Cleaning the house isn’t a joyous activity for many people. It’s back-breaking and seems like a never-ending process. And when you’re putting in so much time and energy, probably the last thing you want to hear is that you’re not cleaning the house correctly or your cleaning methods are making your home dirtier. Nevertheless, it’s vital to be aware of and correct common home-cleaning mistakes; it will save you time and effort.

Using a dirty rag
It’s futile to expect good results if your cleaning tool is dirty. Unwashed, soiled rags or sponges will only spread the grease and grime across the surface you’re attempting to clean, making it more unhygienic. Before you start cleaning, wash it thoroughly, and if possible, use a fresh piece of cloth (or paper towel) on each surface.

Rubbing stains
What do you immediately do after accidental spills and splatter on carpets or sofas? If your answer is scrubbing, you’re likely making the problem worse. When you rub a stain, it may spread, seep deeper into the material, or even damage the fibers. It’s always best to blot stains with a clean cloth first, then use an appropriate stain removal method.

Cleaning the floor first
When cleaning the entire house, including lighting, tables, shelves, windows, and photo frames, never begin from the floor. Because, as you clean other objects, the crumbs, dust, and other debris will land on the floor, requiring you to vacuum or mop all over again. Instead, begin at the top of the room and move downwards.

Not emptying the vacuum
When the vacuum is full or about to reach its capacity, it can’t suction effectively, making you work harder. Moreover, operating a full vacuum can cause the motor to heat up quickly and burn out eventually. So, don’t forget to empty vacuum bags or canisters right after they reach their holding limit.

Scrubbing utensils with wrong sponges
There are different sponges for different surfaces. If you use an abrasive sponge on a pan with nonstick coating, the coating may flake off prematurely. It’s advisable to clean nonstick pans and aluminum pots with a regular, non-abrasive sponge and cast iron skillets, and stainless steel utensils with a metal sponge.

Spraying cleaners directly on surfaces
When you spray a cleaning solution directly onto a surface, such as countertops, glass, upholstery, or wood, it may build on the surface, cause discoloration, or result in streaky windows and greasy furniture. Instead, spray the cleaning solution or wood polish onto a soft, clean rag and wipe the surface across for even cleaning.

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