10 Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Some of the bad cleaning habits you need to break are using, harsh products, using too many products, ignoring product instructions, using dirty cleaning tools, and relying on bleach, etc.     

10 Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

It’s time to start breaking these habits so you can make your cleaning effective and faster. The best practice is to pick one or two bad cleaning habits to change each week. Momentarily, you’ll have a cleaner home and more free time for things you enjoy!

Using Harsh Products

Many people things that harsher cleaning products are equal to more effective cleaning products. But the truth is many cleaning products are damaging to the environment and your health. You can use natural DIY cleaning solutions that are safe and environmentally friendly. In fact, most cleaning situations can be addressed by DIY cleaning solutions.   

Using Too Much Product

Many people think using plentiful cleaning products will make the cleaning job easier. Actually, it’s not true; indeed a common bad cleaning habit. Using too much cleaning product need you to wash the clothes again and again to remove the excess detergent. The same goes for wood floors. We wax them

Ignoring Product Directions

While cleaning we think of ourselves as an expert and ignore product directions. This is another bad cleaning habit. In the product direction, it has a guideline about how to use the product, how much you need, and where it should be used. So the best practice is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent electrocution, injury, or worse.

Cleaning With Dirty Tools

It may seem funny to hear but we’ve all been guilty of this bad cleaning habit. Cleaning with dirty tools will not only be ineffective, but you also risk cross-contamination by spreading germs and bacteria.  So make sure you clean your cleaning tools after using them to get rid of dirt and make it ready for the next cleaning job.       

Relying on Bleach

Bleach has been the main cleaning solution for decades but the reality is it isn’t as good a cleaner as we once thought. Moreover, bleach is intensely harsh and can cause damage to the house. So it’s good for you to skip the bleach next time you clean your house. There are many DIY cleaning solutions that are guaranteed to get the job done without harming you or your environmental buzz.

Storing Cleaning Products Incorrectly

This is another bad cleaning habit you need to get rid of if you have it. People spent hours finding the proper cleaners and tools because they don’t store cleaning products properly after the last cleaning job. You can divide your cleaning products and store them close to each cleaning area. For example, you can keep bathroom cleaners in a small plastic carryall and store them on a shelf or under the sink.      

Letting the Dishes Pile Up

Sometimes it is hard to clean all the dishes for lack of time, so there may grow a huge pile of dishes. If it happens then cleaning dishes may take ages as food grime hardens over time and make it harder to clean the dishes. The best practice is to hand wash dishes as soon as you can and avoid the pileup.     

Hoarding Unnecessary Stuff

Many people are guilty of this bad habit. Hoarding unnecessary stuff here and there can add up quickly and take up considerable space in your home. So go through the entire house and find out items you don’t use or have any need of anymore and dispose of them.     

Dusting Last When Cleaning

Many experts say dusting before you vacuum can save both your effort and time. So make sure you clean from the top down so the dust lands on the floor and you can vacuum clean it. Try to use a clean duster if your duster turns a solid grey because, with a dirty duster, you are no longer trapping dust.       

Hoarding Food in the Refrigerator

How come you stash food in the refrigerator when you know that your family hates leftovers? Hoarding food in the refrigerator promotes mold and bacteria growth and makes cleaning out the refrigerator a much bigger task than it is. So toss the food if you don’t eat leftovers and keep your fridge clean.    

How to Keep Your House Clean

Maintaining a clean home can seem daunting, especially when it feels like the mess is never-ending. Fortunately, with the right approach and strategies, keeping a neat and tidy home can be manageable. Here are ten essential tips on how to keep your house clean.

1. Develop a Regular Cleaning Schedule

One of the most effective ways to ensure cleanliness in your house is by following a regular cleaning routine. This can consist of daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. Prioritize tasks like dishwashing and decluttering in your daily schedule and keep the larger tasks like vacuuming or washing bed linens for your weekly or monthly routine.

2. Declutter Regularly

Clutter can quickly accumulate if not addressed regularly. Try to adopt the habit of putting things back in their designated place after use, and regularly sorting through items to decide what to keep, donate, or discard.

3. Clean as You Go

Whether you’re cooking a meal or doing crafts with your kids, try to make cleanup part of the process rather than a task that is left until the end. It reduces work and helps maintain cleanliness.

4. Do Quick Spot Cleaning

Instead of waiting for a mess to build up, quickly clean up spills or dirt as soon as you notice them. This immediate action can help prevent any further mess.

5. Invest in Storage Solutions

Having appropriate places to store your belongings can significantly reduce clutter and make your house look tidier. Consider options such as shelves, baskets, and hooks for convenient storage.

6. Use Efficient Cleaning Tools

High-quality brooms, vacuums, and mops can make cleaning tasks easier and more efficient. Consider tools that are comfortable to use and suit your home’s specific needs.

7. Incorporate Natural Cleaning Methods

For those who prefer eco-friendly options, natural cleaning methods using items such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be an effective alternative to harsh chemicals.

8. Create a Shoe-Free Zone

Many households adopt a shoe-free policy indoors to reduce the amount of dirt being tracked into the house. Having a designated spot near the entrance for shoes can help maintain this rule.

9. Clean Appliances Regularly

Regularly cleaning home appliances not only helps maintain cleanliness but also extends their lifespan. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the buildup of grime or bacteria.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If cleaning feels overwhelming or unmanageable, consider hiring professional cleaners occasionally for deep cleaning needs. They can tackle areas that you might overlook or find too taxing.

Bottom Line

These are just some common bad cleaning habits that we’ve all committed at least once in our lives. Let’s learn from our mistakes so we can clean the house more efficiently!

References:

https://www.elleishaspropertyservices.com.au/bad-cleaning-habits-you-need-to-break
https://www.thespruce.com/bad-cleaning-habits-4158122