8 Common Home Cleaning Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Cleaning often falls to the bottom of our to-do lists, and we typically want to finish it quickly. But are we making mistakes that waste our time?

From the tops of cabinets to pantry floors, there's always something to clean. Sticking to old habits and routine products might lead to ineffective cleaning. We consulted cleaning experts to identify the most common blunders and how to fix them for a more efficient approach.

1. Insufficient Planning

hallway with floral wallpaper above chair rail, stone painted underneath, red console and drapes, stone floor tiles, lamp, baskets, runner on stairs, Georgie Wykeham Designs

Rushing into cleaning without a plan is a common mistake. Taking a few minutes to strategize can significantly increase your efficiency and motivation.

Cleaning expert Alessandro Gazzo notes, "Failing to plan your cleaning tasks leads to wasted time and energy. You'll find yourself jumping from one task to another without focus."

Set aside five minutes to outline your tasks, allocate time blocks for each, and gather necessary supplies. Using a planner, like Papier's Italian Summer productivity planner, can help streamline this process.

2. Relying on Rechargeable Vacuums

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While convenient, rechargeable vacuums often lack the power needed for thorough cleaning. Sabrina Fierman from New York's Little Elves points out that these vacuums can run out of power quickly, causing delays and requiring more effort.

Research the best handheld vacuums, especially if you have carpets that need deep cleaning.

3. Choosing the Wrong Cleaning Products

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Using abrasive or overly strong products can scratch surfaces or leave behind streaks. Sabrina advises, "Using the wrong cleaning products is a major mistake. They can damage finishes or cause buildup over time."

Alessandro recommends allowing cleaners to sit for a while before scrubbing, as many work chemically rather than mechanically.

Consider these effective products:

Plant-based

Method Pink Grapefruit All Purpose Surface Spray, 28 fl oz

This biodegradable cleaner works on various surfaces, ensuring safe cleaning without harming the environment.

Wildlife friendly

Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Liquid, 70 oz

Ideal for removing grease and trusted by wildlife rescue workers, this dish soap is highly effective.

18 uses

Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Pure Castille Liquid Soap, 32 fl oz

This versatile soap can be used for various tasks, from cleaning dishes to washing laundry.

4. Overloading on Cleaning Products

pink and green bathroom with pink wallpaper, green and white wall tiles, pink basin, gold hardware

It's tempting to buy specialized products for every cleaning task, but this often leads to clutter and confusion. Alessandro warns against overcomplicating your cleaning supplies, as it slows you down.

Stick to a few versatile all-purpose cleaners to simplify your process.

5. Cleaning from the Bottom Up

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Starting from the floor only leads to dirt falling from above. Instead, clean from top to bottom to avoid repeating yourself. Forrest Webber suggests beginning with higher surfaces to let gravity do its work.

Here are some tools to help you clean effectively:

Highly rated

EverClean Ostrich Feather Duster

This duster captures dust effectively, making it perfect for delicate surfaces.

Multipurpose cleaner

Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Household Cleanser & Polish, 12oz

This cleaner works on various surfaces and effectively removes tough stains.

Highly rated

Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner

This steam mop is quick to heat up and perfect for quick spills.

6. Not Allowing Surfaces to Dry

entryway with floor to ceiling cabinetry, patterned floor tiles, broom, basket, view of green painted crittall door

Rushing cleaning tasks can lead to overlooked drying times. Sabrina warns that if surfaces aren't dried properly, they may look dirty due to streaks.

Use microfiber cloths to help surfaces dry cleanly.

Super absorbent:

Puomue 6 Pack Microfiber Glass Cleaning Cloths, 16 x 16 inch, Blue

These cloths are excellent for achieving a streak-free shine on various surfaces.

7. Neglecting Tool Maintenance

Clean tools are essential for effective cleaning. Forrest emphasizes that using dirty mops or vacuums is counterproductive.

Take a few minutes after cleaning to wash cloths, rinse mops, and empty vacuum bins.

8. Overusing Air Fresheners

bathroom with plaster pink walls and sink vanity unit, dark blue-green door and woodwork

A pleasant scent is inviting, but over-relying on artificial fragrances can lead to health issues. Instead of masking odors, address their source. Clean trash cans and air out spaces before using air fresheners.

Light Anthropologie's Volcano candles for a refreshing aroma throughout your home.