Not Having a Weekly Cleaning Routine
Having a solid weekly cleaning routine is crucial for keeping your home tidy and preventing bigger messes from accumulating. I often let chores slide until they pile up into a daunting mountain of cleaning. Setting aside dedicated time each week to follow a schedule helps me stay on top of dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing bathrooms, wiping down surfaces, and other tasks. Scheduling cleaning also helps me form a habit so it feels automatic rather than a looming chore.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
With so many options on store shelves, it’s easy to grab the wrong cleanser for the job. I’ve made the mistake of using an all-purpose cleaner on granite countertops, which can etch the stone. I should have used a specially formulated granite cleaner. I’ve also ruined wood furniture and floors by using oil soap or glass cleaner on them instead of wood polish. Reading labels carefully and keeping dedicated cleaners for different surfaces ensures I’m using the right products to clean and protect each material properly.
Forgetting About Air Vents and Light Fixtures
When I’m on a cleaning frenzy, it’s easy to overlook clutter traps like air vents and light fixtures. But dust and pet hair inevitably accumulates there and needs to be cleaned regularly. Setting reminders on my calendar to dust vents and fixtures monthly ensures I don’t forget these hidden hot spots. I make quick work of it by using a microfiber duster wand and vacuum crevice tool attachment for the vents and a dry microfiber cloth for light fixtures.
Not Cleaning Behind and Under Appliances
I’m often so focused on cleaning visible surfaces when tidying the kitchen that I neglect to pull appliances out and clean behind and underneath them. But food crumbs, dust, and grime accumulate in those hard-to-reach spots too. Every couple of months, I make an effort to pull out the refrigerator, stove, and microwave to wipe down the walls, cabinets, and floors. Forcing myself to clean behind these appliances keeps my kitchen much cleaner overall.
Using the Same Sponge for Too Long
In an effort to reduce waste, I have been guilty of reusing the same filthy sponge for far too many dishes. Wet sponges harbor bacteria, mold, and germs that can spread onto surfaces and hands. Regularly replacing my kitchen sponges (or putting them through the dishwasher) helps ensure I’m not just moving dirt around my dishes or compromising health. I aim to grab a new sponge at least every week.
Forgetting to Clean Doorknobs and Handles
I’m pretty diligent about disinfecting counters, faucets, and other “high touch” surfaces when cleaning. But I often overlook doorknobs and handles around my home. Think about how many times you grasp these each day! Since cold and flu viruses and other germs can live on knobs and handles, I now make sure to wipe them down at least once a week or more frequently when someone is sick. Paying attention to these forgotten hot spots helps kill germs in high traffic areas.
Not Cleaning Out the Coffee Maker
My morning routine revolves around coffee, yet I have been lax about descaling and deep cleaning my coffee maker. The humid environment and leftover drips provide the perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup that can affect taste over time. Every month I now run a brew cycle with diluted vinegar followed by water to clear out any residue. I also take apart the removable parts like the pot and filter basket to soak and scrub clean. Maintaining my beloved coffee maker ensures my morning joe always tastes fresh.
Neglecting Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Out of sight, out of mind! I rarely think to grab a duster to clean accumulated dust, grime, and cobwebs that gather on ceiling fixtures in my home. But these areas inevitably get dirty, especially if you have ceiling fans circulating dust and dander. I now schedule seasonal deep cleaning of all ceiling fixtures to clear out any gross buildup. A microfiber duster on an extendable pole makes it easy to reach fans, lights, and even corners of the ceiling without climbing a ladder. Tending to my “forgotten spaces” overhead keeps my home cleaner and reduces allergens.
Not Cleaning Window Coverings and Upholstery
I put a lot of effort into dusting, scrubbing, and vacuuming when cleaning, but I often neglect window treatments and upholstered furniture. Curtains, blinds, cushions, and chairs are magnets for dust mites, pet dander, environmental allergens, and odors. I now schedule regular deep cleaning by vacuuming with an upholstery attachment, steam cleaning, or washing removable covers. Paying attention to soft furnishings improves air quality in my living spaces and keeps my home looking (and smelling!) fresh.
Using Too Many Chemicals
In an effort to sanitize every surface, I often overdo it with harsh chemicals when cleaning. Mixing too many strong cleaners together in my home not only exposes me to unpleasant fumes but can produce dangerous chemical reactions. Learning about the active ingredients in my cleaners helps me use them safely and effectively. I now focus on cleaning strategically with green solutions, hot water, microfiber cloths, and my trusted vacuum. Relying less on a arsenal of harsh chemicals improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks.
