Cleaning is an important part of keeping our space hygienic, and most people run through these chores without thinking twice about them.
However, even though it can feel like second nature, some cleaning habits are actually counterproductive. Especially when you’re performing a spring cleaning because they leave behind bacteria, dust and grime.
Eventually, this results in a lot more work and time wasted. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid the following common cleaning mistakes people make.
Not having a plan
One common mistake people make when spring cleaning is diving in without a plan, which can make the process overwhelming and hard to focus on.
To avoid this, create a checklist of all the tasks you want to accomplish in advance and divide them into manageable sections. This will aid you in staying organised and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
If you have to, divide the cleaning tasks throughout multiple days instead of trying to get everything done at once.
Skipping decluttering
A common mistake people make when spring cleaning is not decluttering before they start cleaning.
Go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. You can also donate some items or organise a garage sale to take maximum advantage of the situation.
Remember, by decluttering, you’ll make the cleaning process easier and more effective. Besides that, you’ll also feel more refreshed and organised when you’re finished.
Not using the right cleaning products, tools and techniques
Using the wrong cleaning products can be ineffective and even damage certain surfaces, so that’s something to definitely look out for. Before you use a product, read the label and see if it’s appropriate for the surface you intend to clean.
Besides that, don’t use too much cleaner. It can leave behind residue, which will only attract more dirt and dust. How much cleaner liquid to use will depend on the type of surface you’re cleaning and the cleaning product you’re using.
That’s why it’s always necessary to follow the instructions on the label closely so you can determine the appropriate amount. If there aren’t any specifications, a good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount and add more as needed.
For most surfaces, a little goes a long way. Using a concentrated cleaner mixed with water in a small amount is very effective for cleaning floors, countertops, and other surfaces. For heavier cleaning jobs, you may need to use a stronger solution or a more concentrated cleaner.
Remember to also leave them to sit on the surface long enough so they’ll be effective, as most cleaning products require time to work effectively. In addition to that, use the right temperature water.
Hot water is best for removing grease and oil and for sanitising surfaces. Warm water is good for general cleaning and dissolving residue and grime. Cold water is most suitable for delicate fabrics and preventing colours from bleeding.
Last but not least, clean before disinfecting.
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things, and they can impact the level of cleanliness of the surfaces in your house. Cleaning only physically removes germs from them while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs.
Neglecting high-touch and hard-to-reach areas
It’s easy to focus on the visible areas of your home only and forget about hard-to-reach ones, such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and behind appliances. Use a ladder or an extended duster to reach high them, and pull out appliances to clean behind them.
Overlooking carpets and upholstery cleaning
Dirt and dust naturally accumulate over time in carpets and upholstery, which can be harmful to your and your family’s health and produce unpleasant odours.
Don’t forget to deep clean your carpets and upholstery during your spring cleaning. When doing that, avoid rubbing stains because you’ll likely make the situation worse. This can cause the stain to only spread further and penetrate deeper into the fabric or damage its fibres.
Blot stains instead of rubbing on them to remove the residue and, afterwards, use an appropriate stain removal method. If you don’t feel confident enough to perform the task yourself, contact a carpet cleaning professional to do it for you.
Not cleaning windows properly
People often make the mistake of using paper towels or old rags to clean their windows, but these tools leave streaks behind on the glass surface.
Instead, use a microfiber cloth and a window cleaning solution. Besides that, avoid cleaning your windows in direct sunlight. This can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks and residue. The ideal time to clean windows is on a cloudy day.
Not replacing your cleaning tools regularly
Mops, brooms, and vacuum filters can all harbour bacteria and produce bad odours if they aren’t cleaned properly and regularly. Clean these tools regularly to keep them in top shape and prevent the spread of germs.
Additionally, sponges, scrub brushes, and other cleaning tools also become dirty over time, which makes them more prone to harbour bacteria. Replace them regularly to ensure that you’re performing your spring cleaning effectively.
Neglecting proper ventilation
When you clean with products containing bleach or ammonia, it’s important to provide good ventilation in the room. The fumes from such products are released into the air and can affect your health.
Turn on a vent fan, open a window or switch on an air purifier if you have one. Besides that, never mix different cleaning products as they can create chemical reactions that can put your safety at risk.
Conclusion
So, those were the 8 most common cleaning mistakes people make during a Spring clean.
Now that you are more aware of what to avoid, you can effectively clean your entire home and achieve sparkling results in no time. However, if the job feels overwhelming or you need some extra hands, you can always use professional cleaning services to aid you in that task.