5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your House (and How to Fix Them)
Cleaning your house should make your house feel fresh and comfortable. However, without realizing it, we often make mistakes that actually make the job less effective, waste time, and even potentially damage household furniture. Let's get to know 5 common mistakes when cleaning your house and learn how to fix them so that your house stays shiny!
**1. Cleaning from the Bottom Up**
The most common mistake is starting cleaning from the floor or other lower areas, then moving to upper areas such as bookshelves or ceilings. The result? Dust and dirt from above will fall into areas that have been cleaned, so you have to repeat the job.
**How to Fix It:** Always start cleaning from the highest area in the room. Sweep or vacuum the ceiling and upper corners of the walls first. Then, clean the bookshelves, tables, and other surfaces gradually downward. Finally, sweep or mop the floor. This way, dirt will fall into areas that have not been cleaned and can be completed in one step.
**2. Using One Cloth for Everything**
Imagine using the same cloth to dust your kitchen counter, clean stains in your bathroom, and clean up food scraps in your pantry. Not only is this unhygienic, it can also spread dirt and bacteria from one area to another.
**How to Fix It:** Buy several microfiber cloths in different colors for each area. For example, blue for dusting, yellow for the kitchen, and green for the bathroom. Be sure to wash the cloths separately after use to avoid cross-contamination.
**3. Using Too Much Cleaning Product**
The idea that the more cleaning product you use, the cleaner your home will be is a myth. In fact, using too much product can actually leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove and can even damage certain surfaces. Plus, the strong scent of the cleaning product mixture can irritate your respiratory tract.
**How to Fix It:** Read and follow the instructions on your cleaning product packaging. Use the recommended amount. For stubborn stains, let the product sit for a few minutes as directed, rather than pouring on a large amount at once. Often, just a little product with the right technique is enough.
**4. Neglecting Ventilation When Cleaning**
Cleaning with chemicals, especially in an enclosed space like a bathroom, can produce harmful fumes. Lack of ventilation traps these fumes indoors, potentially irritating your eyes, nose, and throat.
**How to Fix It:** Always open windows and doors when cleaning, especially when using strong cleaning products. If possible, turn on a fan to help circulate the air. This will help remove harmful fumes and maintain the air quality inside your home.
**5. Delaying Spills and Stains**
Delaying spills or stains, especially on carpet or couches, will make them harder to remove over time. As the stain dries, it will set deeper into the fabric fibers and leave a permanent mark.
**How to Fix It:** Clean up spills or stains as soon as they appear. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible from the outside in. Then, use a cleaning product that is appropriate for the type of stain and surface. The sooner you treat the stain, the more likely it is to disappear without a trace.
By avoiding these 5 common mistakes and implementing corrective measures, your house cleaning activities will be more efficient, effective, and result in a truly clean and healthy home for you and your family. Good luck!
