15 common house cleaning mistakes you’ll want to avoid
From double-handling the dusting to washing windows on sunny days, we’ve listed some of the most common cleaning mistakes made around the house. After you’ve read this list, you’ll probably want to slap yourself (please don’t) but at least now you won’t make the same mistakes again!
Mistake 1:
Reusing Cleaning Rags
It’s best to have multiple rags handy when cleaning your home and to avoid using the same cloth over and over again on different surfaces. Using fresh rags (preferably microfiber cloths) will help to contain bacteria and dirt and avoid spreading germs around the home.
Mistake 2:
Cleaning from the floor to the ceiling
If you clean your home starting with the floors, then it’s time to consider how much dust you drop as you work your way up to the ceiling when tackling the walls, windowsills, curtains, tabletops and ceiling fans. Instead, start from the ceiling fans and work your way down, leaving the floors and carpets until the end.
Mistake 3:
Using bleach as an everyday cleaner
Using bleach for everyday cleaning is unnecessary and should be used sparingly when disinfecting areas against bacteria and viruses - and always in diluted concentrations.
Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or other cleaners, as this can produce dangerous, toxic fumes. It’s best to opt for gentle cleaners such as dish soap and water, or a gentle all-purpose cleaner for everyday cleaning of surfaces like counters and tabletops.
Mistake 4:
Washing your windows on a sunny day
The warmth of the sunshine will quickly evaporate window cleaners leaving you with streaks, so save window cleaning for an overcast day when the sunshine isn’t going to dry the window wash before you have a chance to wipe it away.
Mistake 5:
Using harsh cleaning products
Take the time to read the back of your cleaning bottles to ensure that you are in fact using the best solution for everyday cleaning in your home. And while bi-carb soda and vinegar are miracle workers, they shouldn’t be used everywhere.
Some important tips: Don’t use vinegar-based cleansers to clean a granite countertop, use gentle ‘wood friendly’ cleaners on wooden floors to avoid weakening the polish or leaving excess cleaning solutions on the floor that you can easily slip on, and don’t overuse disinfectants, like bleach around the home.
Mistake 6:
Ignoring drains
Remembering to clean kitchen and bathroom sink drains regularly is just as important as cleaning the sinks themselves. Maintaining these will prevent any unwanted smells.
Mistake 7:
Forgetting to empty the vacuum cleaner
If you want your vacuum cleaner to do a good job and pick up all the dust and bugs around your home then remembering to clean out the bag or canister of your vacuum after EVERY use is paramount.
Mistake 8:
Rubbing carpet stains
Rather than rubbing the carpet or area of the rug with the spill or stain, press firmly with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can further spread and embed the mess in the carpet and should be avoided.
Mistake 9:
Not opening up windows and doors
Before you begin cleaning remember to open up windows and doors to allow air circulation through your home as you clean. This not only provides good ventilation when cleaning with chemicals, but it will also freshen the air and improve air quality indoors.
Mistake 10:
Using too much detergent in your machines
Adding too much detergent to your washing machine or dishwasher can actually have an adverse effect to cleaning - when cleansers aren’t able to properly dissolve and rinse, residues remain, and dirt that you intended to clean away might stick around, too. Follow the instructions on the box or bottle for the detergent you use, and many require different amounts for cleaning.
Mistake 11:
Forgetting to clean your appliances
Dishwashers and washing machines are two of the most common appliances overlooked when it comes to cleaning. While you may feel like these are being ‘cleaned’ when you use them, the detergent used for cleaning what goes into them isn’t necessarily going to clean the appliance itself. Make it a goal to clean them at least twice a year so they can do their jobs as efficiently as they should.
Mistake 12:
Neglecting the bath toys
If you don’t thoroughly dry bath toys then they can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Try to get into the habit of keeping the toys out in the open air after bath time in order for them to airy dry. And when they do need a deep clean, you can use a mixture of warm water, dish soap, vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil. Scrub and return to the air to air dry.
Mistake 13:
Not cleaning the toilet brush
Toilet brushes aren’t miracle self-cleaning units and even holders with ventilation holes can breed germs if the brush is not well-maintained. After using the brush, make sure you rinse it out and thoroughly allow it to air dry before returning to its holder. Then once a month, submerge the brush into a cup of white vinegar or toilet cleaning solution, rinse and allow to dry again before returning it to storage.
Mistake 14:
Putting wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher
The dishwasher is not a place for wooden cutting boards (or wooden utensils for that matter). Prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can warp and crack the wood. Instead, opt for warm soapy water and dry by hand before allowing to thoroughly air dry before putting away.
Mistake 15:
Using abrasive cleaning pads on stainless steel
Harsh, scratchy cleaning scrubbing brushes or pads wreak havoc on stainless steel so chose gentle cleaning cloths instead. Microfiber cleaning cloths are great for these jobs!
We hoped you enjoyed this article! If you did, please share it with someone you know who might be making some of these mistakes when cleaning their home - no doubt they’ll thank you for not having to make them again! 🙏🏻
