Are Your Cleaning Mistakes Making Your Home Dirtier?
If you’re like most people, you already think you’re spending way too much of your valuable time cleaning your home. Now imagine this scenario: all that time is wasted because what you’re doing is actually making your house dirtier than it was before. As horrible as that sounds, it happens every day.
We talked to professional house cleaners to uncover common cleaning mistakes that do more harm than good. We’re sharing them here so the time you spend with a mop and cloth actually works to your advantage.
Using the Same Rag Throughout the House
Walking around with one cloth and wiping surfaces as you go is one of the fastest ways to spread germs from room to room. Even if you spray cleaner as you go, you’re transferring grime from kitchen counters to coffee tables and bedroom furniture.
Use fresh paper towels for each area, or assign a different color microfiber cloth to each room. Wash microfiber cloths after every cleaning session to keep them sanitary.
Relying on Feather Dusters
Despite marketing claims, feather dusters don’t trap dust—they scatter it. A damp microfiber cloth or lightly moistened paper towel is far more effective at capturing dust particles.
Using a Dirty Vacuum
An old or clogged vacuum filter reduces suction and can actually blow dirt back into the air and carpet. Change vacuum bags or empty canisters as soon as they’re full.
Unplug your vacuum and clean the attachments, hose, and vents with a damp cloth. If you need replacements, browse vacuum filters here.
Putting Everything in the Dishwasher
Not all kitchen tools belong in the dishwasher. Garlic presses, zesters, and graters often trap food particles in small crevices that dishwashers can’t clean properly. These items should be hand-washed to prevent bacteria buildup.
Storing a Wet Toilet Brush
Putting a wet toilet brush straight back into its holder traps moisture and allows bacteria to multiply. Always let the brush air-dry completely before storing it.
Ignoring the Garbage Disposal
While sinks are wiped down regularly, garbage disposals are often overlooked and can harbor bacteria.
Clean yours by pouring ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. After it bubbles, flush with boiling water. Then add two cups of ice and one cup of rock salt and run the disposal until the ice is gone. Finish by grinding lemon halves to freshen it up.
Spraying Cleaner Directly on Surfaces
Spraying cleaner directly onto furniture, windows, or countertops can cause buildup and streaking. Instead, spray the cleaner onto your cloth to control application and reduce residue.
Forgetting to Clean the Washing Machine
Washing machines can harbor residue, skin cells, and bacteria that lead to musty odors and recontaminate your laundry.
For top-load washers, run the longest hot cycle with 4 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda, pausing for an hour midway. For front-load machines, place baking soda in the detergent tray and vinegar in the drum, then run a hot cycle. Wipe the interior afterward and leave the door open to dry. Learn more from Consumer Reports.
Mishandling Cutting Boards
Soap and water alone aren’t enough to sanitize cutting boards. Grooves can trap bacteria that survive normal washing.
Avoid dishwashers—wood boards can warp and plastic ones can melt. Instead, soak boards in a solution of two tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely. Review official cutting board safety guidelines for best practices.
Looking for more home care and maintenance tips? Visit the Ernest Homes Blog or reach out through our Contact Us page.
