The internet is full of cleaning hacks that claim to be life-changing, but not all of them are actually safe—especially for your furniture. Some popular DIY cleaning methods can damage finishes, discolor fabrics, or even shorten the lifespan of your furniture.
Before you grab that baking soda, vinegar, or Magic Eraser, make sure you’re not about to ruin your favorite couch, table, or dresser. Here are 13 cleaning hacks you should avoid—and what to do instead!
1. Using Vinegar on Wood Furniture
Vinegar is often praised as a natural, chemical-free cleaner, but it can be too harsh for wood furniture. Its acidity can strip the protective finish, making the surface dull, dry, or even discolored over time.
What to do instead:
For everyday cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. If you need to deep clean, mix a mild dish soap with warm water, apply sparingly, and dry immediately. To restore shine, use a wood-safe furniture polishoccasionally.
2. Scrubbing Upholstery with a Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are great for scuff marks on hard surfaces, but they’re too abrasive for fabric upholstery. Scrubbing with one can wear down fabric fibers, cause discoloration, and even create bald spots on delicate materials like velvet, microfiber, and leather.
What to do instead:
For stains, blot with a cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. For tougher stains, try an upholstery cleaner designed for your fabric type. Always blot, never scrub, to avoid damaging fibers.
3. Using Bleach on Furniture
Bleach is a strong disinfectant, but it’s way too harsh for most furniture materials. It can strip color from wood, weaken fabric fibers, and corrode metal finishes.
What to do instead:
For sanitizing surfaces like tables and chairs, use a diluted mix of mild dish soap and warm water. If you need a disinfectant, opt for a gentler cleaner like hydrogen peroxide (for hard surfaces) or an alcohol-based spray for fabrics.
4. Applying Olive Oil to Polish Wood
You might have seen the hack of using olive oil to polish wooden furniture, but this can actually do more harm than good. Over time, oil can rancidify, attracting dust, bacteria, and even mold, which can damage the wood rather than protect it.
What to do instead:
Use a wood-safe polish or conditioner designed to protect and nourish your furniture. A mix of mineral oil and beeswax is a safer alternative that won’t go rancid.
5. Cleaning Leather with Baby Wipes
Baby wipes seem like a gentle, easy cleaning option, but many contain alcohol, fragrances, and chemicals that can dry out and crack leather over time.
What to do instead:
Use a leather cleaner and conditioner designed for furniture. If you’re in a pinch, a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap will do the trick. Always follow up with a leather conditioner to keep it soft and hydrated.
6. Using Baking Soda on Wood
Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer and cleaner, but it’s too abrasive for wood surfaces. Over time, it can scratch finishes, strip away protective coatings, and leave dull patches.
What to do instead:
Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap to clean wood surfaces. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-balanced wood cleaner to avoid damage.
7. Spraying Glass Cleaner on Wood or Painted Furniture
Many people reach for glass cleaner (like Windex) to clean glossy furniture, but this is a big mistake. Most glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can strip paint, dull varnishes, and leave streaky residues on furniture.
What to do instead:
Use a mild dish soap diluted in water for painted or glossy surfaces. Always dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent moisture damage.
8. Soaking Stains on Fabric Furniture
When dealing with a stain, it might seem like saturating it with water or cleaner will help lift it. However, excess moisture can soak into the cushions, leading to mildew, odors, and damage to the furniture’s structure.
What to do instead:
Blot spills immediately with a dry towel, then use a small amount of cleaner applied with a damp cloth. Let the fabric air dry completely, and avoid using too much liquid.
9. Using Hydrogen Peroxide on Dark Wood
Hydrogen peroxide is great for disinfecting, but it can bleach and lighten dark wood finishes. Over time, this can lead to uneven coloring and dull spots.
What to do instead:
For disinfecting, use a mild soap and water solution. If you’re dealing with stains on wood, try a wood stain marker or refinishing oil to maintain color consistency.
10. Rubbing Ink Stains with Alcohol on Leather
Rubbing alcohol seems like a great way to lift ink stains, but it can also strip natural oils from leather, making it dry, cracked, and discolored.
Use a leather cleaner or rubbing alcohol diluted with water (test on a hidden spot first). For tough stains, consult a professional leather cleaner.
11. Using Hairspray to Remove Stains on Furniture
Hairspray was once a go-to trick for ink stains, but modern formulas contain oils and conditioners that can actually make stains worse and leave sticky residues on fabric or wood.
What to do instead:
For ink stains, use a proper stain remover, rubbing alcohol, or dish soap and warm water. Always blot, never scrub, to avoid setting the stain deeper.
12. Scrubbing Wood Floors with Vinegar and Water
Vinegar might seem like a natural floor cleaner, but its acidity can strip the finish off hardwood floors over time, leading to dull, damaged wood.
What to do instead:
Use a hardwood floor cleaner or mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Always use a damp mop, not a soaking wet one, to prevent water damage.
13. Using Steam Cleaners on Wood Furniture
Steam cleaning is great for tile and upholstery, but it’s terrible for wood furniture. The high heat and moisture can cause warping, swelling, and finish damage.
What to do instead:
For deep cleaning, use a wood-safe cleaner and a soft cloth. If moisture is needed, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth, but never saturate the wood.
