with and stick to products formulated to keep the leather soft and well-preserved."
3. Carpet - Consider Something Else
Dish soap may not be the best ally in your carpet-cleaning arsenal. It's tricky to rinse out of the carpet fibers, often resulting in a soapy residue that attracts more dirt and grime, making your carpet appear dirtier sooner.
"I utilize a carpet cleaner with very hot water for the best results," explains Phillips. "An enzyme-based cleaner is my go-to for biological stains and a general carpet cleaning solution for other stains. I follow it up with my carpet cleaning machine."
4. Laundry - Washroom, Not Wardrobe
Mistaking dish soap for laundry detergent can lead to various problems. Dish soap produces too many bubbles for washing machines to handle, potentially causing messes or damaging the appliance. In addition, excessive bubbles can prevent clothing from rinsing properly, leaving a soapy residue behind.
"Dish soap is fantastic for treating oil stains, but it's not a suitable alternative to laundry detergent," advises Phillips. " Simply dab the necessary amount onto the grease spot and launder as usual." Your washing machine is designed to work with specific detergents that clean effectively without creating foamy chaos.
5. Dishes - Stick to the Sink (for now)
You should never use regular dish soap in a dishwasher due to the same issue: it creates an overflow of suds. Dishwasher detergents are formulated to function in low-foam environments, ensuring the machine's efficiency and longevity.
"I learned this lesson the hard way, back when I was a teenager," shares Phillips. "I spent hours mopping up suds!"
If you find yourself lacking dishwasher detergent, hand-washing is a safer choice than putting dish soap in the machine.
Sustainable Cleaning Alternatives:
In search of safer, eco-friendly options to navigate your cleaning challenges? Consider these environmentally-friendly choices for wood, leather, carpet, laundry, and dishwashing tasks:
Alternative Cleaning Products:
Wooden Furniture
- DIY Wood Cleaner: A homemade blend of natural ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice can clean and polish wood surfaces without harsh chemicals.
- Non-Toxic Polishes: Products like Truly Free Home's wood and furniture polish are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and effectively erase water spots without leaving oily residues.
Leather
- Non-Toxic Polishes: Similar to wooden furniture, Truly Free Home's polish can be used on leather as well, due to its non-toxic and eco-friendly formula.
Carpet
- Natural Stain Removers: For spills and stains, try combining baking soda and white vinegar. These natural concoctions can help absorb stains and neutralize odors without harmful chemicals.
Laundry
- Eco-Friendly Detergents: Search for laundry detergents that eschew harsh chemicals and dyes. Such eco-friendly detergents are gentler on fabrics and the environment.
Dishes
- Alternative Dish Soap: Opt for dish soap free from phosphates and chlorine, which are easier on the environment and sometimes just as effective as traditional dish soaps.
- DIY Dish Soap Alternatives: Some people use a combination of washing soda and borax as a natural alternative to commercial dish soaps. However, be mindful of their effect on your specific dishwasher model.
To ensure a safe and effective cleaning process throughout your home, it's essential to be mindful of the surfaces you clean with dish soap. Avoid using dish soap on wooden furniture, leather, carpet, laundry, and dishes. For environmentally-friendly alternatives, consider using a DIY wood cleaner, non-toxic polishes for wood and leather, a natural stain remover for carpets, eco-friendly laundry detergents, and dish soap free from phosphates and chlorine. Marthastewart's lifestyle tips and home-and-garden guide can offer valuable insights for maintaining a clean and organized kitchen while keeping your household items in pristine condition.
