For the most part, there is no “right” way to keep your home clean. Whether you choose to dust surfaces around the house or wipe them down with a damp cloth, things are still cleaner than ever! But while there are no hard and fast rules for cleaning, there are certain “Cleaning errors” That can really make things messy!
The mere thought of spending time and effort on a cleanup task, only to realize later that my efforts have actually made things worse, is enough to fill me with (imaginary) despair. And I don’t want anyone else to experience that disappointment! So today I thought I’d address some of those cleaning mistakes in this post, so we can all avoid these backfiring behaviors! 🙂
Related: These 7 Cleaning Mistakes Are Making Your Life More Difficult
9 Cleaning Mistakes That Make Your Home Dirt
1. Overloading the dishwasher
You can help save both water and energy just by driving yourself Dishwasher When it is full. However, there’s a line between perfect and jam-packed, and crossing that line can do more harm than good! If your dishwasher is overloaded, there’s a good chance some of your dishes won’t clean properly.
Related: 11 Dishwasher Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know
2. Overusing your cleaning rag
Most people have rags that they use for various tasks while working in the kitchen. I know I do! I’ll use it to clean my hands, clean up overspray on the sink, clean up stove splatters, and more. Having a kitchen rag like this isn’t a bad thing, but it can be if you don’t clean it regularly!
If you use your kitchen rag multiple times a day, swap it out for a clean rag every day. If you use your rag sparingly, replace it every other day to clean it.
Related: 9 Things in Your Home You Should Never Clean With Water
3. Neglecting your coffee maker
The warm, moist environment inside your coffee maker and coffee pot can create a cozy home for bacteria and mold. Be sure to clean the coffee pot and any removable parts in your coffee maker after each use. A clean coffee maker is a happy coffee maker, and it makes better tasting coffee too! Check out the link below to learn how to use dental tablets for a cleaner coffee maker.
Related: 11 Unexpected Ways That Toothpaste Makes Cleaning Easier
4. Ignoring “touch points”.
It’s simple Forget cleaning “Touch Points” (places or objects that are frequently touched or handled) around the home. But it’s important to keep these surfaces clean to avoid spreading germs! Clean or disinfect touch points like faucets, handles, light switches, remote controls, and door knobs every few days. (You may want to clean them daily during cold and flu season!)
5. Using a feather duster
Feather dusters can move dust around, but they aren’t as great at lifting it off surfaces. Replace your feather duster with a microfiber one (either a Microfiber cleaning cloth or a microfiber duster.) Microfiber It creates a bit of static electricity as it glides over surfaces, helping to capture and lock dust more effectively than feathers.
6. Storing wet toilet brushes
While there really is no such thing as a “clean” toilet brush, putting it away while it’s still wet will make it even dirtier. Instead, let it dry for a while before you put it back in its holder.
I learned a great trick for this from a lady who has cleaned professionally for years! Simply place your wet toilet brush between the bowl and the toilet seat, so that the brush hangs above the water. Any drips will go straight into the toilet, and the brush will be dry in no time!
7. Using dirty sponges
Kitchen sponges can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why it’s so important to change them regularly (about every other week). Cleaning your sponge can help remove even the most harmful strains of bacteria. To clean your sponge, pop it into your dishwasher with a heated dry cycle or wet it and microwave it for one minute.
Questions or concerns about cleaning your kitchen sponge? Check out This helpful article on NPR Which clears up some of the misinformation circulating on this particular topic.
8. Using too much detergent
Using more detergent in your washing machine does not necessarily result in cleaner clothes. In fact, it can produce the opposite effect! Using too much detergent for your washer or load size will make your clothes less likely to rinse properly during the wash cycle.
The detergent residue that lingers in the fibers of your clothes can attract dirt and grime, leaving them dirtier than ever! So be sure to follow the detergent recommendations on your detergent bottle and in your washing machine User Guide.
9. Neglecting your reusable bag
The reusable bags you use at the grocery store can collect food bacteria overtime. Failure to properly clean those bags can lead to the spread of bacteria, and no one wants that! To clean your reusable bag, either wash it in your washing machine on a gentle cycle, or spray it inside and out. hydrogen peroxide and let dry.
Do you know of any others? Unproductive Cleaning “Mistakes” which can be included in this list?
