9 house cleaning mistakes to steer clear of

9 house cleaning mistakes to steer clear of

Keeping the house clean is challenging. No matter how often you vacuum, mop, or wipe down a surface, dust accumulates just as quickly and repeatedly. You can even occasionally hire professionals to do the job or invest in modern cleaning solutions. Still, your effort and money might be in vain if you don’t pay attention to some common cleaning blunders. Below, we’ve listed nine mistakes you must avoid when cleaning your home.

Using the same cloth
Dust, pet dander, and airborne pollutants collect on various surfaces inside the home. But not every surface can be thoroughly cleaned with the same piece of cloth. It’s advisable to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning kitchen and home appliances as it efficiently removes stains and smudges and is gentle on glass and plastic surfaces. Large-size washcloths are best for kitchen counters and furniture surfaces. Using different cloths prevents dust and grime from cross-contaminating surfaces and keeps the indoors spotless.

Using cleaning products excessively
Cleaning solutions are laced with chemicals and strong industrial compounds synthesized to tackle the dirt. However, using them excessively or mixing two products can trigger an adverse toxic reaction. If two formulas react upon contact, they may release fumes, which, if inhaled, can cause serious health complications. Most cleaning products are manufactured for individual use, so never mix them with another solution to increase their efficacy.

Using abrasive products on tiles
Porcelain tiles lose their sheen and texture if repeatedly exposed to abrasive materials. Industrial-strength cleaners with a strong formula can rob them of their pearlescent shine. Even abrasive cloths designed to pick up microscopic dirt particles are too harsh for porcelain tiles. So, it’s always best to use a light sponge to wipe down these tiles and apply minimal cleaning products. You can even buy tile cleaners with specific formulas that are suitable for such surfaces.

Not using a disinfectant
Simply cleaning won’t suffice. Environmental pollutants and allergens linger around even after using industrial-strength cleaner formulas. That’s why it’s necessary to follow up with a coat of disinfectant. Spraying the surface with a disinfectant after cleaning eliminates most germs and allergens, preventing bacterial and viral infections from spreading.

Rubbing stains
Rubbing stains is one of the most common and significant home cleaning mistakes, especially if the stain is on a cloth or fabric. Rubbing the stain pushes the leftover residue deep into the fabric, making it impossible to remove it after a couple of hot washes and dry cycles. Experts recommend using a little liquid soap and a clean cloth to dab and absorb such stains. Once the stain is absorbed, the fabric should be soaked in a stain remover solution. You can scrub off the residue while holding the fabric immersed in the solution.

Spraying directly on electronic devices
TVs, entertainment systems, and smart gadgets installed at home require utmost care and attention to maintain their performance and increase their life. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the silly mistake of using a cleaner spray directly on the electronic device. Even if the device is switched off, spraying a cleaning solution directly on its surface is never a good idea. You should first spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth designed for electronics and then gently wipe the surface clean.

Not cleaning from top to bottom
Sweeping and mopping the floors should ideally be the last task. That’s because the dirt and grime you wipe off appliances, furniture, and furnishings settle on the floor. So, if you’ve already mopped, you’ll have to unnecessarily mop again. The same idea applies when cleaning multiple rooms: start from one end of the house and proceed in one direction to prevent dirt from moving around from one room to another and back again.

Cleaning in a cooped-up environment
Always open a window or door of the room before you start cleaning. Sweeping and mopping debris off surfaces releases microscopic allergens in the air, and inhaling these substances increases the risk of allergies or infections that trigger respiratory ailments. Industrial cleaning products also release toxic fumes that should not be inhaled continuously in a closed environment. Besides opening a window or door, turn on the air purifier in the room to absorb these allergens if you have one.

Not emptying the vacuum
Dust bags inside a vacuum cleaner can store a limited quantity of dirt and debris. Not emptying them regularly affects their suction and leads to other problems. For example, the cleaner might overheat or catch fire due to excess debris in the dust bag. It’s advisable to empty the bag after every use and clean the vacuum nozzles. Remember that, besides dust, the vacuum also picks up microfibers and lint from cloth surfaces like carpets and furnishings around the home. This causes the bags to fill up faster than estimated.

Simple things like using the correct type of cloth, cleaning formula, and accessories can make all the difference in achieving a clean and tidy home. The frequency of cleaning can differ depending on the home’s general layout and size. Planning and organizing the cleaning schedule will dramatically impact the efficiency of a cleaning job.

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