We love a DIY spirit. But some of the most common cleaning habits are slowly destroying surfaces across Edmonton — and the damage doesn't show up until it's expensive. Here are the seven we see most.
1. Vinegar on Stone and Marble
Vinegar is a great cleaner — except on natural stone, marble, and travertine, where the acid etches the surface permanently. Those dull spots on your marble vanity? That's vinegar damage, and it doesn't buff out. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner instead.
2. Bleach on Grout (Repeatedly)
Bleach whitens grout in the moment and weakens it over time. Repeated use breaks down grout, leading to crumbling and water getting behind tiles — a much bigger problem in Edmonton's freeze-thaw bathrooms. Oxygen-based cleaners whiten without the damage.
3. Too Much Water on Hardwood
Edmonton's dry winters already stress hardwood. Mopping with a soaking-wet mop — or worse, a steam mop — forces moisture between boards, causing cupping and warping. Damp-mop only, and never let water stand. If your mop leaves puddles, it's too wet.
4. Abrasive Scrubbers on Everything
Steel wool and harsh scouring pads scratch stainless steel, glass cooktops, acrylic tubs, and non-stick surfaces. The scratches then trap grime, making everything harder to clean next time — a vicious cycle. Microfibre and non-scratch sponges handle 95% of jobs.
5. Mixing Cleaners (Especially Bleach + Anything)
Bleach plus vinegar creates chlorine gas. Bleach plus ammonia (found in many glass cleaners) creates chloramine vapours. Both can send you to the hospital. One product at a time, rinsed between — or better, stick to a single quality all-purpose cleaner for most jobs.
6. Spraying Electronics Directly
Spraying cleaner straight onto TVs, remotes, and light switches lets liquid seep into places it shouldn't. Spray the cloth first, then wipe. This one's small but the repair bills aren't.
7. Ignoring the Dryer Vent and Range Hood Filter
Not surface damage, but house damage: clogged dryer vents are a genuine fire hazard, and grease-caked range hood filters stop working entirely. Both need attention a few times a year — and both are jobs people put off forever.
When in Doubt, Ask a Pro
If you're unsure what a surface is or what it can handle, that's exactly the kind of question we're happy to answer — and exactly why our teams train on materials, not just methods. Book a clean and let the chemistry be our problem.