'Harmful': Expert warns against popular couch cleaning hack
If you're anything like us, you're always on the lookout for time-saving shortcuts to make household cleaning just that little bit less tiresome.
But a popular sofa cleaning hack has now been debunked in a TikTok by renowned dry cleaner Zach Pozniak
The hack he refers to involves covering a saucepan lid with a cloth and dipping it in a solution of warm water and laundry detergent.
Laundry detergent isn't good for cleaning couches, according to dry cleaner Zach Pozniak. iStock
"Out of all the terrible Cleantok hacks, this is my least favourite," he said in the video.
He even went as far as describing its long-term effects as "actually harmful".
Pozniak says that this hack, while appearing to be a quick fix, has two glaring issues.
The first being that the sticky, detergent-washed fabric becomes a "magnet" for dirt and grime, cancelling out any cleaning benefits almost instantly.
READ MORE: The $12 dupe saving shoppers on pricey designer towels
READ MORE: The cameo Hunger Games fans have been desperately hoping for
READ MORE: 'The world is watching': Harry and Meghan weigh in on Aussie social media ban
TikToker AJ Vaughan was an early adopter of the hack. TikTok/@ajvaughan
And most surprisingly, it's leftover laundry detergent that proves to be the number one cause of skin irritation when it comes to laundry.
Pozniak explained that while detergent appears effective, it is also extremely concentrated and designed to work with "copious amounts" of water and rinsing.
"Please do not do this hack for cleaning your furniture unless you want a dirtier piece and a rash."
https://www.tiktok.com/@jeeves_ny/video/7582341193493777678?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcBut as always, Pozniak had a solution; using a no-rinse upholstery cleaning product in lieu of detergent.
"These are specifically designed so that when they're dry, there's no sticky residue."
The products in question can be vacuumed or wiped away "really easily" according to the drycleaner.
Zach Pozniak is a dry cleaner at Jeeves New York. Supplied
He said there was one trade-off, however; upholstery cleaners were a lot milder, and wouldn't uplift more stubborn staining.
He went on to recommend a must-have household appliance for couch cleanliness; an "affordable and super versatile" at-home extraction machine.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Homes
Filthy floor not cleaned in 10 years transforms back to sparkling with four-letter method
This common potting mix mistake could be the reason your plants aren’t thriving
Habit after every dishwasher cycle making it mouldy and ruining the machine
The best paint colours for making small rooms look bigger
