5 Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes

5 Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes

All of us have our own ways of cleaning our homes and after a while, it becomes a routine.

However, no one ever stops and thinks whether or not they are doing it right.

Yet, there actually are right and wrong ways to mop, sweep and dust, and the techniques can impact on the way your house is cleaned and for how long it stays clean.

Luckily, it is never too late to start changing your routine, so if you are worried that you might have been doing it the wrong way, here are 5 ways to overcome those common mistakes:

#1 – Mopping a wooden floor with water

Water is the enemy of any wooden floor and it can really do serious damage to the coating on the floors itself.

Even though it might be extremely tempting to just mop the laminated or wooden floors in your home at the same time you are mopping the kitchen tiles, however, do steer clear of this method of cleaning.

You should rather consider sweeping or vacuuming these floors with the correct attachments to avoid any unnecessary damage.

If it is really necessary to mop, you should avoid a mop and just wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

#2 – Using sprays on electronics

Furthermore, it can be very tempting to use the same furniture polish or window cleaner on your television, cell phone or LCD screens, but this as well is a cleaning habit that you should stop immediately.

They can do serious damage, as can the wood fibers from paper towels and tissues.

Rather use a soft microfiber cloth or if you don’t have it, a coffee filter.

If you really need that extra bit of help, use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar diluted in distilled water. Always remember to spray onto your cloth and not onto your screen.

#3 – Washing windows on a sunny day

For many, the first day of spring is usually spring cleaning day, where you get to wash everything that just wouldn’t dry during a cold and wet winter.

However, washing windows on a sunny day might not give you the result that you want.

Even though it might seem obvious to do it when it is out so that you can see what you are doing, a hot sun will make glass cleaner evaporate quickly and cause horrible streaking. Then you will just have to redo it anyway!

Rather try washing your windows on a cooler, cloudier day with temperatures are under 21 degrees.

#4 – Using furniture polish to dust

How amazing is it when you have just finished polishing a cabinet and you have that wonderful smell of polish rising up from a shiny surface?

Whilst this is every homeowner’s dream, it is actually a counterproductive method. 

Most furniture polishes have oil in them which makes it easier for fingerprints to get stuck on it and it is easier to see too.

To avoid this during your general everyday cleaning, rather use a cloth that is barely damp with water and just wipe away any excess dust or prints on the surface.

#5 – Scrubbing stains out of carpets and upholstery

Stains happen and it is very frustrating when it appears on a brand new carpet or a white sofa.

Our first instinct is to start scrubbing the stain as soon as possible – however, resist this urge. By doing this you will only damage the pile.

Rather blot as much of the spill up as you can with a clean, dry towel or a cloth. Rinse it thoroughly with water and blot it again. Repeat as needed until it disappears. You can also apply carpet stain remover as per the manufacturer’s directions.