Keeping a clean home can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance a busy schedule. It’s easy to fall into habitual cleaning routines that overlook common areas of dirt and grime. However, being aware of the most common cleaning mistakes can help you improve your cleaning effectiveness. Here are some of the top cleaning mistakes to avoid, along with tips on how to fix them.
Forgetting To Clean The Walls And Baseboards
It’s easy to focus cleaning efforts only on floors and countertops. However, walls and baseboards attract dust and dirt over time. Forgetting to clean them allows grime to build up.
- Use a microfiber cloth or duster on a telescoping wand to reach wall and baseboard surfaces more easily.
- Mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of gentle dish soap or all-purpose cleaner to tackle dirt and grease.
- Work top to bottom when cleaning walls to avoid drips.
- Consider scheduling wall and baseboard cleaning every 2-3 months for maintenance.
Not Deep Cleaning Carpets Enough
Vacuuming is great for picking up surface-level dirt and dust in carpets. However, it doesn’t remove trapped dirt or stains over time. Neglecting deep carpet cleaning allows pollutants to build up.
- Aim to deep clean carpets 1-2 times per year for maintenance. Consider professional steam cleaning services for a thorough clean.
- Sprinkle baking soda over carpets before vacuuming to help lift dirt from fibers.
- Spot clean stains as soon as they occur to prevent setting using carpet cleaner and a clean cloth.
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly once weekly focusing on high traffic areas.
Forgetting About Air Ducts And Vents
It’s easy to overlook air ducts and vents when cleaning. However, they can collect dust, pet hair, and other allergens. Forgetting to clean them means these particles continue circulating through your home.
- Use a vent brush attachment on your vacuum to clean vents.
- Remove and wash vent covers in warm soapy water if needed.
- Consider having air ducts professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.
- Change air filters monthly to prevent buildup.
Neglecting Door Handles And Light Switches
High touch surfaces like door handles and light switches need frequent cleaning. However, it’s easy to forget about them. Not cleaning these surfaces means germs can thrive and spread.
- Disinfect doorknobs and light switches daily or more often if sicknesses are going around.
- Use disinfectant wipes or a spray cleaner containing bleach or alcohol.
- Consider installing touchless light switches and smart locks to reduce contamination.
- Remind kids and guests to use hand sanitizer after touching handles and switches to limit germ transfer.
Forgetting To Clean Blinds And Curtains
It’s easy to vacuum and dust around window treatments when cleaning and forget to wash the curtains or blinds themselves. However, they collect dust, dirt, and odors over time.
- Wash cloth curtains every 1-2 months and dry clean seasonally.
- Dust blinds weekly and wipe down slats with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Use vacuum attachments to remove dust from blinds. Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage treatments.
- Consider lighter-colored window treatments to limit visible dirt buildup.
Keeping on top of common cleaning pitfalls can lead to a healthier, cleaner home. Schedule maintenance cleans, tackle high touch surfaces often, and use the right tools. With some added awareness, you can eliminate cleaning mistakes.
