There is an abundance of websites and TV networks offering advice on home maintenance. Some suggest cost-saving measures like watering your lawn at night, while others advise watering in the morning or replacing it with drought-resistant meadows. With well-intentioned advice from friends added to the mix, it can be overwhelming to navigate the sea of home care tips, and some may end up hurting your budget. Here are some Myths and Facts taht could be costing you time and money.

Myth 1: Stone Countertops Are Indestructible
Fact: Even rock can be damaged.

Marble, quartz, travertine, soapstone, and limestone are all susceptible to staining and can be dulled by regular household cleaners over time. Out of these, marble is notoriously fragile and easily scratched or stained. Even mildly acidic substances like soda, coffee, lemon juice, or hard water can cause etching and leave cloudy, dull spots on marble surfaces.

According to Louwrens Mulder, owner of Superior Stone in Knoxville, Tenn., if you spill a glass of wine on a marble counter and don’t clean it up promptly, you’ll have a problem the next morning. While stone counters are heat-resistant and won’t crack under a hot pot, direct heat can still cause discoloration in quartz or marble.

Therefore, it’s essential to handle your counters with care, regardless of their material. Granite is an excellent option as it doesn’t stain or scratch easily, and its volcanic rock composition makes it highly durable. Granite can withstand spills of red wine or barbecue sauce without showing any signs of damage.

Myth 2: Your Smoke Detector’s Test Button Is Foolproof
Fact: The test button doesn’t tell you what you really need to know.

Certainly, it’s important to check your smoke detector twice a year. However, simply pressing the test button will only confirm if the alarm sound is functioning, not the sensor that detects smoke. This is a crucial distinction.

The most effective way to verify if your smoke detector is working is by using real smoke. Ignite a long wooden kitchen match, blow it out, and hold it near the device. If the smoke triggers the alarm, then the sensor is working correctly. If not, replace the batteries. Even if the device starts working with new batteries, it’s wise to replace it if it’s not responding to real smoke. Remember to replace the batteries at least once a year because dead batteries are the leading cause of smoke detector failure.

Myth 3: Gutter Guards Are Maintenance-Free
Fact: You gotta clean gutter guards, too.

While gutter guards are effective in keeping out leaves, they may not completely prevent small debris such as seeds, pine straw, and flower buds from getting into the gutters.

However, installing gutter guards can significantly reduce the amount of work needed for gutter maintenance. Instead of having to clean out wheelbarrow loads of debris twice a year, you may only need to clean them every two years. But if your yard has a lot of trees, it’s still recommended to clean them at least once a year.

In addition, installing gutter guards can help save money on gutter repairs in the long run.

Myth 4: A Lemon Is a Great Way to Clean a Disposal
Fact: While wanting to use natural cleaners is admirable, all of them will damage your disposal and pipes over time.

Using lemon juice in your disposal can cause corrosion to the metal parts, while a mixture of salt and ice can also contain metal-eating acid. Coffee grounds may help clean the blades and give it a pleasant smell, but they can build up in pipes and lead to clogs.

For a natural and effective cleaning solution, try using baking soda. It has mild abrasiveness to clean the blades, but unlike acids, it won’t harm the metal parts. Plus, a box of baking soda big enough to clean your disposal twice costs less than a dollar, making it a budget-friendly option.

Myth 5: Mowing Your Lawn Super Short Means You’ll Mow Less Often
Fact: You might not have to mow as often, but your lawn will look like awful.

If you cut your grass too short, less than an inch high, your grass will die, and you won’t have to mow again. However, if you make the mistake of mowing down to the root, known as scalping, it’s like taking all the leaves off a plant.

The grass blades are responsible for producing and storing energy for your lawn. Cutting off more than 1/3 of the blade’s length weakens the grass and makes it susceptible to pests and weeds. Moreover, it exposes the roots to the sun, leading to quick drying out. Keep your lawn lush by leaving 1 to 3 inches of grass above the roots.

Myth 6: CFLs Cost Too Much, and Are Dangerous
Fact: CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) have come down in price since they first hit the market and don’t contain enough mercury to cause any harm.

You can purchase a CFL bulb now for as little as $3. Swapping one incandescent bulb with a CFL bulb can save you nearly $60 annually for the life of the bulb, according to Consumer Reports. Since CFLs have an average lifespan of 5 years, one bulb can save you $300. A home filled with 20 CFL bulbs can save you $600 each year.

In addition, CFL bulbs are a safe alternative. They indirectly lower your exposure to mercury by using 70 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. As a result, coal-fired power plants emit less mercury into the air, which amounts to 340 million pounds per year, since they don’t have to operate as long to light our homes. Fewer toxins and lower power bills – what’s not to like?

Myth 7: A Trendy Kitchen Re-Do Will Increase My Home’s Value
Fact: Décor trends come and go as fast as viral videos.

Do you remember those Tuscan-style kitchens with mustard gold walls, ornate cabinets, and medieval-looking light fixtures that were all the rage in the late 90s and early 2000s?

Well, those kitchens are now outdated and out of style. Instead of shelling out an average of $22,000 for a full remodel, consider repainting your kitchen with trendy colors for an average cost of $1,700. If you do choose to go for a complete renovation, opt for timeless design elements such as Shaker cabinets, wood floors, and subway tiles that you’ll still love ten years from now.

Myth 8: A Contractor Recommendation From a Friend Is Good Enough
Fact: Good contractors have more than just your buddy to vouch for them.

Getting a recommendation from your neighbor is a good starting point, but it’s important to talk to multiple sources before hiring a contractor. Take a look at the contractor’s reviews on websites like Angie’s List or other online rating sites.

You can also ask your local building inspector which contractors comply with the code on the properties they inspect. Request the contractor to provide you with the contact information of their past clients so you can speak to them. You can also ask them how many other projects they’re currently working on, how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors, and if they regularly do projects of the same size as yours.

Consider this as a job interview where the contractor is the applicant, and you are the hiring manager. It’s important to make sure they are the right person for the job.

Myth 9: Turning Off Your AC When You Leave Saves Energy
Fact: Turning off the air conditioner when you leave could actually cost you money.

If you turn off your air conditioning while you’re away, it may not save you money. When you turn it back on, the unit works harder to cool your house and cancels out any savings you made. Instead, try adjusting the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees when you leave, depending on the season. Danny Lipford, a home improvement expert, recommends installing a programmable thermostat. For even more convenience, get one you can control with your smartphone and adjust the temperature before you arrive home. Because who wants to touch a thermostat like it’s 1998?

Myth 10: Permits? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Permits
Fact: You do.

Suppose your neighbor’s brother-in-law, Cecil, is an electrician and can rewire your kitchen quickly without a permit. Should you hire him? The answer is no. Building codes exist to protect you from faulty work, even from someone like Cecil. Getting a permit means an inspector will check the work to ensure it meets safety standards.

Furthermore, if an electrical fire destroys your home and your insurance company discovers that the work was done without a permit, they may refuse to cover your losses. Contact your local planning or building department to determine if your project requires a permit, and obtain one if necessary.