Water is one of the safest household cleaners, which might make you think it’s appropriate for all surfaces, but that’s not the case. While you can use it to wash down many delicate surfaces, avoid cleaning the following seven items with water.
Unfinished Wood
Wood and water don’t mix—especially when that wood doesn’t have a protective top layer. Unfinished wood is porous, which means it can absorb liquids. When water lays on its surface, it acts as a sponge, soaking it up and causing the wood to expand and contract.
You should also be careful mixing too much water with finished wood, like your hardwood floors. Any liquid left on for a prolonged time can penetrate the cracks in the wood, causing the boards to warp.
The safest way to clean unfinished wood is to dust or vacuum it and then wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. Finished wood can handle appropriate pH-neutral cleaning agents. Just make sure you’re using a damp-only mop on your floors and a damp rag on wooden furniture.
Porous Stones like Marble, Stucco, and Brick
Brick, marble, and stucco are porous, which can absorb moisture. While a little bit of an appropriate cleaner is fine for washing these surfaces, be wary of oversaturating them. Too much water can break down delicate top coats, absorb into the stone or brick, and cause unsightly water spots.
Electronics
Water and eclectic don’t mix. Washing your TV, computer, or video game console with water will only result in electrical shorting. Instead, vacuum dust from electronic devices and wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Silk, Suede, or Leather
Hold off on the water if you have silk or suede furniture or curtains. Water can cause streaks and discoloration. Instead, follow the recommendations on your item’s care tag, which may indicate hand cleaning the item with rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
Leather is another fabric that doesn’t mix well with water. Water can cause eventual cracking and streaking. Instead, opt for a leather cleaner.
Electrical Outlets and Light Fixtures
Just like you can’t wash electronics with water, you shouldn’t wash electrical outlets or light fixtures. Mixing electricity with water is a significant hazard to yourself and your home. If you need to clean your electrical outlets, turn off the power and then use a vacuum to suction away dust. Unscrew the outlet cover and wash with a damp scrub brush. After the cover is completely dry, reassemble it and turn your electricity back on.
To clean light fixtures, suction dust with a vacuum and wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Silver
Water can further tarnish already tarnished silver. Instead, you need a mildly acidic cleaner, like lemon juice, vinegar, or ketchup, to remove silver tarnish. Once you soak your silver items in an appropriate solution, you can rinse them with water and towel dry them.
Gas Oven Range Burners
The more you cook, the dirtier your gas oven range burners will become. Instead of soaking them in water or a cleaning solution, which could damage the interior components, dust off all crumbs and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
