We are all guilty of making mistakes while cleaning up. Some could be a result of finding shortcuts to get the job done as quickly as possible, while others may just be plain silly forgetting to screw on the lid of a cleaning agent! Either way, some mistakes can be habit-forming and interfere with how you approach cleaning around your home. In a bid to break such tendencies, we are covering some bad cleaning habits you should avoid.
So sit back and (honestly) analyse your cleaning habits to adjudge if you fall prey to such mistakes.
Using Cleaners in Excess
If a pea-sized dab of cleaner can do wonders, then a blob would be even more effective. Right?
Unfortunately, the truth is quite the opposite.
The packaging often carries the correct directions of use with optimum measurements that can be scaled according to your requirements. Exceeding these would only mean that you are damaging the item being cleaned and wasting the cleaner to no avail.
For instance, if your floor cleaner recommends a capful for a bucket of water, then use it as directed. Going beyond it would mean that the floors would still have some remnants of the cleaner, which could put your pets or toddlers in danger of inadvertently ingesting it! Some may even emit dangerous vapours that could render you sick after prolonged exposure.
Cleaning Haphazardly
Alright, we cannot always be systematic about cleaning. However, if you are looking at a couple of tasks to clean your home (or even a room), then following a top-down approach would help. In this, you would first start with cleaning the ceiling, say wiping the blades of your fan or getting rid of the cobwebs. And then, you make your way to the floor. Similarly, you need to prioritise cleaning techniques, say, you would first carry out dusting, followed by sweeping, and finally mopping. Cleaning at random will only add to your work, making it one of the bad cleaning habits you should avoid.
Not Cleaning Your Implement
How can you expect absolute cleanliness when the very tools and equipment that you use for cleaning are mucky? Even though it may seem like common sense, a shocking number of individuals forget to clean the cleaning implements, especially after their use. Well, in all honesty, you cannot blame them as they may be exhausted after all the deep cleaning.
However, how can you expect to get results when you use a dirty mop or mildewy sponge to clean? From vacuum cleaner filters and bags to sponge pads to utensil scrubs to dusting cloths and more – make it a habit to clean, wash, or empty these after every use. Also, replace these items periodically once they have reached their end of life.
Storing Cleaning Products Incorrectly
Do you spend half your “cleaning time” trying to locate cleaning products? Then it is clearly a sign of bad cleaning habits you should avoid. Fortunately, it is easy to combat it and requires very little organisation. Set aside a designated spot for cleaning supplies in rooms or areas where they are used. For instance, kitchen cleaners can be kept under the kitchen sink. Bathroom cleaners can be stashed inside bathroom cabinets. Laundry cleaners can be kept near the washing machine. If required, you can purchase plastic carryalls or buckets to hold these supplies.
Now, you can spend more time cleaning, and less time hunting for supplies!
Procrastinating Until Too Late
One of the most problematic bad cleaning habits you should avoid involves putting off cleaning for later until it gets too overwhelming. In such a case, you will only make it harder to commit to cleaning. And once you do get started, you will find yourself frustrated and abandoning it midway because, let’s face it, there are always better things to do than clean!
However, if you were to persevere and complete the mammoth task, the experience itself would leave a sour taste in your mouth that will discourage you every single time you think of cleaning your home again. As such, make cleaning a regular and recurring habit or a lifestyle with bite-sized tasks spread out over your routine so that you do not have to face disasters!
Now that you know about the bad cleaning habits you should avoid, you can be more mindful and steer clear when you find yourself committing such mistakes. It will not only make cleaning a bit more bearable but will also make it more efficient so that you can savour the fruits of your labours.
Stay tuned to the HomeLane blog to know more tips and tricks for keeping your house clean, beautiful, and enjoyable!
