9 Cleaning Mistakes that Make You Work Harder
Believe it or not, some habits in your daily routine make you waste your precious time, especially when it comes to chores. Some of these cleaning mistakes, which you’ve probably never stopped to think about, make you work harder. Do you want to know what they are?
We’re sure that they’ll surprise you! Take note of them today. The time has come to change your cleaning schedule and routine to maximize effectiveness.
1. Not reading the cleaning product instructions
Although this might seem obvious, do you ever stop to read them? We’re sure you don’t. However, you should take a few minutes to look at the instructions manufacturers place on product labels. You’ll see that you may be misusing some of them. We’re sure you sometimes use more of a product than recommended or apply it incorrectly. This makes you waste both time and money!
2. Not cleaning what you use to clean
This is another obvious mistake many people make. You should clean your washing machine, dishwasher, and vacuum cleaner at least once a week. Remember that all of them build up waste and dirt. Thus, not cleaning them can shorten their lifespan.
The same thing goes for rags, gloves, and scouring sponges. When you finish cleaning, you have to clean them as well. Make sure to also clean your bucket, mop, floor sweeper, and brush.
3. A cleaning mistake is not having the right tools to hand
You should place your cleaning products in a basket, bucket, or cart you can take around the house with you as you clean. This way, you’ll avoid having to search for your duster, cloth, or glass cleaner, among other tools and products. This is exhausting and wastes your time!
4. Not cleaning the kitchen as soon as you finish eating
We know that you’re full and simply want to throw yourself on the sofa. However, if you clean the kitchen as soon as you finish eating, dishes won’t pile up in the sink and you’ll feel that your kitchen is always clean.
5. Applying cleaning products directly to surfaces
Applying cleaning products directly to surfaces can stain and even ruin them. We recommend applying the product on a clean cloth. If it’s the first time you’re using the product, test it out on a non-visible area to avoid damaging your furniture or flooring.
6. Not starting from the highest areas
Have you ever stopped to think about where you should start cleaning? We’re sure that, when it comes to your living room, you probably start cleaning the coffee table and TV stand. But imagine what happens when you clean the high shelves… You end up dirtying all the surfaces you just left spotless!
Remember to always start from top to bottom and leave the floors until last.
7. Not cleaning things right away
If something’s dirty, clean it now. Otherwise, dirt will build up and the stain and dirt will be more difficult to remove.
You should apply this rule to your entire home. Make the bed as soon as you get up and leave your living room tidy before you go to bed. You’ll appreciate this in the morning!
8. Not drying things
Every time you need to clean, you’re probably in a hurry and want to finish as soon as possible. However, not drying surfaces is counterproductive. Damp cloths usually leave lint and product marks. Thus, you should finish by wiping your surfaces with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. They’ll look a lot brighter.
9. Cleaning windows on sunny days
You may believe that sunlight can help you see the dirt on your windows and, therefore, make them look perfect. But you’re wrong! Heat makes glass cleaners dry very quickly and leave stains. Therefore, you should clean your windows at dusk or on cloudy days. Nevertheless, make sure you don’t do it while it’s raining!
Set your cleaning routine today
What did you think of our cleaning tips? As you can see, setting a cleaning routine isn’t as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is take a few tips into account in order to make the most of your time.
In this article, we’ve only shared some of the most common cleaning mistakes that people usually make. To avoid them, you should try to follow a schedule, use quality tools and products, and have everything you need at hand so that you don’t waste too much time going back and forth.