29 May 2025 5 Viral Cleaning Trends That Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good, According to the Pros
Please, please don’t put your toaster under water.
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It seems like there’s a new cleaning trend on social media every day. Whether it’s a clever decluttering hack, a fresh take on an old method, or a surprisingly effective use for a common product, it’s easy to fall down the CleanTok rabbit hole. And while these videos can be a great source of cleaning inspiration, not every trend is worth trying. Some are ineffective, a waste of time, or even dangerous. Here are five cleaning trends that professional cleaners wish you’d stop doing.
1. Fake Before and Afters
When it comes to just about any viral trend, there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors on social media, but according to Mónica Taher, chief operating officer of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, cleaning pros find this trend detrimental. “We really dislike when influencers create fake dirty environments just to clean them on camera or to show exaggerated before-and-after videos,” she says.
While it might look good on video, Taher says these representations can sometimes result in clients taking pro cleaners for granted. “It promotes unrealistic standards that can confuse clients,” she explains.
2. Mixing Cleaning Products
While mixing vinegar and water is perfectly safe, mixing multiple cleaning products at once, especially those formulated with various chemicals, can be incredibly dangerous. The layers might look cool and oddly satisfying, but cleaning pros, including Taher, do not advise using more than one product at the same time. “This can be dangerous, especially for the young and inexperienced who might listen to this advice and mix products,” she says. “There can be health hazards to you and your family, surface damage, and even your pet’s safety can be at risk.”
Most products will work effectively on their own when used appropriately. Mixing several different products not only increases risk, but also wastes money.