Everyone knows that a clean house is a happy house. In fact, studies reveal that a well-kept home can make you more creative, productive, and less stressed. So, it’s essential to take the time to make sure that you are cleaning your space regularly.
But what happens when your idea of cleaning and the reality of cleaning don’t match up? You might be surprised to know that you could be making common cleaning mistakes derailing your efforts. Keep reading to learn more about the five most common house-cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not Decluttering First
The first step to any good cleaning session is to declutter. However, many opt to go straight to the scrubbing and vacuuming before tackling the mess. Unfortunately, this can be a massive mistake, as cleaning a cluttered space will only take longer and can lead to frustration.
So, when cleaning your home, start decluttering before moving forward. That means getting rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore, which includes old clothes, toys your kids have outgrown, expired food from the back of your pantry, etc. If you’re having trouble, try tackling one room at a time. It might take longer, but you’ll be more likely to stick with it and make a meaningful difference.
When you get rid of the clutter, cleaning will be much easier and more efficient. This way, you won’t have to worry about maneuvering around a pile of mess every time you want to clean the floor.
Not Having a Plan
Before you start scrubbing random surfaces, it’s crucial to have a plan. A plan ensures that you hit all the essential areas and that nothing gets missed. That way, you can be confident that your home is immaculate when you’re finished.
But many tend to clean randomly, which can be a huge time-waster. That’s why you should have a list of tasks and a strategy for tackling them. Not sure where to start? A good rule of thumb is to begin with the areas that get dirtiest first, like the kitchen or bathroom. Then work your way to the less messy areas, like bedrooms or living rooms.
However, it all depends on your preferences and needs. Customize the plan according to what works best for you, and break it up into manageable tasks. In doing so, you won’t feel overwhelmed and can focus on one job at a time.
Skipping the Dusting
When people think about cleaning, they focus on scrubbing things like toilets and mopping floors. But it’s important to remember that dust collects on all surfaces — not just floors. In fact, dust can actually accumulate faster on horizontal surfaces than on vertical ones.
So before you proceed with the deep cleaning tasks, don’t forget to dust places like tabletops, window sills, bookshelves, and electronics. You can also go the extra mile and use a damp cloth to capture dust particles that have settled in nooks and crannies.
One quick tip for cutting down on the dust in your home is to take off your shoes when you come inside. Using this practice, you won’t track in as much dirt and debris from outside. This habit is common in many Asian households, and it’s proven to be effective.
By ensuring that all of your furniture is free from dust, you’ll be able to keep your home clean and free of allergens that can quickly become airborne.
Doing Everything by Yourself
Unless you’re a superhuman, there’s no way you can get everything done alone. You’ll quickly become exhausted and won’t have the energy to finish all the tasks or maintain a high-quality standard of cleanliness.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to cleaning your home. Delegate tasks to family members, friends, or a professional cleaning service. You can also outsource other related tasks, such as your dirty laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking. Many local services will be more than happy to help you with these. With a quality laundry service, for instance, you won’t have to worry about having a pile of unappealing clothing heaped up in your home. Thus, making it easier for you to keep your house clean.
Sometimes, you need extra help to ensure your home stays clean and comfortable. This is especially true if you’re always on the go and barely have time to clean.
Everyone deserves a home they can be proud of. By avoiding these common house cleaning mistakes, you’ll be able to keep your home looking its best and maintain a healthy living environment.
