Cleaning is the key to keeping a tidy and
healthy home. Cleaning the wrong way can lead to
frustrations, wasted time, and even need for
replacements. Though many people might take it
lightly some home cleaning blunders can actually
end up doing more damage that good. Knowing the
mistakes to avoid can help you save time and
money. Below are the common six home cleaning
mistakes many people make while cleaning and how
you can avoid them
1. Combining cleaners- Never mix your
cleaners unless the manufacturer clearly
indicates to do so. Some mixes can be very
dangerous. For example when acids found in many
bathroom products mix with bleach, chlorine gas
is produced and this can turn fatal. This is not
the time to test your mixology skills, leave
that to the manufacturer.
2. Using the wrong tool for the job-The
problem here is using a tool that is too
abrasive for the job. Some tools can scratch
your items leaving permanent damage. For example
using a hard brush to scrub your carpet.
Scrubbing untwists fibre carpet leaving a
distorted pile and once the damage is done,
there is no way you can reverse it. The best way
to clean a carpet is vacuuming it first to
remove dirt and debris, using a soft cloth to
remove any stains and then using a soft brush
and the right shampoo to remove residue dirt.
Make sure to use the right tool and cleaner to
avoid damaging your items. Generally, use soft
materials on abrasive metals and glass, and hard
brushes on wood, plastics etc. If you aren't
sure how to handle a cleaning tool or product
use the internet or consult a professional
3. Cleaning in the wrong order- Some
people have no idea where to start cleaning.
They don't know whether to start with the
windows or the floor, to dust or vacuum first
etc. The best way to clean is to start from the
top. Dust before you vacuum, you will have
particles flying all over the place for you to
clean again if you vacuum first before you dust.
Also always start with the windows, walls before
you finally clean the floor. Always remember to
start from the top and work your way down
4. Using more product thinking more is
better- It can be tempting to use more
cleaning product to get faster and better
results. Using more is just wasting the product
leaving you a build up of the cleaning product
to clean. In addition using more than necessary
may be asking for trouble since the product may
be too strong as to knock you out or cause
problems for people with allergies or asthma in
your home. Always use the recommended amount of
the cleaning product to avoid problems and to
avoid wasting time removing the residue on the
sponge and the surface
5. Not following instructions on the package-
There is a reason every product comes with
instructions. If the product says spray and wait
for twenty minutes do so. You will be creating
more work for yourself if you get impatient or
don't follow instructions. In addition, you may
not get best results from the product by not
allowing it it time to take effect. Always make
sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions
and to follow them to the latter
6. Using vinegar or lemon on everything
because it's organic and mild- It can be
tempting to use lemon or vinegar on all surfaces
especially with the emphasis to use organic
products nowadays. Lemon and vinegar are acidic
and can damage surfaces such as marble, onyx,
limestone etc. They permanently dull the
appearance of stone, which is quite costly to
refinish. Vinegar and lemon are just fine on
ceramic tiles and fibreglass. For natural stone,
it's important to stick to products designed
specifically for them. If unsure always ask a
professional on the best product to use on
different surfaces
Using the wrong product to clean your home will
not only lead to wasted time and frustrations
but can lead to serious damage on your items.
Always make sure to read instructions on
cleaning products and to ask for help if need
be. Avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes can
help you save time and money
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