We all try our best to keep our homes clean and tidy, but it can be an all day event. I'll be honest, I'm not a procrastinator but when it comes to cleaning my house, there are some days that I just push that task to the side! It's time-consuming and when you have a thousand other things to do in one day, cleaning can fall on the bottom of the list.
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Well, before you get into full on cleaning mode, you'll want to keep an eye out for some simple mistakes you might be making that could actually be creating more dirt and grime.
Check out our list of helpful cleaning tips below so you can have a better cleaning experience.
1. Using Dish Soap to Clean a Cutting Board
It's natural to use some elbow grease to scrub down a wooden cutting board with dish soap and hot water, especially when it comes to cleaning after raw meat has touched the surface. Well, turns out that the soapy water doesn't really do the trick.
The best way to kill the bacteria left behind on a cutting board is to soak it in a bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide after each use. Make sure rinse and dry afterwards. If you don't want to use bleach, you can also try sprinkling over baking soda and gently scrub it with a damp sponge, cloth, or even a lemon half.
You should also keep cutting boards out of the dishwasher since that can cause it to warp and crack.
2. Using the Same Rag for Everything
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Even if you're spraying the rag with an all-purpose cleaner or other strong cleaning solution, dust and grime clings onto it and just spreads onto the next surface you clean. So, if you're cleaning in the living room and then decide to move onto the bathroom shower doors, those living room germs have spread into the bathroom.
Instead, purchase microfiber cloths and set them in each room around the house. I have a ton of microfiber cloths in my house and I use them for almost everything. After each use, simply toss them in the washing machine and use them again. You can also use paper towels, but I find that cloths work better and will save money.
3. Not Cleaning the Sink
This house cleaning tip is so important because the sink area is filled with bacteria, soap scum, and food particles. Whether you have a regular drain or a garbage disposal, you want to scrub down the area after each use. Baking soda and some cold water can do the trick or even a vinegar solution. I also like to freshen up my sink afterwards with a lemon half, which makes it smell fresh and clean.
4. Not Cleaning the Vacuum
If it's been awhile since you've taken apart the vacuum to clean out the vacuum attachments, you might want to do that. Switch or clean out the vacuum filter and bag if its been too long or once it becomes full. You'll also want to wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Doing so will help the vacuum pick up more dust, dirt, and pet hair buildup instead of just being blown back out onto the floors and into the air.
5. Forgetting to Clean the Washing Machine
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Do you noticed a funky smell coming from the washing machine every time you open it? If you think about it, washing dirty clothes with stains, skin cells, pet hair, and dust buildup can cling to the inside of the machine creating that smell, no matter how much laundry detergent and fabric softener you use.
Some washing machines have a setting that is designed to clean the inside, but if yours doesn't have that, you can always run it with hot water, white vinegar, and baking soda. Make sure to wipe down the inside with a paper towel or cloth after it's finished.
6. Spraying Cleaning Products Directly on a Surface
Instead of spraying cleaning products directly on a surface like countertops, windows, or furniture, spray it on to a microfiber cloth or paper towel. This prevents surfaces from becoming streaky and greasy.
