8 Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Your Home during Lockdown

Cleaning your home is one of the topmost priorities these days. And, though you may try your best to clean your home without any blunders you might end up repeating the most common mistakes. For example, cleaning or washing your windows on a sunny day may leave those stubborn streaks on the window glasses.

To avoid these common mistakes, and let you make your home sparkling clean, we have listed the top 8 mistakes that you can avoid while cleaning your home during the lockdown.

 

Mistake 1: Using a Feather Duster for Dusting

Why it’s dirty: You might have seen in advertisements that they say feathers trap and lock dust, but they don’t. Feather dusters are famous for spreading dust around a surface or pushing it off to fall to the ground, rather than removing it.

How to fix it? The best way is to use a microfiber cleaning cloth or a disposable paper towel with a suitable cleaning solution, depending on the surface being dusted. Believe us, it works wonder and much better than you regular feather dusters.

 

Mistake 2: Placing a Toilet Brush Back into its Holder Immediately

Why it’s dirty: Avoid putting the toilet brush right back into its holder immediately after use. The moisture and germs from the toilet get trapped in the container and the brush, where they breed and multiply. These germs are then rubbed back into your toilet the next time the brush is used. Hence, it is advisable to not put the toilet brush in its position right after its use.

 

How to fix it? After scrubbing, allow the toilet brush to dry completely before returning it to its holder. This way the germs won’t spread.

 

Mistake 3: Always Read the Labels of Your Cleaning Solutions

Why it’s not clean: All cleaning solutions are not created equal, and it pays to spend a little more time reading labels. Certain areas of the house, like the kitchen sink, countertops, bathtubs and door handles (if a family member is ill with a cold or flu), require a true disinfectant to kill germs. Unless the cleaning product has an EPA registration number in tiny print on the label (it will say something like EPA Reg No. 123), it’s not a disinfectant.

How to fix it? Read the label, and more importantly, follow the directions. Most disinfectants need to remain wet on a surface for a specified amount of time. If you’re spraying it on the surface and immediately wiping it up, you’re not disinfecting.

 

 

Mistake 4: Skipping the Sink

Why it’s dirty: Since sinks are exposed to a moist environment, bacteria and germs quickly grow there. Most of the food particles tend to get stuck in the sink. This issue is compounded when food or standing water is left in the sink, the drain or the garbage disposal.

 

How to fix it: Wipe down the sink after each use and you can use baking soda weekly to rid the drain and garbage disposal of germs. You can also give your garbage disposal a good clean with some good sink cleaners.

 

Mistake 5: Spraying Cleaner Directly on a Surface

Why it’s dirty: Spraying a cleaner directly onto furniture, countertops or glass can cause a buildup of the solution. It can further lead to greasy furniture and surfaces, and streaky windows. This can also cause dirt and dust to stick to them more firmly.

 

How to fix it: The best tip is to spray cleaning solution on a microfiber cleaning cloth or disposable paper towel, then wipe down the surfaces.

 

Mistake 6: Using Too Much Cleaning Product, Thinking More is Better

Why it’s not right: Using more is just wasting product and may eventually create a sticky buildup on whatever surface you’re cleaning. The amount you should use will be indicated on the label. It is always advisable to stick with the recommendation and save money by not using more than you really need.

 

How to fix it: While there’s no general rule of thumb about how much of a DIY cleaning product (like a vinegar solution) to use. Keep in mind that everything you’re applying to the surface must be picked back up by your rag or else you’ll end up with a filmy residue and with the time it will become tougher to clean.

 

Mistake 7: Not Cleaning the Vacuum

Why it’s dirty: If you do not change or clean your vacuum filter, not only will the vacuum cleaner decrease it suction i.e it would not be able to pick up as much dirt and dust as it should but also the dirt will become blown back into the air and carpet by the dusty vent.

 

How to fix it: You should change or empty vacuum bags or canisters immediately after they become full. To wipe the vacuum attachments, the hose and the vent with either a damp microfiber cleaning cloth or a moist paper towel, double-check that the vacuum is unplugged first.

 

Mistake 8: Scrubbing Ground Every time

Why it’s not right: Do you hit the ground scrubbing every time a glass of red wine or juice box topples over? Scrubbing actually untwists carpet fibers, causing the pile to become distorted. Once the damage is done, it’s permanent. You might be able to eventually get the stain out of the carpet, but you won’t be able to fix the untwisted fibers.

 

How to fix it? The smarter way to remove a stain is by first scraping up what you can with a spoon. Then sponge the area with a clean white cloth or white paper towel.

Expert Tip: Avoid styles with designs because they may bleed. Continue sponging until dry, or place a heavy book on top of the towels, changing them out frequently, until no more moisture is absorbed. Now you’re ready to treat the spot with a stain remover.

 

Conclusion:

Remember these easy cleaning swaps, and next time you’ll be cleaning smarter, not harder. Don’t hesitate to call Dry Effect if you need expert cleaners, mold removal services, or any sanitization services.