6 Common Cleaning Mistakes You Might be Making (and How to Fix Them)

Whether you clean your bathroom daily, weekly, or monthly the reason we clean our homes tends to be the same. We want to keep our homes safe and clean for the ones we love. So even when we’re tired, we spend hours scrubbing, dusting, and disinfecting the dirtiest places in our homes. Now what if we told you that all those hours you spend cleaning could end up being pointless if you’re unknowingly committing common cleaning mistakes. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Today we’re sharing the six most common cleaning mistakes we see and how to fix them — so your cleaning efforts aren’t wasted and your home stays clean and safe for the entire family.

Choosing Harsh Cleaners with Toxic Chemicals:

While it may be tempting to rely on heavy-duty cleaners that promise instant results, they don’t come without risk. Heavy-duty cleaners often contain bleach and other harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the health of your family and the environment. Over time, they can even damage the surfaces you’re so desperately trying to keep clean. Instead, opt for environmentally friendly alternatives or make your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. When used correctly, these options are just as effective at eliminating harmful germs and bacteria while being gentle on your home and the environment.

Using Dirty Cleaning Tools:

Hate to break it to you, but the cloth or sponge you’re using to clean your bathroom is probably dirtier than the surfaces you’re cleaning. And this applies to other cleaning tools like your mop too. Yuck! If you’re not regularly (and thoroughly) cleaning your tools, you’re simply spreading germs around, which contaminates your bathroom more than cleans it. When you consider the prevalence of mould and fecal-related bacteria in your bathroom, even the slightest chance of contamination is too nasty to comprehend. Fortunately, regularly washing your cleaning tools in warm, soapy water significantly reduces the chances of cross-contamination. So, instead of putting your dirty cleaning tools back into storage after use, fill up a fresh bucket, give everything a nice long soak, and toss what you can into the washing machine. Problem solved!

Not Reading Directions:

Now, this one might hurt but we have to share it, nonetheless. Cleaning products are only effective when used correctly. For example, some anti-bacterial sprays need to be left on for several minutes to be effective. So, grab your go-to cleaning spray and read the instructions. We’re willing to wager you’ve been wiping it up before it’s had time to work its magic. Don’t worry we were doing this too. The good news? Following directions is easy, so once you know how to use your cleaning products, keeping your house safe and clean is easy too.

Overusing Products:

While it can be tempting to use extra cleaning solution on particularly gross areas (like around the toilet), more doesn't always mean better. Quite the contrary actually. Overusing cleaning products can leave behind residue, create a sticky film, and even damage surfaces. Remember, a little goes a long way, and it's better to be gentle and cautious than excessive and wasteful.

Dusting Last:

Dusting tends to be one of those tedious cleaning tasks that we put off or do as an afterthought. Although we share this dread for dusting, it should actually be the first thing you do when cleaning your bathroom. Why? Well, dusting first eliminates that soggy combination of cleaner and dust, which makes cleaning things like your toilet a lot easier. Plus, it prevents dust from resettling on freshly cleaned surfaces. The solution? Make it a habit to clean your bathroom from top to bottom. By doing so, you’ll be sure to notice the dust on your bathroom vent and light fixtures before tackling more obviously dirty areas like your toilet and shower.

Putting It Off Until It's Overwhelming:

While procrastination can be tempting, we’ll be the first to admit it never actually makes things easier — especially when it comes to cleaning. That’s because the longer you postpone cleaning, the more dirt and clutter accumulate, which makes the job even more daunting. Break the cycle by adopting a proactive approach. Set aside small chunks of time each day or week for cleaning and stick to the schedule. Even five minutes a day can make a big difference. Remember, consistency is key and even a small daily effort can prevent cleaning from becoming an overwhelming burden.

Cleaning is already a chore without having to re-clean surfaces we inadvertently contaminated. So, remember to regularly clean your tools, choose gentler alternatives, read the directions, prioritize dusting, and tackle cleaning tasks proactively to ensure your efforts aren’t wasted. By doing so, you’ll have a cleaner home and a healthier living environment for the ones you love most. Happy cleaning!