Strange cleaning problems and all the answers

 

Witch soot or Black Magic Dust consists of dark stains that appear indoors for no apparent reason. However, it is not witches or magicians at work, but simply small particles that bind to surfaces. Black “shadows” often appear in the corners where the walls meet the ceiling, and the unfortunate thing is that they come back even if you manage to clean them away. Electrical wiring and plastic surfaces are often affected by witch soot, but plaster walls and painted surfaces can also be affected. The increased prevalence of witch soot is believed to be due to the switch to water-based paints, which often contain an added solvent called Texanol—TMPD-MIB, a substance that can bind small pollutants (to the painted surface) that would otherwise have floated around in the room.

 

Propylene glycol is another substance that many believe may be involved in this “witches’ brew.” Propylene glycol is sticky and attracts moisture; it is found in, among other things, paint and polish. If you think we are “nerding out” about the environment and chemical use at home, well … yes, this is partly why. There are a “whole lot” of chemicals in our homes that we are not aware of.

 

Poor ventilation, cold temperatures, and moisture contribute to witch soot taking hold, and of course there will be more witch soot if you use candles or a wood-burning stove, but the particles may also come from elsewhere.

The good news is that it is most likely not your fault or a sign that you clean poorly. It can be cleaned away, as long as there is not an unreasonable amount and, of course, no supernatural forces are involved. The bad news is that remediation, repainting, and an assessment of what is causing the phenomenon may actually be necessary. Contacting your landlord—or, if it is your own home, an expert—as soon as possible is a good idea. 

 

Glass corrosion:

 

For a long time, people believed that glass corrosion was caused by a bacterium and that it spread between glasses. However, it is not quite that exciting. Glass corrosion is caused by using too much soda during glass production. In other words, the quality of the glass batch is decisive. The tricky thing about glass corrosion is that it rarely appears immediately; it can emerge several decades later. It is usually old glass that “gets the disease.” To determine whether it is glass corrosion, try polishing it with a little vinegar on a cloth—if the “haze” comes off the glass, it is not glass corrosion.

 

The bad news is that if it turns out to be glass corrosion, there is no way to “repair” it or wash it away. The only solution is to accept that you have an object with patina and love it for that reason ;)

 

You can avoid speeding up the spread of glass corrosion by washing glasses by hand. Dishwasher detergent is often strongly alkaline and can accelerate glass corrosion. 

Bright green deposits in sinks, bathtubs, and toilets:

 

The green substance is almost certainly copper from the water pipes, not some mysterious algae that has taken over your bathroom ;)

 

Green deposits indicate that the water is acidic, causing copper to leach out and discolor bathroom porcelain.

 

The good news is that it can be removed with vinegar and an eco-fiber cloth. Let the vinegar work for a while if there is a lot of buildup and it is firmly attached.

 

The bad news is that light-colored hair can also take on a green tint if it is washed in this water. It is also not good for the pipes and should be addressed before the water pipes suffer too much damage. The pH value is low if this is the problem. A filter with additional lime can help balance the pH, but you should consult an expert to resolve the issue.

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Questions and Answers

 

 

What is witch soot, and why is it common in homes?
Witch soot consists of dark stains that form indoors on surfaces such as wiring and plaster walls. It is fairly common and is believed to be caused by the use of water-based paints and poor ventilation.

How can witch soot be treated, and what should you do if it does not disappear?
Witch soot can be treated through thorough cleaning, but in serious cases, remediation and repainting of surfaces may be required. If the problem persists despite cleaning, you should contact an expert for further action.

What are the potential consequences of glass corrosion, and how can its spread be prevented?
Glass corrosion occurs because too much soda is used during glass production and may appear several decades later. To prevent it from spreading, avoid dishwasher detergent and instead wash glasses by hand.

 

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