13 of the Worst Cleaning Mistakes You Can Make
The online world is wonderful at sharing information that you probably wouldn’t have known otherwise. It is also great at opening your eyes to things you are doing wrong. Here are 13 of the worst cleaning mistakes you could make.
1. Cleaning Glass Windows When It Is Sunny
The sun causes the cleaner to dry too quickly, and while the handprints are gone, there are plenty of streaks left behind.
2. Overusing Vinegar
It is not a great disinfectant, so put it away when you are cleaning the toilets or a countertop that has chicken juice on it.
3. Using Too Much Cleaner
Take advantage of water and use it to soak areas, then use cleaners to help disinfect and wipe it up.
4. Not Letting the Toilet Brush Dry
Allowing the brush to dry across the toilet before placing it in the holder will prevent bacteria from growing wildly on the brush.
5. Putting Things In the Garbage Disposal That Shouldn’t Go In It
Coffee beans are one of these tricks I have heard about, but they should never be placed in the garbage disposal. They will get stuck and could slowly clog your drain. Instead, use lemon ice cubes; they will sharpen the disposal and then melt away.
6. Scrubbing Carpet Stains Out
When a glass of juice is splashed onto the carpet, it is human instinct to grab a wet rag and begin scrubbing hard. This will fray the carpet strands, spread the stain, and force the stain deeper into the carpet. Instead of scrubbing, try using a spoon to remove most of liquid. Then, dab gently at the area to get the remainder of the juice. Once most of it is removed, use carpet cleaner to get the rest of the stain out.
7. Using Furniture Polish to Dust
Most furniture today already has protective coats, is laminated, or is painted. When you use polish on furniture that isn’t natural wood, you are only making it oily and gross. Instead, use a damp rag to dust and shine up areas.
8. Using the Wrong Tools to Clean
Don’t use a scratch pad to wipe down cabinets, but don’t use a soft sponge to clean a dirty pot.
9. Vacuuming Occasionally to Avoid Hurting the Carpet
Vacuuming will not harm your carpet. It doesn’t wear it out, but it protects dirt from permanently sticking to the carpet. You should vacuum the busiest rooms every other day to keep carpet looking and feeling fresh.
10. Forgetting to Clean the Shower Curtain
PEvery time you clean the shower, the curtain should be disinfected and wiped dry to prevent bacteria and mold from happily growing.
11. Bleaching Everything
Bleach is a great disinfectant, but it is a terrible cleaner. It doesn’t break down food or buildup and is awful on the lungs.
12. Not Using the Exhaust Fan
Turning the exhaust fan on during and after a shower will prevent humidity and moisture from harming a room. Humidity makes it easy for mold to grow and rags and towels to smell like mildew.
13. Forgetting to Clean the Cleaning Tools
Once you have scrubbed down the counters with that sponge, toss the sponge in the laundry or cook it in the microwave for a few seconds. Wash your toilet brush, your rags, and the gloves on your hands when the job is over. There is no reason to let germs find a home after an entire day of battling them. Cleaning is something that you continually get better and faster at, and now that you know these 13 mistakes to avoid, you can also get smarter at cleaning.
