11 places you should not apply detergent

Among the many existing cleaning products, one that is not lacking in anyone's home is detergent. This neutral-based liquid soap is commonly used for dishwashing, but usually ends up with other utilities in the home. However, its use is not always appropriate.

It is correct to use detergent to remove grease on washable surfaces, but it is worth remembering that not properly rinsing the residue left after application is a problem, as the surface will be fogged and the material may be damaged.

In this context, you know below some materials / places that can be damaged when being cleaned with the detergent.


1. Dishwasher

The dishwasher requires the use of a specific detergent for this purpose, so no ordinary detergent should be added to it.

Ana Paula Barcena, Managing Director of Nature & Cleaning, comments that the dishwasher has its positive side, because you put all the dishes, it washes and rinses once, while in traditional washing there is a need to wash a an?.

Also read: 10 places we forgot to clean at cleaning time


? These machines were created with ph 7 detergent (differentiated degreaser) and also require a rinse aid that allows the drying of parts avoiding stains in dishes ,? adds Ana Paula.

She points out that since the correct detergent is not used in the dishwasher over time, there is a risk of damaging the machine's mechanism.

Also, using common detergent on the machine can cause a deluge of foams.


2. Washing Machine

Ana Paula explains that common detergent should never be used in the washing machine because? Every detergent has its purpose and dishwashing detergent is not for clothes? Is there a risk of staining, roughening the fabric?

In addition, a deluge of foam may occur, as in the case of the dishwasher.

3. Computer Screen

Many people end up using some detergent to clean their computer / notebook screen. But this is not recommended.

Detergent becomes a degreaser. A droplet causes you to blur the entire screen and you have much more work to clean ?, clarifies Ana Paula.

4. Wood surfaces

A common question is: can I use detergent to clean wooden tables / chairs, for example?

Fabio Malatesta, industrial chemist and consultant for chemical companies, explains that it is not recommended. That's because there is wood of countless natures. For some types it may even be appropriate to use detergent, but for others it may not stain ?, he says.

"It is best to use furniture polishes, which have high compatibility with all types of wood, and which acts in a different way from detergent," says the chemist.

5. Glass and windows

Malatesta explains that it is not? Prohibited? Using detergent to clean windows and glass, however, is not the best option. Currently there is a plethora of clean glass products on the market. So of course there are better solutions to this?

Remember that detergent generates a large amount of foam that will have to be rinsed with a large amount of water. Also, depending on the composition of the detergent and especially if it takes a long time to be removed or not completely removed, can leave small stains on the glass ?, explains the chemist.

? Of course these stains are reversible, but still, what we can conclude is that cleaning with detergent is much more labor intensive and moreover it is not the most sustainable option (as a lot of rinsing water will need to be used)? , adds Malatesta.

The chemist points out that the most appropriate is to use a glass cleaner. Cleaning will be done faster, the product will dry faster and leave no stains.

6. Pool Tile

Malatesta explains that it is even possible to use detergent to clean pool tiles, but this is not very recommended. ? At the edge of the pool usually gather body fat, sweat, sunscreen remnants, suntan lotion, conditioner etc? And that the detergent, in fact, will clean, but will make foam that will naturally stay in the pool itself ?, clarifies.

"There are products that will not foam, so they are more suitable for this type of cleaning," he adds.

7. Lime walls

Malatesta explains that trying to clean a wall stain with lime with detergent can have a negative effect. "Because the detergent will remove the stain, leaving a mark that will stand out from the rest of the wall (ie, where it was applied will be whiter)," he says.

8. Sofas and cushions

Remember that the detergent generates foam and therefore requires rinsing. "Sofas, pillows have foam, are items that can not be rinsed," he says.

9. Car

Never use car wash detergent. ? Ordinary detergent is not a friend of car paint and can damage it ?, highlights Ana Paula.

10. Skin

Of course when washing dishes without gloves, one's hands end up in direct contact with the detergent. And that will not cause major problems. "In the market there can be no detergent that is not neutral, all are in accordance with the laws of Anvisa," comments Malatesta.

However, as explained by the chemist, it is natural that there is a greater loss of fat on the skin of the hand, especially when in contact with hot water? But nothing beyond that.

"The recommendation, then, is preferably to use dishwashing gloves, to avoid hand drying, to prevent any possible cutting flames etc", highlights Malatesta.

However, it should be noted that detergent can never be used to wash other parts of the body (in the bath, for example, in a place where there is no soap). It will over-extract fat from the body and may also come into contact with intimate parts of the body (which require great care).

It is also important to avoid washing your hands with detergent (when not washing dishes), precisely to avoid dryness of the skin. There are handwashing soaps on the market and these are the most suitable products in this case.

11. Pets

Although it is not something totally? Forbidden? And some people even have this habit, it is worth remembering that bathing the pet with detergent is not very recommended.

Ana Paula comments that legend has it that kitchen detergent eliminates fleas. "Mixing a spoon with warm water and a tablespoon of detergent coffee (necessary neutral detergent and no dyes), rubbing your pet's hair well, is said to loosen the flea," he says.

Whoever does this should be very careful with the eyes of the animal. Should lather and rinse once a day for three days, as soap breaks flea cell membranes and removes protective wax? The flea can't hold water and dies of dehydration?

However, Ana Paula points out, it is very important to consult a vet before doing this. And the most appropriate and safe, of course, is to use the right shampoos for a pet? There are numerous options on the market!

4 questions about using detergent

The use of detergent even causes some doubts. For example, is it true that a drop of the product removes the grease stain from clothing? Below you can find the answer to this and other questions.

1. Does detergent really remove the stain from the fabric?

Malatesta points out that the detergent is a product to remove fat. "So that's why a little detergent is usually applied to a grease stain on fabric," he says.

However, it is worth mentioning: if the stain is not grease, probably the detergent will not have a positive effect.

But detergent is not the most suitable washing product (in general). There are numerous better possibilities on the market that will have a much better effect on the fabric ?, adds the chemist.

2. Can detergent be used to clean silver?

Malatesta points out that silver, when exposed to air, looks black. The detergent has no action to reverse it. It may even be used to clean the object, but it will not remove the "black", for that, you need a specific product, "he says.

3. Can a sandwich maker detergent (and similar appliances) be used?

It can, and is even recommended, according to Malatesta. "You only have to be careful with the amount of water at the time of rinsing, so that water does not enter the electrical parts and damage the appliance," he says.

"The detergent alone does not harm the Teflon, which can spoil the way it will be scrubbed (in the case of steel sponge, for example)," adds the chemist.

4. Can detergent be used to clean the glasses lens?

According to Ana Paula, yes. • Apply only a delicate droplet to each lens, spread gently and bloodless. Dry with microfiber cloth?

You now know some places / materials to avoid detergent as well as others where the product will be useful for cleaning.

Remember that today in the market there are numerous presentations of cleaning products. And that, each segment has its particularities. Therefore, there are more or less suitable products for each purpose. When properly used for its intended purpose, it tends to clean faster, has easier application and is sure to deliver better results.

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