10 Things You Should Never Clean With Dish Soap

Dish soap is one of the staple household cleaners due to its affordability, easy accessibility, and effectiveness. Strong surfactants, enzymes, dyes, and other preservatives make this basic product an effective solution for tackling dirt, grime, and grease. It also contains foam boosters and pH adjusters that can go beyond cleaning dirty dishes.

However, using dish soap on all surfaces won't deliver you desired results. The high percentage of Sodium laureth sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate present in store-bought dish soap may de-grease your dishes but could cause permanent damage to your leather couch or polished flooring. It can do more harm than good if used incorrectly. Thus, read the product's labels carefully before using dish soap liquid.  The worst part is that some even contain strong fragrances, causing indoor air pollution or triggering pre-existing allergies.

In today’s guide, we will explore 10 things you should never clean with dish soap to prevent damage or discolouration. You can also seek assistance from end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals for a hassle-free final rental inspection.

1. Leather Surfaces: Couches and Bags

Don't use dish soap liquid to remove accidental spills and splatters from your leather furniture or bag. Of course, dish soap is a Holy Grail household cleaner, but it can damage your natural leather material quickly.

Surfactants and chemically laden dyes in dish soap can strip away the natural oils of leather if used repeatedly, making your couch look stiff and dull. If you want to clean your leather furniture or bag, use a recommended product or a mild vinegar and warm water solution. Gently blot the area to remove stains and grime to maintain its original shine.

2. Inside Your Coffee Maker

It is completely okay to use dish soap solution on the exterior body of your coffee maker. However, using it inside may damage the filters. Running soapy water through the machine leads to a bubbly mess.

The best cleaning hack is to fill the reservoir with vinegar and water and place a filter in the basket. Next, brew and run two cycles with plain water to get rid of vinegar residue.

Tip: Rinse twice or thrice to eliminate the lingering smell.

3. Natural Stone Surfaces: Marble and Granite Countertops

Marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces are more susceptible to stains, scratches and etching when using surfactants and acidic cleaners. Thus, avoid using dish soap when de-greasing your kitchen and bathroom counters. The enzymes and other chemicals can cause etching or permanent damage. It may even lose its original shine over time.

However, end of lease cleaning Melbourne experts recommend using mild and non-acidic cleaner to tackle spills and stains. Baking soda is a go-to eco-friendly and gentle product for cleaning delicate granite and marble countertops. Apply the paste and wipe down with a sponge or cloth.

Tip: Don’t scrub or rub the surface too abrasively to prevent damage.

4. Cast Iron Pans and Skillets

Cast iron pans have become an integral part of modern cooking practices. They are durable, heat-efficient, and easy to clean. However, traditional dish soap can strip the oil coating off due to the exposure to harsh ingredients like Iye. So, be careful when tackling grease and grime to prevent de-coating.

Instead of using soap and solvents, remove grease and grime using boiling water. Leave it for a few minutes and scrub off debris using rock salt and an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry for better results.

5. Flat Paint Walls: Leaving Streaks Behind

Flat paint is prone to dust and debris. However, using dish soap can leave unpleasant streaks behind. What's worse! Excess exposure to dish soap liquid can strip the flat paint away, leaving a bad impression on your landlord during routine inspections.

Instead, use a damp cloth and distilled water to remove spills and streaks. Baking soda can also do wonders to achieve sparkling clean walls without causing any damage. For stubborn adhesive stains, use a wet magic eraser and/or damp sponge.

6. Electronic Devices: TVs, Phones and Tablets

It may be tempting to use dish soap spray to clean smudged electronic devices like TVs, computers, phones, and tablets around the home. Despite being a stable household cleaner, using it on electronic devices can cause hefty damage. Strong surfactants ruin the coatings on screens. It may also leave unpleasant streaks and cloudiness behind.

Instead, wipe down your devices with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. You can use rubbing alcohol or vinegar solution on a cloth and wipe down from top to bottom, including crannies.

7. Dishwashers and Washing Machines

Don’t let bubbles overflow your washing machine and dishwasher. Dish soaps contain enzymes and foam boosters that may create bubbly mess when running a cycle in your dishwasher or washing machine. It is sudsy for internal components and also leaves behind a residue- leading to mechanical malfunctions.

So, it is better to run your machines using hot water and baking soda. For stubborn stains, prefer vinegar and achieve spotless results.

Tip: Regularly clean and maintain your washing machine and dishwasher to reduce energy consumption and electricity bills.

8. Pets: Washing or Shampooing Dogs/Cats

Many pet owners think that dish soap is mild and that washing pets with it will not cause damage. Unfortunately, such products contain harmful chemicals and surfactants that may cause serious infections if used on your beloved cat or dog. Instead, use regular pet shampoo or recommended products when grooming them.

9. Delicate Glass Surfaces

Some professionals use dish soap as a glass cleaner for a thorough end of lease cleaning Melbourne, but you should avoid using because it may leave streaks and marks behind if not used properly. Unlike professionals, you may not wipe off soapy residue immediately, which may cause a streaky surface.

You can use vinegar and lukewarm water to achieve spotless results. For better outcomes, run a rubber squeegee from top to bottom to prevent smudges and grime.  Believe it or not! Clean windows can help create a positive home environment, attracting prosperity and harmony.

10. Hardwood Floors

Although hardwood floors are durable, using the wrong cleaning products and techniques can strip away their original shine. Dish soap is one of those products that may lead to dullness and discolouration over time. It may even warp the texture due to excess moisture between the planks. Here is the right method when cleaning your hardwood floors:

• Regularly dust or vacuum your floors to prevent dust and grime buildup. Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA-filter to fetch dust specks and allergens effectively.
• Use a microfiber cloth when mopping to prevent excess water exposure
• Use a pH-neutral cleaner and always spot-test before applying it on the entire surface.
• Spot clean using vinegar and water

Never Clean These Things With Dish Soap

Wrapping Up

Cleaning a home is beyond scrubbing surfaces. It is the process of choosing the right products for different surfaces to prevent damage. Hopefully, this guide has helped you avoid using dish soap on 10 things around your home. Be careful and read the instructions before trying store-bought products, and achieve a spotless sanctuary like a pro.