Worst Cleaning Tips on Reddit You Should Never Follow

Reddit may offer a treasure trove of advice, hacks, and life tips, but when it comes to cleaning your home, not every suggestion is worth taking. In fact, many so-called "cleaning hacks" circulating on Reddit can do more harm than good. Whether it’s damaging your surfaces, creating a bigger mess, or even posing health risks, some of these tips are better left untried.

We've sifted through the wildest cleaning suggestions to bring you a collection of the worst cleaning tips on Reddit you should never follow. Your home will thank you.

1. Using Bleach for Everything

Bleach often gets touted on Reddit as a miracle solution, but using it universally is a recipe for disaster.

• Why It's Bad: Bleach is highly corrosive and can damage fabrics, wood, and even certain types of tiles and grout if misused.

• The Truth: While bleach is effective at disinfecting, it is not a universal cleaner and should not be used on porous surfaces or mixed with other chemicals like ammonia.

Better Alternative: Try multi-surface cleaners or white vinegar diluted with water for everyday cleaning tasks. Reserve bleach for disinfecting non-porous surfaces like toilets or sinks – and always use it in a well-ventilated area.

2. Pouring Boiling Water Down Drains

This Reddit favorite suggests clearing up a clogged or smelly drain with boiling water. While it sounds logical, it’s not always effective — or safe.

• Why It's Bad: Boiling water can warp or damage PVC piping, leading to expensive plumbing repairs, especially in older homes.

• The Truth: A splash of hot tap water may help loosen minor blockages, but boiling water should be avoided.

Better Alternative: Use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot (not boiling) tap water. For stubborn clogs, a plunger or drain snake is a better (and safer) investment.

3. Using Magic Erasers on Everything

Magic Erasers are praised across Reddit for their ability to remove tough stains. However, they're not meant for every surface.

• Why It's Bad: These melamine foam sponges are abrasive, acting like very fine sandpaper. Using them on glossy, finished, or soft surfaces can cause permanent scratches.

• The Truth: Magic Erasers work great on durable spots like scuffed walls or oven doors but should be avoided on delicate surfaces.

Better Alternative: Always test in an inconspicuous area first. For gentle cleaning, opt for microfiber cloths and non-abrasive cleaners.

4. Cleaning Electronics with Water or Windex

A common Reddit "hack" suggests using window cleaner or even soapy water to clean laptop screens and keyboards. Don’t do it.

• Why It's Bad: Liquids — especially ammonia-based cleaners like Windex — can damage screen coatings and seep into electronic components.

• The Truth: This can ruin your devices and void warranties.

Better Alternative: Use specialized electronics cleaners or a mixture of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water. Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth, never directly to the device.

5. Pouring Coca-Cola Into Your Toilet Bowl

This strange but widely circulated Reddit tip claims you can clean your toilet with soda. Coke supposedly eats through grime and mineral stains — but the reality is fizzier than effective.

• Why It's Bad: While Coke contains citric and phosphoric acid, it’s not strong enough to disinfect or provide a deep clean. It can also leave behind sticky residue.

• The Truth: You’ll likely end up doing a second round of cleaning.

Better Alternative: Stick to traditional toilet bowl cleaners or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for a safe, effective clean.

6. Vacuuming Up Liquids with a Standard Vacuum

Some Reddit users suggest vacuuming small spills or wet messes. Unless you're using a wet-dry shop vac, this tip could ruin your vacuum — and pose a safety risk.

• Why It's Bad: Liquids can short-circuit your vacuum, damage filters, and potentially lead to electrical hazards.

• The Truth: Standard vacuums are only designed for dry debris — nothing wet or damp.

Better Alternative: Use paper towels or a mop for wet spills. For pet messes or larger spills, invest in a carpet cleaner or wet/dry vacuum designed for this purpose.

7. Using Hairspray to Remove Ink Stains

This old-school remedy made waves on Reddit — but it’s rooted in outdated advice.

• Why It's Bad: Modern hairsprays contain less alcohol than they used to, and more sticky additives, which can make stains worse.

• The Truth: There's no guarantee it will work, and you may end up with a sticky residue on your clothes or furniture.

Better Alternative: Dab alcohol-based hand sanitizer or use a stain remover designed specifically for ink. Always blot, never rub.

8. Microwaving Sponges to Disinfect Them

This risky advice often shows up in cleaning threads on Reddit. Microwaving a damp sponge is supposed to kill bacteria, but it comes with a catch.

• Why It's Bad: The microwave may not heat your sponge evenly, which allows bacteria to survive. There's also a risk of fire if the sponge is too dry or contains metal.

• The Truth: It's not an FDA-approved disinfection method.

Better Alternative: Replace your sponge regularly or clean it in the dishwasher using a heated drying cycle.

Final Thoughts: Stick to Trusted Cleaning Methods

Reddit can inspire creativity, but when it comes to cleaning your home safely and effectively, not every “hack” is worth trying. Sometimes, these shortcuts don't just fall short — they can actually cause damage, waste time, or even put your health at risk.

When in doubt, follow recommendations from trusted cleaning experts or use products specifically formulated for the task at hand. Don't let a Reddit thread cost you your hardwood floors or your home appliances.

Do You Have a Cleaning Tip You're Unsure About?

Always cross-reference cleaning hacks with reliable sources. When needed, test in a small area first — and remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Happy (and safe) cleaning!