These 3 TikTok Cleaning ‘Hacks’ Are Actually Super Dangerous
If you’ve opened TikTok in the last year, you’ve probably seen a few cleaning videos come across your For Your Page. These videos are super fun and satisfying to watch, which is a big reason why this side of TikTok, commonly called ‘Cleantok’, has become so popular.
But not every cleaning “hack” that goes viral is harmless. Some are risky. Others could damage your home or even hurt you. It’s easy to trust what seems like common sense, especially when thousands of people are hitting like. But it’s worth pausing and asking yourself: is this actually safe? Here are three TikTok cleaning trends that do more harm than good—and what you can do instead.
The “Product Overload” Trend
The ‘product overload’ trend is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re not one of the 780 million people who have viewed these videos, let me explain the appeal. Creators post videos of themselves pouring massive amounts of cleaning chemicals down their sinks or toilets, sometimes wasting entire bottles, or mixing different cleaners to create an artistic effect. Does it look satisfying? Yes. Is it safe? Absolutely not.
The biggest risk comes from combining cleaning products, because mixing certain chemicals can be incredibly toxic. For example, mixing bleach and vinegar can create chlorine gas, which can cause serious injuries or even death if inhaled. If that’s not enough to stop you, you could also destroy your plumbing by pouring too much cleaner down the drain. Large amounts of products can clog or corrode your pipes, meaning you’ll have to call a plumber.
What To Do Instead
The truth is, most store-bought cleaners are made to work on their own. You don’t need to play mad scientist with dangerous chemicals. If something’s not getting clean, the solution isn’t to start mixing. Make sure you’re using the right product that’s intended for the job in the way that it’s meant to be used. More isn’t always better either. Use the amount recommended on the label and always dilute cleaning products, like bleach, that need to be diluted. You’ll keep yourself (and your house) safe, and save money in the long run.
The Toilet Bowl Cleaning Trend
Much like the product overload trend, this toilet bowl cleaning hack has gone viral on TikTok because it looks like a cool, easy way to keep your toilet clean and smelling great. Basically, creators are pouring entire bottles of Fabuloso, or other cleaning solutions, directly in the back tank of their toilets. That way, whenever the toilet is flushed, the cleaner will fill up the toilet bowl. Sounds harmless right? Well… not really.
What your favorite Cleantok creator won’t tell you is that doing this ‘hack’ could destroy your toilet, your health, and the environment. Not to mention, it doesn’t even clean your toilet! The chemicals found in cleaners like Fabuloso will wear down important plastic parts of your toilet, causing leaks. Plus, those same harsh chemicals can irritate skin and eyes if you're around them often. You might not realize it, but any time spent in the bathroom will add up to dangerous levels quickly. And Fabuloso doesn’t even kill bacteria! Unless you want to destroy your toilet and your health for better smelling toilet water, skip this hack.
What To Do Instead
The best (and safest) way to clean your toilet is by using products that are meant for the toilet. For the outside, spray with an all-purpose cleaner of your choice and wipe away any built up grime. For the tank, turn off the water and fill with distilled vinegar. Let it sit overnight, then scrub, turn the water back on, and flush until the tank refills. Just remember, only use products meant for the toilet, and always follow the instructions on the label. It’s the safest and best way to keep your toilet clean.
The Air Fryer TikTok Cleaning Trend
Lastly, this dangerous cleaning ‘hack’ is a little different from the other two. If you’re anything like me, you’ve totally fallen in love with your air fryer over the past few years. So I totally get why this air fryer cleaning hack went viral. In the TikTok, creators fill the basket of the air fryer with soapy water, then put it back in the air fryer and turn it on for 3 minutes before rinsing. You might be able to see the danger here already…
Not only is this cleaning hack super dangerous, it will probably wreck your precious air fryer. Almost every air fryer comes with a warning not to submerge it or use it to boil water, and for good reason. Water and electricity together is almost always a recipe for disaster, and if water gets into any of the wiring inside of the air fryer it can cause electric shocks and even fires. Even if the worst doesn’t happen, you still risk destroying your air fryer. Besides, it’s not even worth the risk. Commenters have pointed out that this ‘hack’ made their food taste like soap and didn’t even clean properly.
What To Do Instead
It’s important to clean your air fryer regularly, even though it can be a bit of a hassle. Wait until it has completely cooled down after use and then wipe the basket out with a paper towel. Hand-wash the basket with soap and water and don’t put it in the dishwasher, as it can strip the non-stick coating off. Wipe the rest of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge and make sure everything is dry before you use it again. Don’t take an unnecessary risk, especially with electrical appliances.
Clean Is Good, Safe Is Better
Cleaning can be calming, and watching cleaning videos can be so satisfying. But viral videos don’t always come with warnings or show the real, dangerous consequences. The good news is that you don’t need flashy hacks to keep your home feeling fresh. A little time, a little effort, and safe, simple products go a long way. When in doubt, trust your instincts and remember that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay safe!