10 Cleaning Tips From Grandma You Should Stop Doing ASAP, According to an Expert
We fact-checked grandma so you don't have to.
Tested by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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There's almost nothing more comforting than stepping inside grandma's house — the delicious smell of something cooking in the oven, the cozy, homey decor throughout and, of course, the fact that it's always spotless.
Although we tend to trust anything Grandma says (especially when it comes to keeping the house mess-free), there are a few cleaning tips she might have recommended to you at one point or another that are just a bit outdated.
From color-fading prevention myths to precarious storage solutions, grandma's household tips aren't always backed by science. After checking in with our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we're here to tell you which pieces of advice you should abandon sooner rather than later.
Zapping curtain static with hairspray.
Sure, you might use hairspray to control your flyaways. But that same sticky feeling that happens when you spray too much on your head? That will happen to your curtains, leaving them feeling stiff and tacky, according to Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director. Instead, opt for anti-static spray instead.
RELATED: 30 Simple Living Room Curtain Ideas to Perfect Your Space
Soaking your shower head in vinegar overnight.
Grandma isn't completely wrong here. However, we'd like to offer a modification to the process of cleaning your shower head with vinegar.
"Overnight is a bit long, and I think it may damage some high-end fixture finishes. It's best to just scrub the head with a brush dipped in vinegar," says Forté.
Storing linens with waxpaper.
Creating a wax paper barrier between linens might sound like a good idea to prevent color from transferring. However, any exposure to high temperatures, and there's a chance the wax could melt and transfer to your linens. If you're concerned about color transferring, try acid-free tissue paper instead just to be safe.
Running air vent covers in the dishwasher.
The dishwasher can work wonders on a variety of surprising items. However, there are certain things that, although might technically be safe to throw in there, aren't necessarily recommended. Forté says that as long as the vent covers aren't uncoated aluminum, there's no harm. "But it's a bit gross," she adds. Plus, the excess dust and debris could clog the dishwasher's filter. We think it's worth passing on this one. Sorry, grandma!
Wiping down windows with newspaper.
While using your recycling for good is commendable, it's probably not the best choice when it comes to cleaning windows. Forté warns that the ink could run, leaving messy marks on your hands and windowsills. Instead, try using microfiber cloths.
RELATED: How to Clean Windows and Prevent Streaks, According to Cleaning Experts
Soaking clothes in salt water to prevent color fading.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab has tested the theory that soaking clothes in salt water or vinegar can prevent color fading. Unfortunately, the results were not in grandma's favor. According to Forté, if your fabric color runs, it's probably because the item was not finished properly.
Using club soda to remove stains.
In Good Housekeeping Lab tests, club soda did not work any better than plain water in removing stains from clothing. If you're looking for the best products to remove stains, check out our Lab-tested winners.
Cleaning wood floors with vinegar.
While vinegar is definitely a versatile cleaning product, there are some things that should never be cleaned with the solution, including wood floors. Vinegar can strip the shine away from wood surfaces, leaving them dull. Try one of our GH lab-approved hardwood floor cleaners instead.
Vacuuming ruins carpets.
If grandma has told you too much vacuuming can ruin your carpet, don't worry. "Regular vacuuming removes the gritty dirt that can abrade carpet fibers and helps fluff the pile and remove dust," says Forté.
Running vinegar through your iron to clear clogged holes.
While relying on trusty-old vinegar to unclog holes in your iron may sound like a safe bet, our cleaning experts don't recommend it. "Putting anything other than water inside an iron or garment steamer can damage the internal parts," says Forté.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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