Despite what you might think, cleaning some stuff is a waste of time because these things don’t actually need it. Or worse, cleaning could actually ruin them. Let’s look at fourteen things you might clean that don’t need it, as they’re much more low-maintenance than you realize. Have you ever cleaned any of these for no real reason at all?
Featured Image Credit: Elnur/Shutterstock.com.
Cast Iron Skillets
Many people love to clean their cast iron skillets with soap and hot water, as they think they’re getting rid of all that grease. But that’s kind of the opposite of what it needs because a cast iron skillet should be left alone. Scrape out the food, then wipe it down, and give it a little oil. That layer of seasoning is doing all the work for your skillet.
Copper Pans
That’s not all for pans. While copper looks pretty when it’s all shiny, that dull brown layer that forms (called a patina) is actually good for a copper pan. It protects the metal, so scrubbing it off will make more work for yourself and actually wear down the pan. The patina helps prevent corrosion, and every time you strip it away, you’re just exposing the raw copper again.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards aren’t meant to be washed every day because drenching them in water just messes them up. It’s even worse if you run them through the dishwasher. These boards will crack and warp in a way that makes them look more like a piece of driftwood. A quick wipe-down, along with some salt or lemon once in a while, is more than enough.
Denim Jeans
You should avoid throwing your jeans in the laundry after every wear because denim isn’t like a t-shirt. Denim holds up better and fits better when you wash it less, which is a good idea since most jeans are built to handle dirt and smells for a while. Air them out and do spot cleaning, but that’s all you need to do.
Stone Countertops
You really don’t need to worry too much about granite or marble in your kitchen, and you definitely shouldn’t scrub them every day with strong cleaners. Doing so can dull the surface or mess with the sealant. Most of the time, you just need to wipe them down with a soft cloth and some warm water. A properly-sealed countertop already has all the protection it needs.
Hairbrushes
Picking the hair out of your hairbrush is one thing, but soaking it or shampooing it is another. Most brushes don’t need more than a quick tap to get any loose stuff out, especially since washing them too often may loosen the bristles or warp the base. Unless it’s full of hair products or smells weird, you don’t need to scrub it.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Those fancy stainless steel appliances are made to resist dirt, and you don’t need to wipe them down constantly with expensive sprays. A damp microfiber cloth usually does the trick. Anything more will leave smudges and streaks behind, which could create film that attracts more fingerprints. Stick with plain water or some dish soap every now and then.
Leather Furniture
Any leather furniture you have doesn’t need to be wiped down weekly. In fact, doing so strips away the oils that keep it soft, so just dust it now and then. You may want to condition it every few months. The more you leave it alone, the better it ages, because leather is naturally breathable, and over-cleaning can cause cracks.
Houseplants’ Leaves
You might think you’re helping your plant by wiping each leaf, but you should relax because plants don’t need that kind of pampering. Most of them are self-cleaning, so leave the leaves alone, unless your plant’s covered in dust. Spraying a leaf too much can actually clog its pores and allow mold. There’s really no need to baby them every day.
Silver Jewelry
You don’t have to polish silver jewelry every time it looks a little dull because that darker look is normal. Over-polishing scratches the surface and wears down any engravings or details, while tarnish doesn’t harm the silver. It’s simply a surface reaction with air and moisture. Store your favorite pieces in a dry place and wear them regularly so that they stay looking good.
Dishwasher Interiors
Most people don’t realize that their dishwashers clean themselves every time they run them, which means that scrubbing the inside isn’t necessary unless there’s actual gunk. Most models even have self-cleaning filters or a rinse cycle that handles any residue. The only time you need to clean them yourself is when there’s a buildup around the door or food trap.
Cast Stone Fireplaces
Using soap and water on your cast stone fireplace is going to destroy it more than brighten it up. Cast stone soaks up moisture like a sponge, and this will lead to ugly stains or even long-term damage. Instead, dry dusting is the best way to go. Simply use a dry cloth or soft brush to knock off the dirt every so often, without any chemicals.
Washing Machine Drum
You throw your laundry in and shut the door, then the washing machine does its thing. The entire time that happens, the drum is being blasted with hot water and detergent, which is why you don’t need to clean it. The grime builds up in the rubber seal and the detergent tray. That’s what you need to scrub, not the drum.
Computer Screen With Household Glass Cleaner
Grabbing a bottle of Windex to clean your laptop screen may feel like a quick fix, but it’s actually a huge mistake. Glass cleaner ruins the coating and leaves cloudy streaks that won’t go away, which is awful because these screens are delicate. Even spraying cleaner on a cloth and wiping too hard can wreck it. A dry microfiber cloth might be okay when the screen needs it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
