5 COMMON CLEANING MISTAKES YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE
It’s hard to believe that one of the most tedious tasks in life is also something that benefits everyone greatly. Cleaning, for some reason, has always required a lot of effort and has been a source of dread and anxiety. It doesn’t have to be though!
The first step in tackling this chore is understanding what not to do when you clean your home. From using too much product to wiping down surfaces with a dirty rag, there are plenty of mistakes out there that can cause more trouble than they’re worth.
If you want your housekeeping routine to feel less like an obligation and more like a pleasure, then check out these common cleaning mistakes that should never be made!
COMMON CLEANING MISTAKES YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE
USING TOO MUCH CLEANING PRODUCT
Even the most basic of cleaning products are effective, which is why it might be tempting to use a whole bottle when you simply need a little bit.
Using too much product can not only cause unnecessary waste and also make a mess. Cleaning solutions are designed to create suds and bubbles when they’re used that can drip down the side of the surface you’re cleaning. This then splashes on everything below, creating even more unnecessary surfaces to clean.
The truth is that cleaning products are designed to be used sparingly. Using too much of it can create and build residue that will gather germs that can be harmful in the long run.
USING CLEANING PRODUCTS MISMATCHED TO THE JOB
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when cleaning their home is choosing a cleaning product that’s not right for the surface they’re trying to clean. Cleaners are generally labelled with color coding or instructions as to what type of surface they’re good at and what surfaces they should be avoided.
It can still be tempting to grab a cleaner you’re not sure is right for the job, but this could lead to issues in the future with cleaning streaks or lingering odors.
Never make this mistake again by just reading the bottle! Cleaners are so well-labeled that it’s often easy to see if a cleaner has been designed for your intended use. Cleaning a countertop with an all-purpose cleaner might seem okay, but it’s not likely to be the best thing to do.
Chemical reactions can change when using a cleaner that wasn’t designed for the surface you’re working on.
WIPING DOWN SURFACES WITH A DIRTY RAG
Typically, you should use a rag when wiping down surfaces in your home. There are always other items that can be used to clean with: sponges and paper towels are common favorites. You have to make sure though, that the rag is actually getting cleaned after each use!
Wiping up liquids with a dirty cloth or using a rag that’s not been cleaned in between uses can transfer dirt, grease and grime back to the counters you’re trying to clean. The cleaners you’ve put onto the rag will neutralize any of their effectiveness as well when used on these unsanitary rags.
Keep a supply of cleaning cloths and make sure they are always clean. Keeping plenty of them around means you won’t have to use your dirty ones or pick something else up from around the house if you don’t have any clean rags handy.
TOO MUCH WATER IN THE MOP BUCKET
Water is a necessity when it comes to cleaning your home. That doesn’t mean though, that you need to fill up your mop bucket with water and only water!
Some of the products that you use can be dampened with water before they’re applied to the surface you’re working on. A little bit of liquid soap or ammonia can go a long way in keeping them from drying before they have a chance to work.
The problem lies in using so much water that there’s nothing left inside the bucket but cleanser and rinsing agent. It may seem like “more is better,” but this leaves your floors feeling wet for too long which creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth!
WIPING WINDOWS INSTEAD OF WASHING
“No one looks out the window,” is a common saying, but it’s not true! We all look out the windows in our homes and they’re definitely worth cleaning.
If you rely on wiping down your windows with newspaper or a rag, there’s no way to guarantee that they’ll be free of streaks. It may seem like overkill when first starting off, but try washing them down with cleaner, rinsing them off with water, then drying them off.
The fact that this method will leave your windows feeling so nice and smooth makes it even better!
Cleaning your windows isn’t as hard as it seems if you just do it properly. Start at the top of the window and wipe down with small, circular motions until they’re clean. Don’t forget to dry them off afterwards though. A windex-type cloth is best for this job.
The whole cycle should only take you about 10 minutes or so.
NEVER MAKE THESE CLEANING MISTAKES AGAIN
Some people may think that a clean house is the hallmark of a good homemaker, but there are many ways to make your home dirty while cleaning it! Save time and avoid frustration by learning about these common cleaning mistakes and never doing them again.