When it comes to cleaning your home, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Take, for example, mixing lights and darks on laundry day. You already know that’s a great way to end up turning your favorite white T-shirt a rosy shade. But there are some less obvious cleaning faux pas the pros say they see all the time. Some of these slip-ups simply cost you extra time, while others may actually do damage to your home and the things inside of it.
Here are cleaning habits the experts — professional cleaners who are in and out of messy homes every day — say you should quit ASAP.
Not reading the instructions.
Sure, there are plenty of great multi-purpose sprays out there that can safely be used on a variety of surfaces, but it pays to always double-check the package instructions. And if you’re using DIY cleaners, be sure you’re schooled on what solutions are compatible with the various surfaces in your home. For example, you shouldn’t use dish soap or vinegar on natural stone, says Chris Willat, founder of Alpine Maids in Denver.
Using too much cleaner.
More isn’t better, either, says Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a cleaning company in Phoenix. “Overusing products, especially on floors, leaves sticky residue that can actually attract dirt,” he says. “A small amount goes a long way, and it’ll help your surfaces stay cleaner longer.”
Mixing different cleaning products.
A duo of bleach and ammonia might sound like a powerhouse for a tough mess, but this combo creates dangerous gasses, says Knoll. “Leave the chemistry experiments to the pros.”
Overloading the dishwasher.
Many think they’re saving time, water and energy by cramming their appliance full of stuff, but dishes need some breathing room for a sparkling clean finish. “A good rule of thumb when loading the dishwasher is if the water can’t reach it, it won’t get clean,” says Carolyn Forté, the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab.
Vacuuming without changing the filter.
“A lot of people forget to clean out the filters, but a clogged filter sends dirt back into the air and around the home,” says Knoll. It also reduces suction power, increases energy consumption and can even ruin your machine over time. “Replacing the filter or washing it out only takes a few minutes and will get the vacuum working like new again,” says Knoll.
Leaving wet towels or clothes in a pile.
When wet, towels — or any fabrics for that matter — are breeding grounds for mold, especially in humid climates. Hang towels or other laundry up to dry after use to prevent that musty smell and keep bacteria from multiplying.
Mopping without sweeping first.
Yes, even if you don’t see visible dirt, you need to sweep or vacuum prior to mopping. “Routine sweeping and vacuuming prevents grit from scratching up your floors,” says Knoll.
Not maintaining your cleaning tools.
“All supplies should be taken care of as soon as a clean is completed,” says Joseph Passalacqua, CEO and owner at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service in New York. “Rags should be cleaned, bottles wiped off (this is especially true if using bleach-based cleaners and vacuums cleaned out.” It’s not just a good habit — it keeps everything in good, working order and even extends the life of your supplies.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
