Disclaimer
Last updated: 20 September 2026
Everything published on Spruced Nest is general information about looking after a home. It is written carefully and tested where we can, but it is not professional advice, and every home is different.
General information only
Our articles describe what worked in a particular situation. Your materials, fittings, water, appliances and local conditions may differ. Before following any method here:
- Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your own appliance, surface or fitting. Their instructions take priority over anything we write.
- Test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first and wait to see the result.
- Read the label on every product you use and follow its safety instructions.
You are responsible for deciding whether a method is suitable for your own home, and for any outcome that follows.
Safety when cleaning
Some of what we cover involves cleaning products, and a few basic rules apply throughout:
- Never mix cleaning products. Bleach combined with an acid such as vinegar releases chlorine gas. Bleach combined with ammonia releases chloramine. Both are dangerous in an enclosed room. Use one product at a time and rinse between them.
- Ventilate. Open a window or run an extractor fan when using any cleaning product in a small space.
- Protect yourself. Gloves and eye protection are sensible with anything stronger than soapy water.
- Store products safely, in their original containers, out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not mix products into a container and never store a mixture.
If you are exposed to fumes and feel unwell, get into fresh air and seek medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number or poison information service.
Electrical work, gas, plumbing and structural work
Some jobs are not do-it-yourself jobs. Anything involving mains electricity, gas, structural alterations, or plumbing beyond simple maintenance should be carried out by a qualified professional, and in many places that is a legal requirement.
Where an article touches on these areas, it is background information to help you understand the problem — not instructions to carry out the work yourself.
Tenants and leaseholders
If you rent, check your tenancy agreement before making changes or using strong products on fixtures and fittings. Damage caused by cleaning can affect a deposit, and some repairs are the landlord’s responsibility rather than yours.
Products we mention
Where we name a product it is because it is relevant to the method being described. Availability, formulation and packaging vary by country and change over time, so always read the current label rather than relying on a description in an article.
Mentioning a brand does not mean we are affiliated with it or endorsed by it.
Advertising and affiliate links
This site is supported by advertising. Ads are served by third parties, and their presence next to an article does not mean we endorse the advertiser or the product.
[[ IF YOU USE AFFILIATE LINKS, KEEP THIS PARAGRAPH — otherwise delete it: Some articles contain affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This never affects which products we recommend or what we say about them. ]]
Our editorial decisions are made independently of any advertising relationship. How we research and write is described on our editorial policy page.
External links
We link to other websites where they are useful. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content or accuracy. A link is not an endorsement.
No liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Spruced Nest and its authors accept no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from the use of information published on this site. By using the site you accept that you do so at your own risk.
This disclaimer should be read alongside our terms of use.
Tell us if we have it wrong
If you spot something inaccurate or unsafe in an article, we want to know. Email support@sprucednest.com or call +91 88103 05871, and we will check it and correct the article if needed.
Spruced Nest, New Delhi, Delhi, India.