Let's face it, cleaning isn't always at the top of our list, and in most cases we want to get it done as quickly as possible.
There's always something to do, isn't there? From the top of the kitchen cabinets to the bottom of the pantry. We tend to stick with our tried-and-true methods and combinations of the same old products, but are we really making time-wasting cleaning mistakes?
We spoke to our top cleaning pros to ask them what they think are the biggest cleaning mistakes and how to replace them with effective methods - because let's face it, we should all clean our kitchens more thoroughly in the first place .
1. Not planning far enough in advance
(Image credit: Georgie Wykeham Designs / Tom St Aubyn)
We're all guilty of this: wanting to complete cleaning tasks as quickly as possible. However, if we invest a little time in planning ahead, we become much more efficient and motivated to do the cleaning .
Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert at Emily's Maids of Dallas , explains, "Failure to plan your cleaning routine is a cleaning mistake that makes your tasks more difficult. If you don't plan, you'll waste a lot more time because you'll jump from one task to the next, wasting extra time and energy.
What is the best way to proceed? "Spend five minutes mapping out the cleaning tasks, then the schedules for each task and the cleaning products you'll need," says Alessandro.
If you're looking to fit your cleaning tasks into a schedule, we love Paper's Italian Summer Productivity Planner , which comes in four colors and offers daily and monthly options.
2. Use rechargeable vacuum cleaners
(Image credit: Divins Sauvages)
Portable products are tempting, take up less space and are easier to maneuver. But they have a downside, explains Sabrina Fierman, director of Little Elves of New York : "One of the things that bothers our teams the most are rechargeable vacuum cleaners, which lack power and suction, requiring more cleaning time." and wait. »
This can be a problem. It's best to research which handheld vacuum cleaner is worth investing in . If you have a lot of carpets, you should consider the best vacuum cleaners that can handle high and low carpets and have excellent suction power.
3. Choose products that cause scratches or stains
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball / Asger Mortensen, Wester Agency)
Sabrina says: "I think the biggest cleaning mistakes are using the wrong products (abrasive cleaners or solutions that are too strong) that scratch or wear down the surfaces immediately or over time, or products that leave streaks and stains that are I particularly like Magic American Grout Cleaner for ceramics and porcelain stoneware .
Alessandro agrees and says that sometimes we make the mistake of applying a product and rubbing it in immediately (unless the instructions say otherwise). "Most cleaning products work chemically and not mechanically. That means you have to give it time and not necessarily rub and rub. You'll waste more time and energy and maybe even just scratch the surface.
Check out Alessandro's three favorite gentle cleansers below.
4. Having too many products in your arsenal
(Image credit: Divins Sauvages / Ca'Pietra)
It's easy to get seduced by the long-lasting product that's supposed to clean "everything" in your home and make your life so much easier, but more often than not, it's a gimmick ( there are many that cleaning experts hate ) and it will get you convince. It doesn't work. T. Do what it says.
As a result, we have a closet full of promising products that are literally gathering dust. "Overcomplicating your pantry or cleaning basket makes the job more difficult," says Alessandro. "Time is wasted changing products, reading instructions, and sometimes even having to use additional supplies like sponges and towels. Limit yourself to all-purpose cleaners and no more than five cleaning products total.
Alessandro recommends the Casabella Plastic Multi-Purpose Cleaning Basket with Handle from Amazon for storing your essential products.
5. Work up instead of down
(Image credit: deVOL kitchens)
This is a common problem that we are all guilty of: looking into the eyes and at ground level instead of looking up.
Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning, explains: "Starting with the floors is like drying yourself under water after a shower. All crumbs, dust and mysterious particles on the upper surfaces fall back. Instead, work from top to bottom: Start with shelves, counters, and the cobwebs in the corners that you pretend you don't see. Let gravity do its work so you only have to cover the floor once. Efficiency to win!'
Check out our three purchases to help you sheathe from ceiling to floor.
6. Don't let things dry out
(Image credit: deVOL kitchens)
When it comes to cleaning, we generally want it done as quickly as possible, which means mistakes can happen.
"Another big mistake is not drying things completely so that the accessories are clean but not ruined by drying with water and leaving stains and streaks," says Sabrina.
To counteract this, give your accessories enough time to dry naturally or help them with a cloth. Glass cloths are a good option because they don't leave marks.
7. Don't clean your tools
(Image credit: Little Greene Split Pink)
"A worker is only as good as his tools," goes the saying, and that couldn't be truer. It is extremely important that we take the time to clean the tools we use to clean.
"Dirty mops, dusty vacuums and dirty sponges are like using a dirty fork to stir soup: counterproductive and pretty gross," says Forrest. How do I get into the cleaning routine? At the end of your cleaning session, take five minutes to review each item.
"Wash microfiber cloths, rinse mop heads and empty vacuum cleaners regularly. A clean tool is like a happy colleague: productive and drama-free," he adds.
8. Excessive use of air fresheners and perfumes
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
There are perfumes and there are perfumes . Entering a freshly cleaned, elegantly scented home infused with natural scents is certainly invigorating, but waking up to a home that smells overwhelmingly of artificial air fresheners and electrical outlets is another matter that can also lead to health problems with air conditioning .
Forrest explains: "Spraying air fresheners everywhere to mask odors doesn't fool anyone. First, eliminate the source of the odor: clean the trash can, ventilate the room, and use baking soda if necessary. Then spritz on your favorite perfume. It's about getting some fresh air and not hiding the facts.
Light Anthropologie's Volcano candles throughout your home (synonymous with all of their stores) to create a fresh, invigorating scent.
Meet our experts
Alessandro Gazzo is a cleaning expert working at Emily's Maids of Dallas who specializes in developing a healthier, greener and more efficient approach to home care. Alessandro has a passion for homemade cleaning products and believes in the power of natural and cost-effective solutions to keep homes spotless.
For 15 years, lifestyle and cleaning guru Sabrina Fierman has been the practice manager of Little Elves of New York, the leading luxury cleaning service in the New York metropolitan area.
Forrest Webber is an entrepreneur and founder of several companies, including Bear Brothers Cleaning and Fireplace Distributor.
Learn how to complete your cleaning tasks successfully and quickly without making the big mistakes we all make.
Next, learn what professional cleaners always discover in dirty homes .
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