Living by the ocean teaches you a lot about cleaning — mostly by proving what doesn’t work.
Over the years in Destin, I’ve heard the same well-meaning tips passed around like folk wisdom.
Most of them sound logical.
Almost none of them are true.
Myth #1: “Salt air only affects the exterior of the house.”
Reality: It moves indoors every time you open a door or window.
Salt particles are microscopic and attach to moisture, clothes, and even pets. Once inside, they cling to metal fixtures and glass, dulling surfaces over time. Regular indoor neutralization — not just exterior rinsing — is the only real defense.
Myth #2: “Dehumidifiers aren’t necessary if I have air conditioning.”
Reality: Air conditioners reduce temperature, not humidity.
Coastal humidity sneaks back in through ventilation and everyday activities like cooking or showering. A dedicated dehumidifier keeps moisture levels stable and prevents that invisible sticky film from forming on furniture.
Myth #3: “I can just dust more often to fix the problem.”
Reality: Dusting spreads salt and oil residues if you don’t neutralize first.
That thin layer of sticky dust common in Florida homes isn’t ordinary dust — it’s a mix of salt, humidity, and micro-oils. Wiping it dry only polishes the problem. Use a damp microfiber cloth with a neutral pH cleaner to actually remove it.
Myth #4: “Vinegar alone solves everything.”
Reality: Vinegar helps — but it’s not a universal cure.
It neutralizes mild salt deposits, but for grease-based residues or sunscreen buildup, you need an emulsifying cleaner first. Otherwise, you’ll just smear the residue across the surface and trap moisture underneath.
Myth #5: “If it smells clean, it is clean.”
Reality: Coastal humidity makes odor deceptive.
A home can smell fresh right after cleaning but still harbor bacteria in damp fabrics, hidden corners, or air vents. True freshness in Florida means dry surfaces, balanced humidity, and airflow, not fragrance.
Humidity, salt, and air chemistry make coastal cleaning a science of its own.
Most myths start from good intentions — but good intentions don’t stop corrosion, mold, or sticky dust.
Understanding how the Gulf climate interacts with your home is what makes cleaning effective here.
At Sharky Cleaning, that’s exactly what we’ve learned from the coast itself: clean isn’t a smell or a shine — it’s a balance.
— Andrey Zhilin, Sharky Cleaning Destin
