5 Viral Cleaning Trends That Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good, According to the Pros

It seems like there’s a new cleaning trend on social media every day. Whether it’s a clever decluttering hack, a fresh take on an old method, or a surprisingly effective use for a common product, it’s easy to fall down the CleanTok rabbit hole. And while these videos can be a great source of cleaning inspiration, not every trend is worth trying. Some are ineffective, a waste of time, or even dangerous. Here are five cleaning trends that professional cleaners wish you’d stop doing.

01 – Fake Before and Afters

When it comes to just about any viral trend, there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors on social media, but according to Mónica Taher, chief operating officer of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, cleaning pros find this trend detrimental. “We really dislike when influencers create fake dirty environments just to clean them on camera or to show exaggerated before-and-after videos,” she says.

While it might look good on video, Taher says these representations can sometimes result in clients taking pro cleaners for granted. “It promotes unrealistic standards that can confuse clients,” she explains.

02 – Mixing Cleaning Products

While mixing vinegar and water is perfectly safe, mixing multiple cleaning products at once, especially those formulated with various chemicals, can be incredibly dangerous. The layers might look cool and oddly satisfying, but cleaning pros, including Taher, do not advise using more than one product at the same time. “This can be dangerous, especially for the young and inexperienced who might listen to this advice and mix products,” she says. “There can be health hazards to you and your family, surface damage, and even your pet’s safety can be at risk.”

Most products will work effectively on their own when used appropriately. Mixing several different products not only increases risk, but also wastes money.

03 – Mopping With Ice Water

One popular cleaning trend we’ve seen online is mopping with ice water. But Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade, tells me this won’t get your floors truly clean. “Mopping with ice water is not effective for cleaning because it does not break down grease, grime, or bacteria as well as warm water.”

It can even damage your wood floors, she adds. “On wood floors, the cold temperature can cause uneven contraction, which may lead to warping or cracking,” she says. “Cold water also evaporates more slowly, allowing minerals in tap water and ingredients in cleaning products to settle and dry on the surface. This can leave a filmy residue that dulls the floor and attracts more dirt.”

Instead of ice water, Murphy recommends using a combination of warm water and a cleaning solution appropriate for your specific floor type.

04 – Mixing Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are commonly used together in cleaning, but their effectiveness is limited when mixed. “When combined, they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate,” says Murphy.

While this may sound like a powerful concoction, it actually isn’t. “This reaction is short-lived and neutralizes the cleaning power of both ingredients,” she says. “The fizzing may help dislodge some debris, but the resulting solution does not have strong cleaning properties.”

It can even make some surfaces dirtier. “Additionally, this mixture can leave behind a residue, especially on smooth or glossy surfaces,” Murphy says.

This combo can also problematic when mixed or stored under certain circumstances. “It’s not dangerous under normal conditions, though it shouldn’t be mixed in sealed containers to prevent accidental pressure build-up,” she says.

However, that doesn’t mean you should nix either ingredient from your cleaning routine—just use them separately. “Vinegar can help dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum, while baking soda works as a mild abrasive,” Murphy says. “For better results, apply baking soda first, then follow with vinegar, allowing the reaction to occur before rinsing thoroughly.

05 – Cleaning a Toaster by Submerging It in Water

Yikes! Cleaning a toaster or any electric appliance with water is very dangerous. “Toasters contain electrical components that can be damaged by moisture, increasing the risk of short circuits, electric shock, or fire. Water can also cause corrosion inside the appliance and affect its functionality,” explains Murphy.

Instead, she suggests unplugging the toaster, removing the crumb tray, and using a dry brush or wooden tool to remove debris.

Source: Real Simple
This article was originally published by Real Simple on May 29, 2025.
5 Viral Cleaning Trends That Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good, According to the Pros