The chemicals in window cleaner may be fine on glass, but over time they can yellow, fog, and even crack a computer screen. A simple damp cloth is the safer way to clean one.
Cleaning Hacks That Can Do More Harm Than Good
Short-cut cleaning tips that substitute common household products for pricier cleaners can work great, but it pays to be cautious about the occasional bit of bad advice. Here are a few popular cleaning tips that can actually do more harm than good.
Don't Spray Window Cleaner on a Computer Screen
Don't Use Olive Oil on Wood Furniture
It's a popular internet tip, but olive oil leaves behind a sticky residue that traps dust and debris, creating more cleaning work down the line.
Don't Rely on Hairspray for Ink Stains
This trick worked back when hairsprays were mostly alcohol. Today's formulas are low-alcohol or alcohol-free, so the old ink-stain trick mostly doesn't work anymore.
Skip the Coca-Cola Toilet Bowl Trick
Despite its reputation, cola isn't a real substitute for a toilet-bowl cleaner designed for the job. It can actually darken stains rather than remove them, and the sugar in it can feed bacteria growth.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →