✅ 1. Myth: “More cleanser = cleaner clothing and dishes.”

Reality: What’s critical to cleaning with a washing machine or dishwasher is that more isn’t better. It’ll just leave remaining buildup.

Why It’s Harmful:
When you add excess cleanser to your laundry, the leftover soap is never completely rinsed away. The cleanser will form buildup and accumulate inside the appliance over time. Buildup can cause:

• Clogged internal components in the appliances.

• Mold & bacteria growth.

• Off odor & smells.

• Mechanical issues like blocked sensors and emitters.

What You Ought to Do:
Use the proper amount of cleanser, following the instructions, and for front-loaders and high-efficiency (HE) machines, use less.
More cleanser = more problems.

✅ 2. Myth: “Clean the ice chest when it looks dirty”

Reality: Cleaning the fridge only when it looks messy is like getting your oil changed only when your check engine light comes on — it’s too late.

Why It’s Harmful:
Regardless of how clean your fridge looks on the outside, there’s a ton of hidden grime and food particles collecting on the coils, seals, and compartments. This can affect:

• Efficiency of cooling

• Wear and tear of the compressor

• Longevity of the refrigerator

✅ 3. Myth: “The microwave isn’t grimy since it just warms food.”

Truth: While the microwave does not cook with fire, that does not mean it is somehow not dirty.

Why It Is Unsafe:
Any food splatter that’s left inside will eventually become baked-on gunk. That can cause:

• Absorption of microwave energy

• Uneven heating

• Microbes and smells

• Harm to the interior walls or protective coatings (if present)

What To Do:
Use a damp cloth with some vinegar (or add some water) and wipe it down on a weekly basis.
If you have tough spots, use a bowl of lemon water and heat for 3 minutes. Then wipe.

✅ 4. Myth: “You don’t have to dump the bag or bin in the vacuum until it is full.”

Truth: The longer you wait to dump the bag or canister, the more you may genuinely reduce the suction performance.

Why It Is Perilous:
When the bag/bin is nearing full:

• Airstream is restricted

• Engine is under strain

• Suction is reduced

• Fine dust is going through filters and possibly harming the motor

What To Do:
Dump the vacuum when it is 2/3 full, and clean/change filters frequently.

✅ 5. Myth: “Self-Cleaning Stoves Clean Themselves”

Reality: Self-cleaning is not a terrible feature to have, but self-cleaning does not mean a clean oven—and practically all of the benefits of self-cleaning can work against a stove if taken too literally.

Why it is harmful:
When ovens heat to those levels, they can:

• Damage internal parts

• Burn fuses

• Shatter glass

• And, if the oven has large debris, cause smoke or fire

What You Ought to Do:
A few times a year of self-cleaning is reasonable, and always clean up the large debris with hot soapy water before using the self-cleaning function.

✅ 6. Myth: “Appliances are Plug-and-Forget Devices”

Reality: No modern appliance is plug-and-maintain-nothing.

Why It’s Harmful:
Really, you should think through the types of maintenance you typically neglect, such as:

• Changing out filters

• Cleaning vents

• Checking seals

• Lubricating moving parts

And neglecting these maintenance tasks entirely causes:

• Increased energy use

• Reduced performance

• Complete failure

What You Ought to Do:
Use the manual that comes with each appliance and set a monthly or quarterly reminder to check your appliance. Investing a little time can extend the appliance’s life for years!

✅ 7. Myth – “It’s Cheaper To Utilize Appliances Continuously”

Reality – Not everything ought to be run persistently. The vast majority of the time this results in most systems short cycling or underuse, as well as systems simply wearing out.

Why It Is Dangerous:
Appliances such as dehumidifiers, coffee pots, and fans shouldn’t be run continuously. Most simply would:

• Overheat

• Burn the motor out

• Waste electricity

What You Ought to Do:
Only run appliances during use, and unplug things you are not using to help conserve energy and reduce the chance of fire!

✅ 8. Myth – “You Can Use the Same Cleaner on Everything”

Reality – Every cleaning product is different.

Why It Is Dangerous:
Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, used on countertops and touch screens, on stainless steel and rubber seals, can:

• Scrape finishes

• Eat away rubber seals

• Leave harmful chemical residues behind

What You Ought to Do:
Always read labels.

✅ 9. Myth: “It’s working, so it doesn’t require support.”

Reality: Just because it’s working, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

Why This Can Be Unsafe:
Many issues—including slow leaks, dirty filters, and stress on internal components—may not show signs until it’s too late.

What You Ought to Do:
Practice preventative maintenance. Replace parts before they’re worn out; clean vents and hoses regularly, and address potential issues before they become big problems.

✅ 10. Myth: “Only Descale After You See The White Buildup”

Reality: Hard water deposits don’t wait to be visible—they start accumulating without warning.

Why This May Be Hindering:
Without regular descaling, mineral buildup begins clogging your:

• Coffeemakers

• Dishwashers

• Washing Machines

• Steam mops & irons

This reduces efficiency, damages heating elements, and can even cause total failure.

What You Should Do:
Descale your appliances every 1–3 months based on your local water hardness, even if you don’t see visible signs.

🔧 Last Word from Testergate

At Testergate, we offer more than product reviews—we provide real ways to maximize the value of the things you own. Relying on the wrong maintenance myths can cause more harm than good, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Don’t fall victim to trendy hacks or outdated advice—trust facts, not fads. Care for your appliances regularly and wisely.