10 Cleaning Shortcuts You Should Never Take
10 Cleaning Shortcuts You Should Never Take
When it comes to cleaning, taking shortcuts may seem a waste of time, but some of these lead to bigger problems in the future. From spreading bacteria to not knowing where hidden dust has settled, these common cleaning shortcuts could affect both the cleanliness and health of your home. Following are ten cleaning shortcuts that you must always avoid to keep your living space truly clean and comfortable.
Shortcut 1: Not Moving Furniture and Appliances
Places under appliances and pieces of furniture are very easy to miss, but they serve as a real haven for dust, dirt, and allergens. After some time, all those particles start building up and contribute to indoor air quality deterioration. Moreover, this may attract pests. Saving some minutes of work today by skipping these places may result in much more work to be done in the near future.
How to Avoid It:
Make it a point to regularly move lightweight furniture and appliances to vacuum or sweep underneath every few months.
Shortcut 2: Using One Cloth for Everything
Cleaning multiple surfaces with the same cloth may save you some time, but it just might spread bacteria around. For instance, if you use that one cloth in both the bathroom and kitchen, you will just end up transferring those germs around, leaving both places less hygienic than you may want.
How to Avoid It:
This would include using different rags for different rooms or surfaces and washing them frequently to avoid any building up of bacteria.
Shortcut 3: Cleaning Only the Spots of the Bathroom
The temptation may be great, but cleaning visible spots only in the bathroom just doesn't cut it. Bathrooms are places that require deep cleaning quite often. Places around the sink, shower, and toilet are highly prone to bacteria, mold, and mildew because of the high moisture present. Just wiping down surfaces isn't going to cover the whole realm of hygiene a bathroom requires.
How to Avoid It:
Allow it to be hygienically fresh by deep cleaning your bathroom-toilet, grout, and shower walls-once a week.
Shortcut 4: Spraying Cleaner and Wiping Immediately
Disinfectants take time in killing bacteria and viruses; hence, spraying and immediately wiping only takes out some of the surface dirt, since the cleaner hardly has the chance to act, which diminishes its effectiveness.
How to Avoid It:
Let disinfectants sit for the recommended time-most a few minutes-prior to wiping away to ensure a sanitation job well done.
Shortcut 5: Not Cleaning Vents and Filters
Over time, vents and filters build up a collection of dust and allergens that worsen air quality and put added stress on your HVAC system. Forgoing regular cleanings can mean higher energy bills and increased allergy symptoms.
How to Avoid It:
Check and clean or replace HVAC filters every one to three months, and dust your vents on a regular basis for better air circulation.
Shortcut 6: Leaving Dirty Dishes Overnight
Leaving dishes in the sink overnight might be an easy pass, but that is a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, food particles left out attract pests like ants and cockroaches.
How to Avoid It:
Try to get into a routine of daily washing dishes or at least simply rinsing them right after dinner and putting them in the dishwasher to prevent any buildup or odors.
Shortcut 7: Forgetting to Clean Remote Controls and Light Switches
Remote controls, light switches, and door handles are among the most touched surfaces in a home. They might harbor bacteria and viruses if not cleaned on a regular basis-especially during cold and flu season.
How to Avoid It:
Clean these high-touch hot spots with disinfectant wipes weekly, or any time someone in your household has been ill.
Shortcut 8: Sweeping Instead of Vacuuming Carpets
Sweeping carpets may pick up surface dirt and debris, but it doesn't extract embedded dirt, dust mites, and pet hair. The only way to really clean your carpets is to break out the vacuum cleaner on a regular basis, which will also extend the life of your carpets and help improve indoor air quality.
How to Avoid It:
Vacuum carpets at least once a week to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens; consider steam cleaning every few months for an even deeper clean.
Shortcut 9: Neglecting to Clean Behind Appliances
Those areas behind stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines rank among the most passed-over cleaning areas. Still, they collect dust, grease, and food particles that attract pests and build up odors. This neglect can also lead to appliance malfunction over time.
How to Avoid It:
For example, move appliances such as the stove and refrigerator every few months to sweep and wipe behind them so those areas are clean and free of odors.
Shortcut 10: Rushing Through Mopping
Rushing through the mopping of floors creates streaks, dirt, and a residue that further makes your floors less appealing. A much more effective mop takes only a bit more time but leaves the floor free of streaks and spotless.
How to Avoid It:
Mop slowly and change the water with fresh clean water often. Add floor cleaner when necessary. Also, rinse out the mop often to avoid a redistribution of dirt.
Conclusion
While it may be very tempting to take cleaning shortcuts, there really are some habits that do more harm than good. Here are ten cleaning shortcuts to avoid in order for your home to truly be clean, comfortable, and healthy. A little extra effort now put forth will save bigger issues later and keep your living space top-notch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean under furniture?
Try cleaning underneath larger furniture pieces every couple of months to stop dust from building up.
Why do disinfectants need to sit?
Disinfectants need to sit and kill bacteria and viruses. Allowing it to sit for a few minutes enables proper sanitizing of that area.
How often should I clean my HVAC vents?
Dust the vents once every month, and replace the HVAC filters every one to three months to ensure better air quality and system efficiency.
What's the best way to keep high-touch surfaces clean?
Wipe down high-touch areas, such as light switches, remotes, and door handles, weekly with disinfectant wipes for a reduction in germ spread.
Should I vacuum carpets every week?
Yes, weekly vacuuming will go a long way in removing dirt, allergens, and pet hair from your carpet to make them last longer.