For years, I operated under the assumption that cleaning was straightforward: use plenty of product, wash everything frequently, and if something looks clean, it probably is. Then I started noticing things weren't actually working. My clothes felt stiff. Mirrors looked streaky. I was constantly re-cleaning the same spots. And I was burning through cleaning products at an alarming rate. Something wasn't adding up.
Turns out, I'd been doing a lot of things wrong — or at least, not optimally. These weren't small issues, either. Some were actively making my home dirtier and costing me time and money. To separate fact from fiction, I spoke with Noah Pinsonnault, a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. He's spent years testing cleaning products and methods, and he's seen the same myths trip people up again and again. Here are the things he wishes people would stop believing — and what actually works instead.
More product means better cleaning
This is the big one. "Using too much product leaves residue that traps dirt, dulls surfaces, and makes you feel like you need to clean again sooner," Pinsonnault explains.
Whether it's laundry detergent, floor cleaner, or washing up liquid, more isn't better. "Extra detergent or cleaner doesn't rinse away fully, so you end up with build-up that holds onto grime and can even irritate skin," he says. Stick to the recommended amounts — your surfaces (and wallet) will thank you.
If it looks clean, it is clean
Just because a surface looks spotless doesn't mean it's actually clean. "Kitchen counters are a perfect example," Pinsonnault says. "People spray and wipe immediately, but if you don't remove grease and let the disinfectant sit long enough, you're not actually killing much."
The takeaway? Clean first to remove visible dirt, then rinse and disinfect — and give it time to work according to the instructions.
Disinfectants work instantly
This ties directly into the previous myth. Disinfectants need time to do their job. "They need a clean surface first and they need contact time," Pinsonnault explains. "Wiping too soon turns it into a regular cleaner, not a disinfectant."
Check the product label for the required contact time — usually 30 seconds to a few minutes — and let the surface stay visibly wet for that long before wiping.
More detergent equals cleaner clothes
It's tempting to add extra detergent for "extra clean" laundry, but it backfires. "In reality, it causes build-up, traps odours, and can make fabrics feel stiff or dingy over time," Pinsonnault says.
Modern detergents are concentrated and designed to work in small amounts. Using too much leaves residue in your clothes and washing machine, creating the exact opposite of clean.
Natural or DIY cleaners are always safer and better
"Natural" sounds appealing, but it's not always superior. "Some work fine for light cleaning, but they're not automatically safer or effective," Pinsonnault notes. "Vinegar, for example, can damage certain surfaces and doesn't disinfect the way people think."
DIY cleaners have their place, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Know what you're cleaning and whether your homemade solution is actually appropriate for that surface.
You should wash clothes after every wear
This one wastes water, energy, and money. "Rewear your jeans and jumpers a few times before washing," Pinsonnault advises. "Washing too often just wears down the fabric and costs more in detergent, water, and electricity."
Unless something is visibly dirty, sweaty, or smelly, most items can handle multiple wears. Your clothes will actually last longer when you don't over-wash them.
Sponges are always packed with bacteria
Sponges get a bad reputation, but they're not the problem. "Sponges aren't inherently bad, but using the same one for too long is," Pinsonnault explains. "They need frequent sanitising or replacing."
Run sponges through the dishwasher or soak them in a disinfectant for 15 minutes to kill bacteria, then rinse before use. Replace them every one to two weeks, and they're perfectly safe to use.
Kitchen roll is the best way to clean glass
If you're still using kitchen roll on mirrors and windows, switch to microfibre cloths. "Microfibre actually removes and holds onto dirt better than kitchen roll, especially on glass," Pinsonnault says.
Microfibre cloths leave fewer streaks, are reusable, and pick up particles more effectively. Dampen them slightly for best results.
The product matters more than the technique
"Technique matters more," Pinsonnault says. "Using the right amount, giving products time to work, and not just spraying-and-wiping makes a bigger difference than switching brands."
You don't need a cabinet full of speciality cleaners. Learn the proper technique — contact time, scrubbing motions, appropriate tools — and even basic products will work better.
It’s ok to clean high-touch points when you think of it
People over-clean some things (like over-washing clothes) and under-clean others. "People don't often clean things that spread grime, like sponges and cleaning tools, and high-touch points like light switches," Pinsonnault notes.
Door handles, light switches, remote controls, and your actual cleaning tools need regular attention. These are the surfaces that spread germs and dirt around your home — yet they're often completely ignored.
3 household jobs you need to do to stop rodents
5 items you should never chuck in the kitchen bin
Protects your jumpers from bobbles with this trick
6 clever ways to reuse old tea bags
