Are you making cleaning mistakes that slow you down or make your cleaning less effective? Check this list to see if you’re making any of these common cleaning mistakes.
And get practical tips on how to avoid them. These guidelines will help you have a spotless home without wasting time and energy.
Common Cleaning Mistakes & How To Fix Them
1. Not Getting Supplies Together Beforehand
One of the most common cleaning mistakes people make is starting to clean without first gathering all their supplies. This can result in wasted time and frustration.
To avoid this, create a checklist of cleaning supplies required for each room or task. Some essential items include microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions, vacuum cleaner, mop, and gloves.
By having all the supplies ready, you can clean more efficiently and avoid interruptions.
2. Not having a plan or schedule
It’s important to have a clear plan and schedule for your cleaning tasks. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any areas or forget to clean certain items.
A regular cleaning schedule can make life so much easier.
3. Using the wrong cleaning products
Using the wrong cleaning products is another common mistake that can damage surfaces and reduce the effectiveness of your cleaning efforts.
Different surfaces require specific cleaning solutions to avoid discoloration or damage. For instance, using an abrasive cleaner on delicate surfaces like marble can cause scratches.
Always read labels and follow manufacturer instructions to ensure you are using the appropriate cleaning products.
Consider using natural cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for a safer and more eco-friendly option.
4. Not decluttering before cleaning
Cleaning around clutter can make the process more difficult and time-consuming. Before you start cleaning, take the time to declutter and organize the area, so you can clean more efficiently.
5. Skipping “Clean As You Go” Regular Cleaning
After cooking, give a quick wipe to the kitchen countertops and appliances you’ve used. This adds up to less work on cleaning day.
Do the same with bathroom counters and sinks. For example, giving a quick wipe to used toothpaste in the sink while it’s still wet is so easy. Trying to clean it after it’s dried on is much harder.
Embrace these clean as you go routines and see how much easier cleaning day becomes.
6. Cleaning in the Wrong Order
It’s a good general rule in cleaning to start from the top and work your way down. Begin by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves before moving on to lower surfaces like countertops and furniture.
Finish with the floors, as any dust or debris that falls during the cleaning process will be captured. This systematic approach ensures that you don’t re-contaminate already cleaned areas and saves you time and effort.
7. Using the wrong cleaner
Check the specific cleaning requirements for different surfaces to avoid damage. Some people try to use one cleaner for all surfaces.
But what’s good for your tub may not be good for the finishes of stainless steel appliances finishes or granite countertops. You have to do some research and know which cleaners are safe on which surfaces.
8. Not Cleaning Your Cleaning Tools
It may sound counterintuitive, but you need to clean your cleaning tools. Think about how dirty windshield wipers can smear as much dirt back onto car windows as they remove.
It’s the same with mops, brooms, squeegees, etc. Over time, brushes, mops, and vacuum cleaner attachments can accumulate dirt, debris, and bacteria.
If they’re not cleaned regularly, these tools can spread germs and dirt instead of removing them. After each cleaning session, rinse and optionally sanitize your tools. Let them to dry thoroughly before storing them.
9. Neglecting to clean hard-to-reach areas
Ignoring hard-to-reach areas is a mistake that can lead to hidden dirt and grime buildup. It’s important to tackle these areas fairly regularly to maintain a truly clean home.
Chances are they don’t gather dirt as often as the more exposed parts of your home, so they don’t need cleaning every single time. Just remember to include them now and again.
This includes behind appliances, under furniture, and in corners that are often overlooked. Use extendable dusters or vacuum cleaner attachments to reach inaccessible spots.
10. Rushing through cleaning tasks
You can only rush cleaning tasks so much before you make it pointless to have bothered. Take your time and clean each area thoroughly, ensuring all surfaces are properly addressed.
Pay attention to detail and tackle those hard-to-reach or easily overlooked areas. By dedicating the necessary time to each task, you can achieve a cleaner and more satisfactory result.
11. Not following proper safety precautions
Cleaning products can contain chemicals that can be irritating to skin or for breathing. Always read and follow the instructions on the cleaning product labels, and take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing gloves or protective eyewear.
12. Overusing or using too much cleaning product
Using too much cleaning product can ironically compromise your cleaning efforts. Cleaners leave behind residue, so too much cleaner can dirty up or even damage surfaces.
Follow the recommended usage instructions on the cleaning product labels and use the appropriate amount for each task.
13. Ventilate the area
If you don’t have enough ventilation when you’re using cleaning products – even natural ones – the fumes can bother you. For some, that means headaches or fatigue, neither of which help you clean.
If you have central air or exhaust fans, use them. If not, open a window when weather and outside air quality permits. While you’re cleaning is a good time to air out your home anyway.
14. Neglecting vacuum filters
Clean or replace vacuum filters as recommended to maintain suction power. Putting this off can make your vacuum less effective.
If you keep using it in that state, dirt can be left behind on carpets and rugs that will be much harder to remove later on.
15. Overlooking high-touch areas
Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. Think about which surfaces you touch every day and pay special attention to them.
16. Neglecting the refrigerator
Refrigerators are a pain to clean. So the “clean as you go” rule is a big help with them. Regularly go through and discard expired food to prevent bacterial grossness.
Also wipe down portions of shelves when you’re removing items. That way, cleaning the shelves will be less of a chore the next time you do a deep clean.
17. Using feather dusters
Feather dusters move dirt around. They’re often used for hard to reach areas, but all they do is push the dust to another spot.
Opt for microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters that capture dust instead of spreading it. For hard-to-reach areas, use tools with extensible handles.
18. Not cleaning blinds regularly
Dust and wipe blinds frequently to maintain indoor air quality. We’re talking about a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth, not a deep cleaning.
They’ll need a deep cleaning 1-4 times a year, depending on the material and what indoor air pollutants your home has.
19. Forgetting to clean baseboards
Baseboards don’t need a lot of cleaning. Wipe them down right before you vacuum the floor under them to keep them free of dust and dirt.
20. Over-wetting hardwood floors
Use a damp, not soaking wet, mop to clean hardwood floors to prevent damage.
21. Ignoring mattress maintenance
Rotate and vacuum your mattress regularly to prolong its life and remove dust.
22. Using bleach on everything
Be cautious with bleach; it can damage certain surfaces and emit harmful fumes. Bleach is a great disinfectant, but it can discolor and break down some surfaces.
23. Neglecting kitchen appliances
Clean the oven, microwave, and dishwasher regularly to prevent grease and grime buildup.
24. Waiting too long to clean spills
Act promptly to clean spills to prevent stains and odors. If you have kids, make sure they know not to try to hide spills for fear of upsetting you.
Instead, encourage them to tell you about spills immediately so you can clean them when they’re still wet. As the kids get older, they can be trusted to clean them up themselves, but you may still want to supervise.
25. Using paper towels for mirrors
Swap paper towels for microfiber cloths to avoid streaks.