Are You Guilty of Making These Cleaning Mistakes?

We all like to think that we know how to clean, but let’s face it, most of us learn on a process of trial and error. How often do you stop to read the instructions on your cleaning products? How many times have you sought the best way to go about cleaning a certain element in your home? Most of us don’t bother. However, this could mean that you are making a critical cleaning mistake.

Mistake #1 – You use too much cleaning product

A lot of people tend to think that more cleaning product the better. It can be tempting to use a surplus of product to oust messes and stains. In truth, all you are doing is wasting more product and costing yourself more money in the long run. Plus, you will end up with a sticky build-up on the surface you are cleaning.

Mistake #2 – You don’t empty the vacuum

Have you ever been vacuuming and noticed a weird smell? If so, this is a clear sign that your vacuum is full. When was the last time you emptied the vacuum? Not only does this create a horrible smell, but also it means that your vacuum will not be able to do its job properly. This is because the new dirt has nowhere to go, as the airflow is restricted. It also makes a massive difference to invest in a top quality vacuum such as a Neato or Roomba. Poor quality vacuums simply won’t pick up all of the dirt, so what’s the point? Take the time to read customer reviews online to find the best one for you that falls within your budget.

Mistake #3 – You use the wrong tool for the job

This is a mistake that a lot of people make when they are cleaning their home. In most cases, this involves using a tool that is too abrasive for the job. For example, those green-backed cleaning sponges are not designed for cleaning the likes of laminate, ceramic cooktops, and plastic. They will only scratch these surfaces, as they are designed for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. On the other hand, white-backed cleaning sponges will not scratch most surfaces. You can also get specialty sponges for different tasks – make sure you only use them for the surfaces stated in the instructions.

Mistake #4 – You think every cleaner is a disinfectant

It is certainly advisable to spend some time reading the labels when you buy cleaning solutions, as they are not all created equal. There are some parts of the house that are going to require a true disinfectant to kill germs, for example, bathtubs, countertops, and the kitchen sink. If the product does not have an EPA registration number on the label, then it is not actually a disinfectant.

Mistake #5 – You use lemon juice or vinegar on everything

Nowadays, there is a strong emphasis on organic and environmentally friendly cleaning, and if you look online you will see that most articles advise creating a solution with lemon juice or vinegar. This leads a lot of people to assume that these two liquids are mild and be used on most surfaces. This is not the case. Both vinegar and lemon juice are acids, which means they should never be used on natural surfaces, for example, onyx, travertine, limestone, and marble. Such liquids can dull the appearance of stone, and this can cost a lot to rectify.

Mistake #6 – You clean your windows on a sunny day

It can be very tempting to clean your windows when the sun is shining. Unfortunately, this is no good if you want your windows to sparkle and be stain-free. Due to the sun’s heat, the cleaning solution you use will dry too fast, which can result in there being streaks on the glass.

Mistake #7 – You scrub spills out of carpeting

This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. There is nothing more horrifying than the moment when someone spills red wine or pasta sauce on your carpet. When this happens, the worst thing you can do is start scrubbing the stain or even call an apartment cleaning service. This is because scrubbing untwists the carpet fibers, which causes the pile to become distorted. Once this happens, the damage is permanent, and it can never be undone. Basically, while you may actually get the stain out, you will have caused permanent damage to your carpet in another way because you cannot untwist the fibers. This is why you need to blot the stain instead.