Housecleaning is a routine as old as time, yet it is never outdated. Although everyone has background knowledge about tidying out the surroundings, even the pros are guilty of certain housecleaning mistakes, making the task more daunting.
Over the years, many have devised unique means of cleaning to get the job done in the swiftest possible way. While the process has stood for ages, the techniques and equipment applied constantly change with the changing times.
Along with these changes and modern cleaning supplies come new hacks to make the ordeal less tasking and time-consuming. By understanding the basics of cleaning, and the mode of application of different cleaning supplies as well as the expected outcome from their usage, one can easily point out what they are not doing right at any given point. Some of these house-cleaning mistakes that may cost you extra hours can be found outlined, plus a few bonus house-cleaning tips.
NOT DUSTING THE WINDOWS BEFORE WASHING
A lot of people are guilty of tackling windows the wrong way. Glass windows especially seem an easy do-over to wash with a soft towel and wipe down, but in terms of the overall finishing, the frame suffers for it. Over time the frames become a muddy mess from streaks created from the mixture of dust on the window sills and the window cleaner.
APPLYING POLISH DIRECTLY ON SURFACES OF FURNITURE
Spraying surfaces directly may appear convenient and time-saving, but in the long run, it creates a product build-up that is potentially irreversible. In addition, this attracts more dust to the surface, and over time, the once-shiny furniture gives off a dull finishing. As prevention, spray the polish on the duster first, before wiping out the surface. It gives a better result.
USING TOO MUCH DETERGENT
It goes without saying that more isn’t always better. When doing dirty laundry with tougher stains, the first instinct would be to add in a little extra detergent. Bubble burster; that doesn’t get the fabric any cleaner, plus it makes it more difficult to rinse out the lather and the stain from the fabrics. Seems like a worse outcome!
MAKING THE DISH SOAP INTO A MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER
There’s hardly anyone not guilty of this. Sadly though, the dish soap was designed to do the dishes. Using it on other items may ease the stain quite alright, but it leaves behind a not-so-pleasant after effect. Pretty sure no one likes seeing those little greasy streaks on cleaned surfaces.
IGNORING DIRT PARTICLES IN CREVICES
This may seem like an obvious point, but those tiny corners around the house considered inaccessible by the vacuum cleaner can become breeding grounds for pests and insects. In between window sills, the edges of the bed frames, underneath heavy furniture, and even keyboard surfaces are potential dirt habitats. Ensure to take extra care when vacuuming those areas, so you don’t miss a spec.
WIPING OFF CLEANERS EARLY
General household cleaners are more effective when left to sit on surfaces for a while before wiping them off. They produce better results that way. Be it tile cleaners or household bleaches, it requires time to work and soften stains before commencing the actual scrubbing.
NEGLECTING CLEANING TOOLS
People often get absorbed in making sure the house gets cleaned up and stays that way, forgetting an important factor. Cleaning with dirty tools can be likened to creating a house party for germs. Endeavor to wash the mops, dusters, rags, and buckets immediately after use. In addition, the vacuum bag and the trash cans need to be emptied regularly. Don’t forget to wash and disinfect the bins with disinfectant solutions to avoid rancid odors.
HOUSE-CLEANING TIPS TO NEVER OVERLOOK
For an easier and stress-free cleaning experience, it is important to apply certain house-cleaning hacks in day to day cleaning.
CLEAN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
This hack prevents the frustrating experience of walking past an already cleaned surface and finding a cloud of dust. Therefore, it is time-saving. Dusting the home from higher surfaces like countertops, wardrobe tops, chandeliers, and bookshelves, and working your way down to the bottom not only saves time but helps avoid the annoying task of revisiting previously cleaned areas.
FOCUS ON REGULAR TOUCHPOINTS
When cleaning, try to wipe down and disinfect those areas frequently touched by the hands. Things like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and phones get used multiple times a day by different people. That facilitates the transfer of germs between persons, and who knows, those surfaces just might end up dirtier than your toilet seat. Constant cleaning and disinfection keep them clean and germ-free, which invariably means fewer visits to the doctors. That’s a win-win!