While it calculate tantalising , there are numerous reasons you should vamoose the viral machine politician that affect cleaning upholstered furniture with laundry detergent pod .
It ’s no secret that not allTikTok cleaning trendsactually piece of work . And unfortunately , there ’s anotherviral cleanup hackgoing around that could actually destroy your furniture . Thepopular TikTok videosinvolve using laundry detergent pods toclean sofas , headboard , and other upholstery .
While this trend is n’t serious , like the Tide Pod challenge videos of the 2010s , it ’s still unhelpful . And it can get lasting legal injury to yourupholstered article of furniture , not to cite skin aggravation and respiratory problems .
Credit: Buff Stickland
If you ’ve yet to witness the viral videos under the hashtag # cleantok , we ’ll bankrupt it down for you . say on to learn what it mean , why it ’s not deserving trying , and right ways to keep your upholstered furniture looking and feeling clean .
What Is the Tide Pod Cleaning Trend?
As the name suggests , the technique involves cleaning your furniture with laundry pods . In the viral videos , creators place a seedcase in a bowl and pour boiling water directly over it so it bug out to dissolve . Then , they take a cleaning rag or dish towel , wrap it tightly around a pocket-sized flock lid , and dip the flat side into the soapy solution .
Then , the video God Almighty wipe down their framework furniture pieces with the tatter - covered pot lid . The straightaway after effects do appear impressive , since visible stains and situation appear to magically go away . And , creators often tote up that their couches smell out divine when they ’re done . But , in world , the results are short - live and cause live on scathe to the piece of furniture and your phratry — especially pet !
Why Is the Tide Pod Cleaning Trend a Bad Idea?
Sifting through the commentary sections of these videos , you ’ll see that many viewers are skeptical about the cleaning technique or downright disappoint with the outcome if they ’ve tried it in their own abode . And while there are plenty of other people who have expressed that this magic work like a charm for them , it ’s a agile localisation that really harms your furniture over meter . There are two independent reasons we do n’t commend trying this trend .
1. It Leads to Premature Wear of Your Furniture
The viral TikTok videos are enticing because youcansee stains and dirt disappearing . But the contiguous gratification is not worth the long - full term wear and tear . Since the improvised cleaning tool is drenched in water and a harsh chemical substance , firmly scrubbing it into cloth can cause it to pill . Worse , the wet can seep into the fibers and leave in mold and mildew . Before you know it , your furniture could be ruin beyond mending . As anyone who ’s bought one bang , couches are an investing , so shortening their life-time is n’t a chic move .
2. It Leads to Skin Irritation
Laundry pods are extremely concentrated , meant to lap an entire family - sizing lading of laundry . So , using an entire pod on a undivided slice of furniture leaves quite a bit of chemic residuum all over the aerofoil . That same surface is what you , your kid , your guests , and possibly your pet model or lay on . For anyone with tegument sensitivities or allergies , this is specially unhealthy . It can cause roseola , dermatitis , or other issues over time . Also , the dawdle smell may annoy a person ’s respiratory system or induce headache for anyone sensible to strong smells .
Better Ways to Clean Upholstered Furniture
Now that you know the potential risks tie in with using Tide Pods on upholstered furniture , it ’s wiser to mistake on the side of caution and skip the hack altogether . If your lounge is in desperate demand of a deep clean , there are alternative and dependable ways to get it done .
If you ’ve already try the laundry cod method , TikTok commenters recommend going over the intact aerofoil with a void orcarpet extractorafterward . This will help sop up any remnant wet and residue from the detergent .
Ideally , however , you ’ll skip the pods and go directly to one of the below methods for clean article of furniture . Always check the cleaning codes ( there are four in total ) or with the manufacturer before trying something on a new small-arm of piece of furniture . A potentially easier route is to simply removethe couch cushion overcompensate , if it ’s an available choice , and wash them separately .
How to Clean Microfiber or Cotton
The first step is toremove any pet hair , dirt , or crumbs as you may using a vacuum . Then , depending on the maker ’s label , you canspot - treat stainsby blot them with either a mixture of piss and meek dish easy lay , rubbing alcohol , or a cleansing agent specifically designate for upholstery .
How to Clean Velvet
This process of clean velvet furniture is not all that dissimilar from cleaning microfiber , but it ’s worth noting that you should be extra easy when vacuuming so as to not disturb the more delicate velvet stuff . Tackle stains as shortly as possible with a diminutive bit of a soapy solution and a soft cloth moving in a one - directional movement . you could also take tosteam itto smooth out the material or brush off lint and debris to quash the amount of times you need to vacuum-clean it .
How to Clean Linen
Like velvet , you need to use a lightsome touch when deal linen paper furniture . Blend humble amount of clear smasher soap , baking soda , and bloodless acetum to form a spread . Softly swab the varnished areas , let the admixture sit down for a brusque bit , and then hoover it up completely .
How to Clean Polyester
Depending on its recording label , you may either practice a commercial-grade cleaner designate for use on polyester or create a DIY root using tender water , a mild laundry detergent , and white vinegar . After cleaning stained areas , use a soft - spiny brushwood to smooth out the fabric .
How to Clean Wool
While woollen upholstery is passably durable , it ’s also advisable to only pick it with water . First , run a vacuum or cartridge extractor over the fabric and then scrub any place using a microfiber cloth dipped in warm piss and rotary motions .
How to Clean Chenille
Chenille is sly because of its ability to absorb moisture faster than other materials . So it ’s important to address spillage aright aside by soaking them up with a ironical towel and , if necessary , following it up with a spot treatment that explicitly posit it ’s secure to utilize on chenille . let it to sit no longer than instruct before blot the cleaner by .
