Cleaning your house can be a real chore, but it’s something we all have to do. Whether you’re tidying up every day or doing a deep clean once in a while, it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t. After all, nobody wants to waste time or accidentally make things worse!
But here’s the thing: there are some cleaning mistakes that many of us make without even realizing it. These slip-ups can damage our stuff, waste our time, or even put our health at risk. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of 18 things you should never do while cleaning your house.
Mix bleach and vinegar
Mixing these two common cleaners creates toxic chlorine gas. This gas can cause serious breathing problems and even be deadly. Always use bleach and vinegar separately, and never combine them or use them in the same area without rinsing first.
Use dish soap in the dishwasher
Regular dish soap creates too many suds in a dishwasher. This can cause leaks and damage your machine. Stick to dishwasher-specific detergents for best results and to protect your appliance.
Scrub your nonstick pans
Using abrasive scrubbers on nonstick cookware can scratch the coating. This not only ruins the nonstick surface but can also release harmful chemicals. Clean these pans gently with soft sponges and mild soap instead.
Clean windows on a sunny day
Washing windows in direct sunlight causes the cleaner to dry too quickly. This leaves streaks and makes it harder to get a clear finish. Wait for a cloudy day or clean windows when they’re in the shade for better results.
Vacuum up large objects
Sucking up big items can clog or damage your vacuum. It might also cause the vacuum to shoot the object back out, possibly hurting you. Always pick up larger debris by hand before vacuuming.
Use too much product
More cleaner doesn’t mean cleaner surfaces. Using too much product can leave residue, attract dirt, and waste money. Follow the instructions on the label and start with less – you can always add more if needed.
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Clean from the ground up
Starting at floor level and working your way up means you’ll have to re-clean lower areas. Always start at the top of a room and work your way down. This way, dust and dirt fall onto uncleaned surfaces.
Flush cleaning wipes
Even if the package says “flushable,” cleaning wipes can clog your pipes. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause expensive plumbing problems. Always throw these wipes in the trash.
Use the same rag everywhere
Using one cloth for multiple areas spreads germs around your house. Keep separate cleaning cloths for the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas. This helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps your home truly clean.
Clean electronics with water
Water and electronics don’t mix. Using water or even damp cloths on TVs, computers, or phones can cause serious damage. Use special electronic cleaners or just a dry microfiber cloth for these items.
Forget to clean your cleaning tools
Dirty mops, sponges, and clothes just spread dirt around. Clean or replace your cleaning tools regularly. Washcloths after each use, and rinse mops and sponges thoroughly. This ensures you’re actually cleaning, not just moving dirt around.
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Use furniture polish on wood floors
Furniture polish can make wood floors dangerously slippery. It also builds up over time, dulling the floor’s finish. Use cleaners made specifically for wood floors to keep them looking good and safe to walk on.
Clean oven with self-cleaning feature too often
The self-cleaning feature on ovens uses extremely high heat. Using it too often can damage the oven’s internal parts. Limit self-cleaning to a few times a year, and spot-clean spills as they happen to reduce the need for deep cleaning.
Scrub carpet stains vigorously
Rubbing carpet stains hard can damage the fibers and spread the stain. Instead, blot stains gently with a clean cloth. Work from the outside of the stain towards the center to prevent it from spreading.
Use abrasive cleaners on glass cooktops
Harsh scrubbers can scratch glass stovetops. These scratches not only look bad but can also weaken the glass. Use soft cloths and cleaners made for glass cooktops to keep them looking good and working well.
Forget to ventilate
Cleaning without opening windows can trap harmful fumes in your house. This is especially important when using strong cleaners. Open windows and turn on fans to keep fresh air flowing while you clean.
Clean granite with vinegar
Acidic cleaners like vinegar can etch and dull granite surfaces. This damage is often permanent and expensive to fix. Use mild soap and water or cleaners made specifically for granite to keep your countertops looking great.
Rush through cleaning
Trying to clean too quickly often means missing spots or doing a poor job. Take your time and focus on one area at a time. It’s better to clean thoroughly less often than to do a rushed, sloppy job frequently.
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