These days, there’s an endless amount of specialty cleaners for almost every item in your home. However, like most people, you probably reach for dish soap when you need to clean something dirty. However, did you know that some things you should not use soap to clean with? So, stay safe and avoid damaging your belongings by following this helpful advice! This post will provide you with a list of all things you should never clean with dish soap.
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Dishwasher
Most people assume that dish soap is the best way to clean their dishwasher, but this could not be further from the truth. The dish soap helps remove grease and food particles from dishes, but it can cause problems for your dishwasher. Dish soap is very harsh and can damage the interior of your dishwasher, leaving it more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
In addition, dish soap can leave behind a soapy residue that can reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher and lead to spotting on your dishes. It is best to avoid using dish soap to clean your dishwasher for these reasons. There are many specialty cleaners on the market designed specifically for cleaning dishwashers. These will do a much better job of keeping your appliance clean and running smoothly.
Hardwood Floors
If you have hardwood floors, you know how important it is to keep them clean. However, you may not realize that using dish soap to clean your floors can do more harm than good. The dish soap helps to remove grease and oil from dishes, and it can have a similar effect on your floors. Over time, dish soap can strip away the natural oils that help protect your floors, leaving them dry and dull.
Further, dish soap will leave a filmy coat on your floors, making them dangerous to walk across. If you want to keep your hardwood floors looking their best, it’s best to stick to gentle cleaners specifically designed for hardwood.
Windows
If you’ve ever tried cleaning your windows with dish soap, you know that it doesn’t quite work the way you expect it to. The soap leaves behind a streaky film, and the windows look dirtier than they did before. So why is dish soap not recommended for cleaning windows? As mentioned, dish soap helps break down grease, so it’s effective at cleaning dishes.
Avoid using dish soap on your windows if you’re looking for a streak-free shine. There are plenty of other household products better suited for cleaning windows, such as vinegar or window cleaner. However, dish soap on windows also breaks down the protective coating that keeps the glass from getting cloudy and streaky. Over time, this can damage your windows and make them more challenging to clean.
Your Skin
The next time you reach for the dish soap to clean your skin, think again. It can strip away natural oils, leaving your skin feeling dry and irritated. In addition, dish soap often contains fragrances and other chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations.
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to clean your skin, reach for a product specifically for your face instead of the kitchen sink. Your skin will thank you for it.
Leather
Leather is a durable and elegant material, often used in furniture and clothing. However, leather is also delicate and can be easily damaged. One common mistake is to clean leather with dish soap. Dish soap contains chemicals that can strip away leather’s natural oils, leaving the leather dry and brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and tearing.
When cleaning leather, it’s essential to use a mild soap or detergent that won’t damage the surface. You should also avoid scrubbing the leather too harshly, as this can also cause damage. With proper care, your leather products will stay looking good for years.
Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are a welcome favorite in many kitchens. However, there are a few reasons why you should never use dish soap to clean your cast iron pan:
- Dish soap will strip away the seasoning on your pan.
- The dish soap may damage the surface of your pan.
- Dish soap is difficult to rinse off cast iron thoroughly, and if any residue is left behind, it can cause your food to stick or taste like soap.
Instead of using dish soap, try using hot water and a stiff brush. If you need extra scrubbing power, you can use a mild abrasive like salt or baking soda. Once done scrubbing, rinse your pan well with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron pan in good condition.
Coffee Maker
Did you know that cleaning your coffee maker with dish soap can be harmful? Many people assume that any soap will do the trick, but this is not the case. There are a few reasons not to use dish soap to wash your coffee maker. The first is that it might leave a difficult residue to remove. Even if you think you’ve gotten everything, there will undoubtedly be a soap taste in the pots.
Your coffeemaker determines the second reason. Many coffee makers have a coating that makes your brew taste better and prevents burning from the pot’s side. Over time, washing with dish soap will remove this covering from your coffeemaker. So if you want your morning cup of coffee to taste its best, avoid using dish soap to clean your coffee maker.
Clothes
Many people believe that dish soap is a versatile cleaning product used for anything from washing dishes to cleaning clothes. However, using it to clean clothes can damage the fabric and cause clothing to deteriorate more quickly. One of the primary ingredients in dish soap is sodium lauryl sulfate, a strong detergent that effectively removes grease and food residue from dishes.
However, this ingredient can also remove colors and leave clothing feeling stiff and brittle. In addition, dish soap is often highly perfumed, leaving clothes smelling unpleasant. It is best to stick to using laundry detergent when cleaning clothes for these reasons.
Avoid Using Dish Soap On These Items!
There are many everyday household items that you should never clean with dish soap, including those on this list. While dish soap may seem like a versatile and effective cleaning product, it can damage these items and result in a less-than-ideal cleaning experience. So the next time you reach for the dish soap, think twice about what you’re trying to clean. You might be better off using another product altogether.
