7 Common Cleaning Mistakes and How to Fix Them
When I first moved out of my parents’ house, I thought keeping a clean and tidy home would be a breeze. I imagined a perfectly organised space, spotless countertops, and floors you could eat off of. Reality? Not so much. It turns out, a few bad habits and ineffective methods were holding me back, and I wish someone had told me these things earlier. Let’s dive into the most common mistakes people make when trying to maintain a clean home and what to do instead. Trust me, these insights will save you time, effort, and frustration.
1. Relying on Deep Cleaning Instead of Daily Habits
It’s easy to fall into the habit of relying on weekend cleaning marathons, but I’ve learned that daily cleaning habits make all the difference. Spoiler alert: it’s exhausting and never quite gets the job done.
Why it’s wrong: Deep cleaning once a week (or less often) allows dirt, grime, and clutter to pile up. By the time you tackle it, it feels overwhelming, and you’re more likely to miss spots.
What to do instead: Establish small daily cleaning habits. Spend 10-15 minutes each day tidying up, wiping surfaces, and putting things back where they belong. For instance, wipe your kitchen counters after cooking or do a quick vacuum of high-traffic areas. These little habits add up and make deep cleaning a breeze.
2. Overloading on Cleaning Products
I’ll admit it—when I first set up my own home, I went a bit overboard buying every cleaning product under the sun. A separate spray for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, one for the windows, and a dozen others for good measure.
Why it’s wrong: Using fewer, versatile products can simplify your routine and save money, while also being kinder to the environment. It’s also not great for the environment.
What to do instead: Invest in a few multi-purpose cleaning products that work well across surfaces. A good all-purpose cleaner, a microfibre cloth, and baking soda can handle most tasks. Plus, fewer products mean less clutter under the sink.
3. Ignoring Hidden Dirt and Clutter
Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind when it comes to cleaning, and tackling those hidden spots can make a big difference. I used to think if my home looked clean, it was clean. Turns out, those hidden spots like under the couch, behind the fridge, and inside cupboards were hiding dust and grime.
Why it’s wrong: Regularly cleaning these areas helps maintain a fresh and healthy environment, ensuring your home feels truly clean and inviting. Over time, it affects the overall cleanliness and feel of your home.
What to do instead: Schedule time every couple of weeks to tackle these hidden spots. Pull out the couch and vacuum underneath, wipe down shelves inside cabinets, and don’t forget the skirting boards—they’re dust magnets.
4. Piling Up Laundry Instead of Staying on Top of It
Laundry was one of the trickiest chores for me to manage when I first moved out. I’d let it pile up until I was down to my last pair of socks, then spend an entire day washing, drying, and folding.
Why it’s wrong: Piling up laundry creates a backlog that’s stressful to deal with all at once. Plus, dirty clothes sitting too long can develop unpleasant odours.
What to do instead: Create a laundry schedule that works for you. Whether it’s doing one load every few days or setting specific laundry days each week, staying consistent will make this chore much more manageable.
5. Using the Wrong Tools for the Job
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled to clean something, only to realise I was using the wrong tool. For example, using paper towels to clean mirrors or a mop that left streaks on my floors.
Why it’s wrong: Ineffective tools waste your time and effort and can sometimes damage surfaces.
What to do instead: Invest in the right cleaning tools. Microfibre cloths are fantastic for streak-free surfaces, a vacuum with attachments can get into nooks and crannies, and a steam mop works wonders on floors. It’s worth spending a little more on quality tools that make cleaning easier and faster.
6. Neglecting Regular Decluttering
Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up, doesn’t it? I used to tell myself I’d deal with it later, but “later” often turned into weeks or even months.
Why it’s wrong: Clutter not only makes your space look messy but also makes cleaning more difficult. Dust collects around items, and having too much stuff can feel overwhelming.
What to do instead: Adopt a “one in, one out” policy—for every new item you bring into your home, get rid of something old. Regularly go through drawers, cupboards, and shelves to donate or discard items you no longer use. A tidy space is easier to clean and feels more relaxing.
7. Forgetting to Freshen the Air
A clean home doesn’t just look good—it should smell good too. Early on, I made the mistake of relying solely on artificial air fresheners, thinking they’d do the trick.
Why it’s wrong: Overusing artificial air fresheners can be overpowering and even harmful to air quality. They often mask odours instead of eliminating them.
What to do instead: Focus on natural ways to freshen the air. Open windows for ventilation, simmer a pot of water with citrus peels and spices, or use essential oil diffusers. Don’t forget to clean odour-causing culprits like garbage bins and the fridge regularly.
It’s All About Smart Habits
Keeping your home clean and tidy doesn’t have to feel like an endless chore. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting smarter cleaning habits, you can save time and energy while creating a space you genuinely enjoy. I wish I’d known these tips before moving out of my parents’ house, but hey, better late than never!
Which of these tips resonates with you the most? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep your home looking and feeling its best!
