Maintaining a clean and healthy home is all about routines. Whether you have an established schedule with Cleaning Concepts of St. Louis or you like to do it on your own, having a plan and sticking to it is crucial in keeping your living environment safe and comfortable for all members of your household.
However, we sometimes stick to routines that can do more harm than good, so it’s smart to rethink our methods from time to time to ensure that our efforts aren’t in vain. In today’s post, we shed light on things you shouldn’t do and moves you shouldn’t make during your house cleaning routine.
What are the don’ts of housekeeping?
Whether it’s cleaning a surface too hard, which can result in lasting damage, tackling an area too often, which can lead to wear and tear, or applying the wrong solutions, which can cause discoloration and abrasion, there are numerous pitfalls you should look to avoid when scouring your home.
1. Don’t ignore instructions
From disinfectants and cleaning solutions to basic tools and modern appliances, you should always follow instructions when handling various types of cleaning equipment and supplies. Read the product label to make sure that you don’t damage your possessions and endanger the health of your loved ones.
2. Don’t go hard on your flooring
Although we stomp on it day in and day out, the flooring requires delicate care, or it may start deteriorating pretty quickly. Whether it’s wooden flooring that is vulnerable to abrasives or carpets that appreciate a gentle touch to stay shiny and soft, keep in mind that different types of flooring require different approaches to cleaning.
3. Don’t forget out-of-sight areas
Most people clean their homes, focusing on areas that are located front-and-center or see heavy use every day. But how about those hard-to-reach surfaces and areas that are located far from the spotlight? Ceiling fans, the top of the shelves, underneath the furniture, behind the appliances, and inside kitchen cabinets are just some of the places that are out-of-site and often neglected during house cleaning.
4. Don’t overuse harsh chemicals
Sometimes a gentle solution just won’t do and you may need to resort to abrasive and even toxic cleaners to do a thorough job of cleaning up the mess. However, it’s important that you keep the use of abrasive and polluting chemicals like chlorine and hydrogen peroxide to the bare minimum, or you may endanger the well-being of your family in the long run.
5. Don’t wipe the solution straight away
If you have to use harsh solutions, then you should make sure you’re doing it right. People tend to apply the cleaning solution and wipe it right away without giving it enough time to cut into dirt, grease, and various pathogens. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and always let products sit a while before wiping them off.
6. Don’t be complacent with spills
Most spills and stains can be easily removed if you’re vigilant and tackle them as soon as they occur. Once spills and stains dry out, they are much harder to remove and may start attracting other debris and grease. The more spills sit, the bigger the chance they’ll turn into permanent stains. Never let spills, or they may require hard scrubbing and specialist stain removers to clean up.
7. Don’t allow the dirt to build up
It’s far better that you implement a regular cleaning plan than to go all out once in a while. Not only will you find it easier to keep your living space neat and organized with a tight cleaning schedule but you’ll also avoid dirt build-up that can turn into a breeding ground for germs. Hiring a weekly maid service or devoting 20 minutes to cleaning every day will ensure that your home is spotless, presentable, and healthy year-round.
8. Don’t forget to let the air in
Whenever you’re cleaning your home, it’s important to keep your windows open to let the fresh air in and toxic chemicals out. Harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory complications, and allergic reactions, especially in kids, pets, and vulnerable individuals. Open windows will keep the air circulating and dry out the humidity to prevent dampness and mold development.
Conclusion
To wrap up, maintaining a clean and sanitized kitchen and bathroom doesn’t have to feel like a monumental task. By adopting these expert cleaning hacks, not only will you streamline your routine, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of sparkling surfaces without resorting to harsh chemicals or overly complex methods. The beauty of these solutions lies in their simplicity and effectiveness—whether you’re using the fizzing action of vinegar and baking soda, the natural acidity of lemons, or the grease-fighting power of dish soap and citrus, you’re bound to notice a dramatic difference.
