It’s hard to understate the cleaning abilities of plain water, which dissolves so many other substances that it’s often called the “universal solvent.” But as effective as it is, water isn’t always the best way to clean something!
In today’s post, we’ll be exploring which household items you shouldn’t clean with water. Because the way I see it, it’s better to find out now by reading this blog post, than to find out the hard way later on! 🙂
Each item in this list includes suggestions for safer cleaning methods to use instead. With the help of these tips, you can clean these items safely and keep them nice for years to come!
9 Things You Should Never Clean With Water
1. Jewelry
While some jewelry looks great after being cleaned with soap and water, other pieces can wind up looking more tarnished than before. If you’re unsure what your jewelry is made of, especially with older pieces, you’re better off avoiding water when cleaning it.
Learn more about safely cleaning your jewelry.
2. Hardwood Floors
While most hardwood floors are initially sealed with a water-resistant sealant, that seal can wear off over time. And if it does, water can seep into the wood, causing it to swell, discolor, or even warp over time!
To keep your hardwood floors in tip-top shape, clean them with a microfiber mop and a cleaner formulated for hardwood. If you want to continue using a water-based mop solution, at least make sure your mop is damp, and not sopping wet, when you use it.
3. Leather
Leather upholstery, shoes, and accessories need special care to keep them looking nice. While water makes a great cleaner for most things, it can leave behind streaks on leather and lead to cracking over time.
Your best bet is to treat your leather items regularly with a special leather cleanser. Read more about caring for leather.
