5 Common Cleaning Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Home

ARE YOU MAKING THESE 5 MISTAKES?

1. Using the Same Sponge for Everything

The Mistake: Your kitchen sponge is a major germ carrier. Using the same dirty sponge to wipe down kitchen counters, clean dishes, and then scrub the bathroom sink is simply transferring bacteria, not eliminating it.

The Fix: Implement a color-coded system—a blue cloth for kitchen counters, a yellow cloth for dishes, and a red cloth for the bathroom. For sponges, microwave them on high for one minute daily to sanitize, and replace them entirely every two weeks. If you hire a professional service like ours, we always use fresh, sanitized tools for every room.

2. Not Allowing Product Dwell Time (The Magic Wait)

The Mistake: When cleaning with disinfectants, many people spray the product and immediately wipe it off. Disinfectants need "dwell time"—the specific amount of time the product must remain wet on the surface to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses. This time is often 5 to 10 minutes.

The Fix: Always read the label on your disinfecting products! Spray the surface, set a timer, and move on to cleaning a different area. Come back and wipe it dry only after the required dwell time has passed. This ensures you are actually sanitizing, not just surface cleaning.

3. Cleaning from Bottom to Top

The Mistake: When cleaning tall surfaces, shelves, or even just a counter with items above it, starting from the bottom means all the dust, crumbs, and debris you dislodge from the top will fall onto the areas you just cleaned.

The Fix: Always work from top to bottom. Start with high dusting (fans, crown molding), then shelves, moving down to tables, countertops, and finally, the floor. This method is efficient and prevents you from having to clean the same spot twice.

4. Overusing Product (Leaving Behind Residue)

The Mistake: Many believe that more product equals more clean. However, using too much soap, detergent, or cleaning spray often leaves a sticky or dull residue behind. This residue actually attracts dust and dirt faster, making your surfaces look dirty sooner than they should.

The Fix: Less is truly more. Use the recommended amount (often just a capful or a small spray). Focus on using warm, clean water to rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly after washing. If your surfaces feel sticky, you're using too much product.

5. Forgetting to Clean Your Cleaning Tools

The Mistake: Your vacuum cleaner, mop, and cleaning cloths are designed to trap dirt and germs. If you put them away dirty, they become vehicles for spreading odors and grime the next time you use them. A clogged vacuum filter also loses suction!

The Fix: Wash your microfiber cloths immediately after use (never use fabric softener, as it reduces their effectiveness). Empty your vacuum canister regularly and clean or replace the filter frequently. For mops, rinse the head thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely to prevent mildew.

STOP MAKING MISTAKES! LEAVE THE PROFESSIONAL WORK TO US.