And what to reach for instead
Getty Images / Abby Mercer
Thanks to its gentle grease-and-grime fighting powers, dish soap is one of the most versatile cleaning tools around. From degreasing filmy cabinets to fighting tough laundry stains, this sink-side hero can be a useful helper even outside the kitchen.
But is there anything you can’t clean with this kitchen essential? We tapped a few cleaning experts to find out. Here’s where you should steer clear next time you’re using dish soap to clean.
1. Wooden furniture
If you spill something on a wood table, definitely don’t reach for the dish soap when it’s time to clean up. “Dish soap can strip away the natural oils and finishes that protect furniture,” says Muffetta Krueger, owner of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants. “This can lead to dryness, discoloration, and potential long-term damage to the wood.”
Instead of soap, use a dedicated wood cleaner or simply a damp microfiber cloth. In either case, be sure to thoroughly dry the surface afterward to prevent excess moisture from damaging the wood.
2. Cast iron cookware
Dish soap can easily break down the seasoning on cast iron, which is crucial for its non-stick properties, says Krueger. Cleaning cast iron with soap may also cause it to rust.
Rather than scrubbing your cast iron cookware with soap and water like you would other dishes, use hot water and a cast iron scrubber. If any tough spots linger, add a bit of table salt to the affected area and rub it out with a dry paper towel.
Be sure to dry the cast iron fully after cleaning, because it can rust if left wet. You can also stick it in the oven (set to 200 F) or put it on a burner over medium heat until it’s totally dry.
9 Surprising Things You Should Be Cleaning With Dishwasher Tablets
3. Natural stone countertops
Natural stone counters, such as marble or granite, don’t always get along with dish soap. Why? According to Prerna Jain, owner of Ministry of Cleaning, some dish soaps contain acidic ingredients that could damage the surface of your natural stone. That’s why it’s also a good idea to avoid other acidic cleaners, such as vinegar and lemon, on natural stone.
A safer bet, Jain says, is a dedicated pH-neutral marble or granite cleaner. You can also use a microfiber cloth with some warm water, or a few drops of very gentle, non-acidic dish soap such as Dawn mixed with water.
4. Antique or delicate China
Jain says dish soap can also be too abrasive for delicate glass, and it can leave behind a difficult-to-remove soapy residue. Go the safer route and use a mild vinegar and warm water solution to rinse and gently wipe your special glassware and dishes.
5. Brass or copper
Dish soap sometimes contains chemicals that can tarnish or corrode brass and copper, which is why Krueger says it’s advisable to use cleaners that are specifically designed for these metals.
“In general, dish soap is formulated for cutting through grease and food residues on dishes, but its composition may not be suitable for all surfaces and materials,” says Kreuger. “It's important to read labels, use appropriate cleaners for specific items, and, when in doubt, consult with professionals or refer to manufacturer guidelines for cleaning instructions.”
Read Next: The 5 Places In Your Kitchen You Should Be Cleaning With Vinegar (But Aren't)
Read the original article on The Spruce Eats.
"dish" - Google News
November 26, 2023 at 05:28PM
https://ift.tt/fZcHB0v
5 Things You Should Never Clean With Dish Soap, According to Cleaning Experts - Yahoo Life
"dish" - Google News
https://ift.tt/sg4qNLB
No comments:
Post a Comment