Cleaning Experts Warn Against 5 Household Items

Southern cleaning pros highlight products that can cause damage if used improperly.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Cleaning experts from across the South warn against using certain household items like abrasive powders, vinegar alone, bleach for everyday messes, magic erasers too frequently, and mixing bleach and ammonia or vinegar. These products can damage surfaces, fabrics, and finishes if not used carefully and in the right situations.

Why it matters

Improper use of common cleaning products can lead to permanent damage to household surfaces, fabrics, and finishes. Knowing which items to avoid or use sparingly can help homeowners maintain the integrity and appearance of their homes.

The details

Abrasive powders and scrubbers can scratch delicate surfaces like stone, glass, stainless steel, and appliances. Vinegar, while a great cleaner, can damage natural stone on its own. Bleach is meant for targeted situations, not everyday messes, as it can fade fabrics and weaken finishes. Magic erasers are helpful but act like ultra-fine sandpaper, slowly removing protective finishes if used too often. And mixing bleach with ammonia or vinegar creates toxic fumes.

  • The article was published on March 8, 2026.

The players

Charise Roberts

The owner of Two Mamas Professional Cleaning Services in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Elena Ledoux

The founder of Superb Maids Houston in Houston, Texas.

Rosa Picosa

A Fabuloso cleaning expert based in North Carolina.

Jonathon Lehman

The owner of Alpha BioClean in Palm Coast, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“These can scratch stone, glass, stainless steel, and appliances, causing permanent damage. Clean doesn't mean destroyed.”

— Charise Roberts, Owner, Two Mamas Professional Cleaning Services (southernliving.com)

“Although vinegar has amazing cleaning and sanitizing qualities, it can damage some natural stone, especially marble.”

— Elena Ledoux, Founder, Superb Maids Houston (southernliving.com)

“Bleach is meant for targeted situations, not daily messes. Using it regularly on surfaces around the house can fade fabrics, weaken finishes, and leave spotting on wood, counters, and some flooring.”

— Rosa Picosa, Fabuloso Cleaning Expert (southernliving.com)

“They're helpful for marks, but they're basically ultra-fine sandpaper. Using them weekly on doors, cabinets, and appliances slowly removes the protective finish, so use them wisely.”

— Rosa Picosa, Fabuloso Cleaning Expert (southernliving.com)

“It creates toxic fumes that are extremely dangerous. People want a 'super cleaner' for their bathrooms, so they mix different products. It happens more often than people think, usually when someone tries to clean a toilet bowl with one product while the other is still present.”

— Jonathon Lehman, Owner, Alpha BioClean (southernliving.com)

The takeaway

Knowing which common household cleaning products to use sparingly or avoid altogether can help homeowners protect their surfaces, fabrics, and finishes from permanent damage. Consulting with professional cleaners on the proper use of these items is key to maintaining a clean and well-preserved home.