Bleach on Grout

Bleach is a cleaning staple in many homes, but using it on your bathroom grout might do more harm than good. According to the American Cleaning Institute, while bleach is effective at killing mold and bacteria, it can actually erode grout over time, leading to crumbling and cracks.

This erosion makes your grout more porous, which means it starts absorbing moisture and can lead to even worse mold problems down the road. Recent research published in 2024 by the International Journal of Environmental Health found that repeated bleach use on grout can reduce its lifespan by nearly 30%.

The color of your grout might also change, turning yellow or patchy. Instead, experts suggest using specialized grout cleaners or a mixture of baking soda and water for a safer clean.

The truth is, while bleach feels like a powerful fix, it often creates bigger headaches later.

Vinegar on Stone Surfaces

Vinegar has a reputation as a miracle cleaner, but it’s a nightmare for natural stone surfaces like marble and granite. According to a 2023 Consumer Reports investigation, vinegar’s high acidity can etch and dull stone surfaces, leaving permanent marks that can’t be buffed out.

This is because vinegar reacts with the calcium in stone, essentially eating away at the finish. The National Stone Institute warns that even a single cleaning with vinegar can strip away sealants, making your expensive countertops and tiles more vulnerable to stains.

Many people use vinegar out of habit, not realizing the hidden damage it causes. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone, which are recommended by most manufacturers and industry experts.

Vinegar might seem harmless, but on stone, it’s anything but.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners on Tiles

Toilet bowl cleaners are made to tackle tough stains, but their harsh chemicals can destroy bathroom tiles. According to a 2024 report by the Environmental Working Group, these cleaners usually contain hydrochloric acid or bleach, both of which can strip the glaze from ceramic or porcelain tiles, leading to dullness and discoloration.

The grout between tiles is especially at risk, as the chemicals can degrade it quickly, as noted by the Tile Council of North America. Some brands even warn against using their products on any surfaces other than porcelain toilets.

When these cleaners seep into porous areas, they can also release fumes that linger, affecting indoor air quality. For tile cleaning, mild soap and water or specialized tile cleaners are much safer and just as effective for routine maintenance.

Paper Towels on Mirrors and Glass

Paper towels are a go-to for cleaning mirrors and glass, but they actually leave behind lint and tiny scratches that build up over time. According to a 2023 Good Housekeeping Institute test, microfiber cloths outperform paper towels by a wide margin, removing more dirt without streaks or residue.

The cellulose fibers in paper towels can act like fine sandpaper, especially when used on dust or grit, leading to a cloudy look on glass. Over months and years, these small abrasions can make mirrors look permanently hazy.

Research from the University of California, Davis, also shows that paper towels aren’t as hygienic as people think, often spreading bacteria if reused. Microfiber cloths are recommended by most leading cleaning authorities for a streak-free, scratch-free finish.

Dish Soap on Shower Doors

Dish soap is often used for its grease-cutting power, but it’s not suited for shower doors. Studies from the Soap and Detergent Association in 2024 highlight that dish soap leaves behind a sticky residue on glass, which attracts soap scum and hard water deposits even faster.

This film can make your shower doors appear dull and dirty within days of cleaning. In addition, many dish soaps contain moisturizers or scents that aren’t intended for bathroom surfaces and can cause buildup.

Shower doors require specific glass cleaners or vinegar solutions (on non-stone installations) to stay spotless. Using the wrong soap might make cleaning feel endless, as you constantly battle the residue it leaves behind.

Magic Erasers on Chrome Fixtures

Magic erasers feel like a cleaning superpower, but they’re made of melamine foam, which acts like a very fine sandpaper. When used on chrome fixtures, recent manufacturer advisories and a 2023 study by ConsumerLab confirm that magic erasers can scratch away the shiny finish, leaving dull, patchy spots that can’t be restored.

These tiny abrasions become magnets for dirt and water spots, making your fixtures look grimy sooner. While magic erasers are excellent for removing scuffs from walls or doors, experts say they should never touch polished metal surfaces.

A soft cloth and gentle cleaner is all you need for chrome—anything more abrasive is overkill and will do lasting damage.

Ammonia on Painted Surfaces

Ammonia is sometimes used in bathroom cleaning solutions, but it’s notorious for stripping paint from walls, cabinets, and trim. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 guidelines, ammonia reacts with paint binders, causing them to break down and peel.

This is especially problematic in bathrooms, where high humidity already stresses painted surfaces. Once the paint is compromised, mold and mildew can take hold much more easily, putting your health at risk.

Professional painters and home improvement experts agree: avoid ammonia-based cleaners on any painted bathroom surfaces. Stick with mild, non-abrasive cleaners to protect your walls and cabinets for the long haul.

Baking Soda on Acrylic Tubs

Baking soda is often hailed as a gentle abrasive, but it’s not safe for every surface—especially acrylic bathtubs. A 2024 report by the Home Improvement Research Institute warns that baking soda can scratch acrylic, leaving a network of fine lines that are impossible to remove.

These tiny scratches trap dirt, soap, and bacteria, making your tub harder to keep clean and shortening its lifespan. Manufacturers of acrylic tubs specifically advise against using any abrasive powders, including baking soda, for this reason.

Soft sponges and non-abrasive liquid cleaners are the best options. What seems like a gentle, “old-fashioned” cleaner can quietly ruin your tub if you’re not careful.