Few people enjoy cleaning yet most of us accept that it’s something that needs to be done. But what if you discovered that the way you were cleaning was actually making it harder to get your house clean? A recent article in HouseBeautiful, 9 Ways You’re Making Cleaning Harder Than it Needs to Be, has some eye-opening ideas on what many people do to make their chores more of a chore. Here are some of the most interesting to us. Lauren Smith writes:
Making your own cleaner
We know they’re all over Pinterest, but DIY versions often don’t offer the same scientifically-proven formulas that the store-bought kind do. Which means it might not do as good of a job (so you’ll have to re-clean things) and it could cost you more money in the long run.
Using a feather duster
Sadly, even though you’re taking the time to dust, this tool only spreads filth from one surface to another (womp, womp). A microfiber cloth is your best bet because it grabs and holds onto particles.
Washing windows when it’s sunny
Sure, it might be more pleasant for you, but the heat from the sun will cause your cleaner to dry before you can wipe it up, leaving streaks and causing extra work for you to fix the marks. Instead, save this chore for a cloudy day or nighttime.
Wearing your shoes in the house
Leaving your shoes at the door is one of the smartest things you can do to cut down on the amount of dust and grime that gets into your home — which means way less cleaning.
Not cleaning your vacuum
If you don’t do this step, you could end up pushing dirt around on your floors instead of sucking it up (yikes!). If your cleaner has a bag, replace it once it’s one-third full. Or, if it’s bagless, empty the canister after every use.
Not letting your tile cleaner sink in
Before wiping the grout between your tiles, let cleaner sit for a few minutes. This will let the formula soak in, which will soften and dissolve scum and stains and result in easier scrubbing for you.
At Half Price Drapes, one of the best tips we have is to make sure you clean your window treatments. The right treatment method will depend on the fabric – after all, velvet curtains need vastly different care compared to something like sheer curtains – but regular cleaning can ensure your curtains are easier to clean and that they last as long as possible.