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Credit:

The Spruce / Brie Goldman

Key Points#

• Use caution with disposable cleaning products such as paper towels and disinfectant wipes.
• Consider alternatives to heavy-duty cleaners like bleach and ammonia.
• Keep surface-specific products limited to the surface they're intended for.

When messes happen, most of us grab whatever cleaner is within reach. But here’s the catch—not every product you rely on is actually safe or effective. In fact, some of those household staples lurking under your sink could be doing more harm than good.

To help you separate the helpful from the harmful, we turned to a cleaning expert for guidance. From paper towels to that trusty bottle of bleach, here’s what the pros say you should stop using—and what to grab instead.

Disinfectant Wipes#

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The Spruce / Brie Goldman

Disinfectant wipes might feel like miracle workers in a pouch—but despite their convenience, they’re far from an all-purpose solution.

“They’re great at one thing: killing germs,” says Allison Nelson, founder of Allison's Cleanin'. “But they’re not designed to handle every mess under the sun.”

Trying to tackle greasy buildup or mystery smudges with a quick wipe-down might seem efficient, but it can actually do more harm than good.

For starters, skip the disinfectant wipes on painted walls, Nelson advises—they tend to leave streaks that become glaringly obvious the moment the light hits. Upholstery is another no-go. These wipes can leave behind excess moisture, which may turn into stubborn stains—or worse, mildew.

And when it comes to surfaces that come into contact with food, be sure to rinse afterward. “No one wants their sandwich tasting like ‘crisp linen,’” Nelson says.

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Paper Towels#

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The Spruce / Brie Goldman

If you haven’t broken up with paper towels yet, consider this your gentle nudge. Sure, they’re convenient, but cleaning pros like Nelson are here to dish the dirt: they’re not doing your surfaces (or the planet) any favors.

Paper towels leave behind lint, can scuff delicate finishes, and are prone to leaving streaks, Nelson explains. Which is all to say: you’ll end up scrubbing twice as hard for half the shine.

Instead of paper towels, opt for microfiber towels. They’ll trap dust and grime without scratching, leaving glass surfaces gleaming on the first swipe. It’s a tiny swap that has a major payoff for both your wallet and the planet.

Undiluted Essential Oils#

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The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

They’re pretty, they’re trendy, and they’re natural—but essential oils aren’t always cut out for the tough stuff. That’s why experts like Nelson urge caution when incorporating them into your cleaning routine.

“Lavender, tea tree, and other oils can be great additions to a natural cleaning regimen,” Nelson says. “But they’re not meant to do the heavy lifting. Don’t expect them to cut through grease or sanitize high-touch surfaces on their own.”

The key, she explains, is pairing essential oils with more powerful cleaning agents—and always diluting them properly, either with water or a carrier oil like jojoba.

Bleach for General Cleaning#

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The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Bleach has a big reputation—and for good reason. It’s a powerful disinfectant. But that doesn’t mean it should be the star of your everyday cleaning routine.

“Bleach isn’t the magic eraser people think it is,” says Nelson. “It’ll zap germs, but don’t expect it to lift grime. Plus, it can really mess up your fixtures if you're not careful.”

There’s also the risk factor. One accidental splash, and your clothes or towels are instantly ruined.

“Unless you’re dealing with something very specific—like treating mold—bleach is more of a ‘handle with care’ product,'” Nelson explains. “For most everyday messes, you can skip it.”

Glass Cleaner Anywhere But Glass#

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d3sign / Getty Images

Glass cleaner is everywhere, making it feel like the magic wand of cleaning. But here’s the twist: it’s actually more of a specialist, built for shiny, non-porous surfaces like windows and mirrors.

“People use it for everything,” says Nelson. “But most glass cleaners have ammonia, and that stuff can be a little too harsh for some surfaces.”

Another caveat: just because it smells fresh doesn’t mean it’s busting germs—glass cleaner won’t disinfect your kitchen counters, it’ll just shuffle the dirt around.

Ammonia-Based Products#

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The Spruce / Carson Downing

Once upon a time, ammonia was the queen of the cleaning cabinet. (Chances are, your grandma probably swore by it.) But just because it’s old-school doesn’t mean it deserves a spot in your modern-day routine.

Besides being tough on delicate surfaces like wood and granite, ammonia packs a powerful punch of fumes, and can become downright dangerous if mixed with other cleaners like bleach. That’s enough for Nelson to recommend ditching it altogether.

“Ammonia is great as a degreaser,” she explains, “but unless you’re tackling something serious like an oven, there’s really no need to play with fire.”

Lemon and Vinegar on Stone#

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The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

With natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon, it’s easy to let your guard down—they’re non-toxic, after all. How harmful could they really be?

But before you start spritzing every surface with your DIY citrus mix, it’s important to know where to draw the line. Believe it or not, not every surface gets along with these natural all-stars.

Acids can slowly eat away at natural marble or stone, leaving behind a dull, patchy surface that loses its natural shine, Nelson warns.

Don't ditch the lemon altogether, though. Just save it for the jobs where it truly shines, like cleaning your microwave.