Some household items and surfaces shouldn’t be cleaned with water at all, while others require special care—like mixing with other products or drying immediately—to stay safe. Water isn’t always the same as clean. Some materials can get damaged, swell, stain, or even break if treated improperly. Here are 5 things Southern Living suggests keeping far away from water.
1. Electronics
Laptops, speakers, keyboards, LED lights—when it comes to electronics, water is a no-go. Even tiny drops can sneak inside, cause short circuits, and leave you saying goodbye to your device.
Instead, grab a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dust and surface dirt. For tricky spots, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, a small vacuum attachment, or a handheld vacuum. The key: keep water far from your gadgets! When cleaning lighting fixtures, only wipe dusty covers dry or slightly damp—never touch the electrical parts.
2. Wood Floors and Furniture
Wood naturally acts like a sponge—when it gets wet, it can swell, crack, or warp. This is especially true for floors and untreated or thinly lacquered furniture. If something spills, wipe it up right away, and use cleaners made specifically for wood when you clean.
Start with basics: vacuum first, then use a slightly damp mop or spray mop—but only with a cleaner designed for wood floors. Don’t soak the surface! After mopping, wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove leftover moisture and protect your wood.
3. Silver and Copper
Many silver and copper items have special protective coatings that water can slowly wear away. Trying to remove tarnish with water often makes things worse, not better.
The trick? Use silver or copper cleaning paste or liquid. These gently lift tarnish while preserving shine and extending the life of your favorite pieces. After cleaning, they might sparkle like new again!
4. Suede, Velvet, and Velvet-like Fabrics
Suede shoes? Velvet armchairs? Keep water far away! These fabrics stain, fuzz, shrink, or lose their shape easily. One wrong move, and you lose that luxe texture.
Clean suede, velvet, and similar fabrics gently, ideally with special cleaners. For small spots, spot-treat only. For everyday care, a lint roller, soft brush, or vacuum works wonders. For leather, a lightly soapy damp cloth often does the trick—just always check the care label or manufacturer’s advice first!
5. Porous Surfaces
Marble, stucco, granite, and indoor brick can be stunning surfaces—but they only handle water well if properly sealed. If the protective layer is damaged or missing, water can seep in, causing stains and discoloration over time.
Always choose cleaners made specifically for the material, like marble or granite cleaners. For indoor brick, clean gently with a slightly damp brush—don’t soak it.
Keep in mind, granite is usually more water-resistant, but if its sealant is damaged, it becomes vulnerable. So always check your surface before cleaning with water!
