A Chinese influencer known for his unconventional cleaning tutorials has ignited widespread debate online, with concerns mounting over the potential misuse of his content. The influencer, who operates under the pseudonym Hua, hails from Guangdong province and claims to be a senior researcher at a biotechnology institute, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Hua has built a significant following of over 350,000 users on a popular mainland Chinese short-video platform, where he shares cleaning hacks that have drawn both praise and criticism. One of his most controversial tutorials demonstrates how to remove bloodstains using hydrogen peroxide, toilet cleaner, and luminol reagent. A video in which Hua uses luminol and UV light to detect blood traces has been saved over 120,000 times by viewers.
Another video showcases Hua dissolving chicken bones using drain cleaner and hot water. He explains the chemical reaction between hydroxide and calcium that breaks the bones down into a red liquid within 30 minutes. Hua’s tutorial on extracting fingerprints from phone screens using talcum powder has also gained traction, amassing 28,000 likes.
Despite Hua’s insistence that his techniques are aimed at household cleaning, he also sells the drain cleaner featured in his videos for 34 yuan (approximately $5) per bottle, with over 300 units sold to date.
Public backlash and legal concerns
Hua’s content has sparked a heated debate on mainland social media, where viewers have expressed concerns about its potential criminal implications. “Removing bloodstains and dissolving bones feels like a guide to the ‘perfect crime,’” commented one user.
Critics have accused Hua of indirectly promoting crime to boost product sales, while others defended him, highlighting the practical value of his cleaning advice. “He taught me to remove mould stains with toothpaste and vinegar. Hua is a helpful and kind influencer,” wrote one supporter.
A spokesperson from Hua’s institute addressed the controversy, asserting that his videos are purely educational and aim to explain chemical principles and safe cleaning practices. “We would never teach people to commit crimes,” the spokesperson clarified.
Expert warnings and legal implications
Despite these reassurances, experts have voiced concerns about the content’s potential misuse. An anonymous forensic scientist warned mainland media that Hua’s tutorials could be exploited to conceal crimes, calling for tighter regulation of similar content.
A legal expert added that while Hua’s videos do not directly violate Chinese law, teaching techniques that could facilitate criminal activities may lead to prosecution. In China, disseminating such knowledge can result in prison sentences of up to 10 years.
In the wake of the backlash, some of Hua’s contentious videos have been removed, leaving only standard cleaning tutorials on his profile. Hua himself has yet to publicly comment on the controversy.
The fine line between innovation and risk
Hua’s case underscores the ethical complexities of sharing scientific knowledge in the digital age. While his tutorials have proven useful to many, the potential for misuse has highlighted the need for responsible content creation and regulation. As debates continue, Hua’s followers—and critics—await further clarity on where education ends and potential danger begins.
