Put down the liquid dishwasher detergent — and 8 more (unexpected) cleaning tips |
 | | Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter |
Sometimes, in our rigorous testing to find the very best cleaning tools and methods, we unearth cleaning advice that strays from what our parents told us growing up. Or that makes our partners and roommates mad. Or that just seems … plain weird. For instance, in our testing to find the best dishwasher detergent, we found that powders, liquids, and pods are not built equal. “I am sorry to say this,” cleaning expert Andrea Barnes writes. “But that jug of liquid dishwasher detergent is the weakest performer of them all.” Below, a few more somewhat counterintuitive cleaning tips we’ve uncovered over the years: - Ignore the dry-cleaning label (sometimes): Many pricey, delicate textiles are actually better off being cleaned at home in the washing machine or the sink — even if the label reads “dry-clean only.” This can save you money and extend the life of the fabric.
- A diaper makes a great cleaning tool: Yep, cloth diapers have become our cleaning expert’s default household rags. They’re soft and absorbent, they handle spills, dust, and other schmutz with ease, and they don’t leave lint behind.
- Ditch your Swiffer: In our mop testing, we found that the incredibly flimsy handle of a Swiffer Sweeper doesn’t let you scrub with any vigor on sticky messes and dried-on food. Plus, they’re wasteful and expensive. We’d much rather just use a good ol’ wet mop, thank you very much.
- Stop stuffing lemons down your garbage disposal: Despite what your grandmother may have told you, stuffing a lemon down there to freshen or clean it could cause a backup. Use ice, instead.
- Go ahead. Put wine glasses in the dishwasher: Though it seems wrong, wine glasses are actually much safer in the dishwasher than in your slippery, soapy hands. We recommend placing wine glasses upside down on the top rack of the dishwasher so they don’t scrape against each other or other dishes or cups. There are a couple more weird things you can put in there while you’re at it.
- Stop squirting dish soap directly onto your sponge: If you continuously squeeze dollops of dish soap onto your sponge while hand-washing your dishes, you’re doing it wrong. A more effective way to get the chore done is to fill the sink with soapy water. We’ve found that sometimes you need only as little as a teaspoon of dish detergent in a sinkful of water to produce a healthy layer of foam on top and get your dishes squeaky clean.
- Think twice before recycling shredded paper: But wait: Isn’t shredded paper still paper, and thus recyclable? Isn’t throwing away shredded paper into the garbage wasteful? The answer to both questions is, well, kind of. Here’s how to best dispose of it.
- Your stick vacuum isn’t enough on its own: Even the priciest cordless stick vacuums can’t match the suction and deep-cleaning power of a good upright or canister vacuum, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, lots of rugs, or shedding pets. Plus? Cordless vacs consistently cost two to three times as much as plug-in machines. For most people, a cordless stick vac should be a sidekick to a plug-in vacuum, not the sole hero of your home.
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One last thing: Organize your to-dos |
 | | Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter |
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