Which Cleaning Products Actually Damage Your Home's Surfaces?

Helen Kilraine • July 29, 2025

There’s nothing better than the fresh lemony scent while you’re wiping down your counters, but some of those pleasant-smelling cleaners might be doing more harm than good. Many common cleaning products can actually wear down or damage certain surfaces in your home if used too often or the wrong way. From granite countertops to hardwood floors, it’s important to know which products to avoid to keep your home looking its best.

Cleaning Products That Can Damage Your Home’s Surfaces

Vinegar Can Ruin Stone Surfaces

While vinegar is a go-to for natural cleaning, it’s too acidic for materials like granite, marble, and limestone. Over time, it can dull the finish, eat away at sealants, and cause permanent damage to the stone.


Bleach Isn’t Safe for All Surfaces

Bleach is powerful, but it can be too harsh for many household materials. It can discolor grout, corrode metal fixtures, and weaken the finish on wood floors or furniture. Even diluted bleach can leave behind lasting damage if not used carefully.


Harsh Scrubs Can Cause Scratches

Products with gritty texture or hard scrubbing particles may seem effective, but they can scratch delicate surfaces. Such as glass stovetops, stainless steel appliances, and ceramic tiles. Over time, these scratches can trap dirt and ruin the appearance of your surfaces.


Using Ammonia Can Ruin Coatings

Ammonia is another heavy-duty cleaner that can do more harm than good. On sealed wood, painted surfaces, or waxed flooring, ammonia can strip away protective coatings and leave materials exposed to moisture and wear.


Hydrogen Peroxide Can Stain Surfaces


While hydrogen peroxide is great for disinfecting, it’s not always safe for cleaning. It can lighten or bleach fabrics, damage dark countertops, and cause discoloration on some types of flooring. Always spot test before using it on visible areas.


Multi-Surface Doesn’t Always Mean Safe

Just because a cleaner is labeled “multi-surface” doesn’t mean it’s safe for every surface. Always read the fine print and test on a small area before using it on sensitive materials like stone, wood, or specialty finishes.


Disinfecting Wipes Can Wear Down Finishes

Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but they often contain alcohol and other strong chemicals that can dull or damage certain finishes. Especially on wood, leather, and touchscreens. Using them too frequently can cause surfaces to dry out, crack, or lose their shine.


We Can Help You Clean Smarter, Not Harder

Using the wrong cleaning products can damage your home over time, but knowing what to use makes all the difference. If you’re not sure what’s safe or just want a pro to handle the job, we’re here to help keep your home clean and protected. Contact us today!


By Helen Kilraine August 28, 2025
Let’s be honest, keeping your home clean is a full-time job. Sure, the daily wipe-downs and weekly vacuuming help things look presentable, but every now and then, your space needs more than a surface-level shine. Deep cleaning gets into all those overlooked corners, behind the toilet, under the sofa cushions, and inside the fridge, where everyday routines just don’t reach. The big question is: how often should each area of your home be deep cleaned? Here’s what to know so you can stay on top of it without feeling overwhelmed. Kitchen Your kitchen sees constant action, which means it needs regular attention. Every month or so, give your appliances a good scrub, clean the oven, wipe down the fridge shelves, and sanitize the sink and garbage disposal. Grease and food splatters also build up on cabinet fronts and backsplashes, so don’t forget those either. If you cook frequently, you might find yourself deep cleaning even more often, and that’s okay. Kitchen deep cleans are needed every 1 to 3 months, depending on your lifestyle. Bathroom Because of the constant moisture, bathrooms are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold if left unchecked. Plan to deep clean your shower walls and grout lines every couple of months, and give the toilet (especially around the base and behind it) a thorough scrub. It’s also a great time to clean the bathroom fan, shine up fixtures, and toss out any expired products hiding in your cabinets. Adding the bathroom to your deep cleaning list every 1 to 2 months is a crucial part of keeping your home feeling fresh. Bedrooms Bedrooms might seem like the cleanest rooms in the house, but dust and allergens love to settle in soft surfaces. Every 3 to 6 months, wash your comforters and pillows (not just the pillowcases), flip your mattress, and vacuum underneath the bed. Closets could probably use a seasonal declutter, too, especially if you haven’t seen the floor in a while. Living Room With all the foot traffic, snacks, and screen time, your living room collects more than just memories. Every 2 to 3 months, move furniture around to clean underneath and behind it. Vacuum the couch cushions, wash any pillow covers or throw blankets, and dust fan blades, electronics, and baseboards. If you’ve got pets or kids, you might want to do this even more often. Whole-House Areas to Keep in Mind Certain parts of your home aren’t room-specific, but they still deserve regular attention. Think of things like windows and their tracks, doors and handles, vents, and light switches. A solid deep clean every few months helps reduce dust, improve air quality, and keep your home feeling truly fresh. How Sunshine Maids Can Help At Sunshine Maids, we understand that deep cleaning requires time, energy, and sometimes a bit of expertise. That’s why we offer thorough, professional cleaning services tailored to your home’s specific needs, whether you want a one-time refresh or a seasonal deep clean. From forgotten corners to high-traffic zones, we handle the work so you can enjoy a home that feels lighter, brighter, and healthier. When you're ready for a deep clean without the deep stress, we're just a call away!
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