They look amazing on video, but the damage only shows weeks later.
By Rena, Rena Cleaning Services · 2 November 2026
TikTok is full of cleaning hacks, and some of them are brilliant. But the video stops when the dirt comes off. It never shows what happens to your grout, your sofa or your floor a few weeks later.
I clean homes across Leicester, so here are five I would skip, and what to do instead.
1. Bleach on grout
The grout goes white, so it looks like it worked. But bleach can break down grout and tiles, and fixing that costs far more than a bottle of proper cleaner. Use a stiff brush and a cleaner made for tile and grout.
2. Vinegar or lemon on marble, granite or wood floors
Vinegar and lemon are acid, and acid slowly eats these surfaces. You will not see it the first time, but the shine goes. Warm water and a soft cloth is safer. If you want a cleaner, buy one made for that surface.
3. Baking soda on aluminium or wood
Baking soda is fine for some jobs, but it is slightly rough. On aluminium or wood it can leave marks and change the colour. Test a small hidden spot first.
4. Dishwasher tablets on a sofa
The video shows a dishwasher tablet, a cloth and a saucepan lid. The tablet is too harsh for sofa fabric and can fade it over time. If it is not rinsed out properly, the leftover residue holds on to more dirt. Vacuum first, use a proper upholstery cleaner, blot the stain, rinse, and let it dry fully.
5. Scraping your carpet
It is satisfying to watch the dirt come up. But every scrape pulls out carpet fibres, and they do not grow back. Vacuum regularly, and for a deep clean use a steam clean.
Hacks that are actually fine
- A bag of vinegar round a tap or shower head to get rid of limescale. It works.
- A dry flat mop for dusting walls. It is gentle and reaches high corners. Wait about a month before cleaning freshly painted walls.
One rule for everything
Never mix cleaning products, especially anything with bleach. Test a small spot first, and if you are not sure, ask before you try it.
Not sure what is safe on your floors, worktops or sofa? Message me and I will tell you. You can also see what I do on a deep clean across Leicester.