Blog Post

Common Home Cleaning Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Johnny Black • November 25, 2024

Common Home Cleaning Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Home cleaning is essential for maintaining a fresh, healthy environment, but even seasoned cleaners often make mistakes that can waste time and reduce effectiveness. Avoiding these common pitfalls can improve your results, making home cleaning easier and more efficient. Here, we'll dive into some frequent home cleaning mistakes and offer tips on how to fix them.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

One of the most common home cleaning mistakes is choosing the wrong product for the task at hand. Different surfaces require specific cleaners. For example, bleach can damage natural stone countertops, while wood polish isn't suitable for tile. Using the wrong product can harm surfaces and make cleaning harder.


How to Fix It: Always check labels and use products designed for the specific surface you're cleaning. For a reliable solution, look for multi-surface cleaners that are safe for various materials.

2. Skipping Regular Dusting

Many people overlook dusting, assuming it's unnecessary if surfaces don't appear visibly dusty. However, dust builds up quickly and can lead to allergens in the home. Ignoring dusting, especially in hard-to-reach areas, allows dirt to accumulate, making it harder to clean later.


How to Fix It: Schedule regular dusting as part of your home cleaning routine. Use microfiber cloths to trap dust and avoid spreading it around. Remember to dust blinds, baseboards, and light fixtures for a complete clean.

3. Forgetting to Clean Cleaning Tools

It may sound strange, but cleaning tools also need regular cleaning. Dirty sponges, vacuums, and mops can spread bacteria and grime instead of removing them, leading to ineffective cleaning and potentially introducing harmful bacteria.


How to Fix It: Wash sponges in hot water or microwave them to kill germs. Rinse mop heads after every use, and empty vacuum filters and canisters regularly to maintain cleanliness. Clean tools lead to a cleaner home.

4. Not Letting Cleaners Sit Long Enough

Home cleaning mistakes often involve not allowing cleaning products enough time to work. Spray-and-wipe cleaning is ineffective for tough stains or built-up grime, as cleaners need time to break down dirt.


How to Fix It: After applying a cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work effectively. This is particularly important for bathroom surfaces and kitchen countertops. Patience with cleaning products can make a big difference in how easily the dirt wipes away.

5. Cleaning in the Wrong Order

Starting with the floors is a common mistake in home cleaning. When dusting and wiping surfaces after cleaning the floors, you're likely to knock debris onto freshly cleaned floors, creating double the work.


How to Fix It: Always clean from the top down. Dust surfaces and clean counters before vacuuming or mopping the floors. This top-to-bottom method ensures you don't have to re-clean any area, saving time and effort.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these common home cleaning mistakes, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming space.Implementing these tips will not only save you time but also improve the quality of your clean. Remember, attention to detail and using the right methods will make your home cleaning efforts more rewarding.

Ready to Get Expert Help?

Tired of dealing with tricky cleaning tasks? Contact us today for professional assistance! Our team of experts is here to handle all your home cleaning needs, ensuring a spotless and healthy environment. Visit our Scrubd Cleaning blog page for more helpful tips and guides on maintaining a pristine home!

December 19, 2024
5 Reasons to Invest in a Regular Maid Service
October 15, 2024
Are you thinking of hiring a cleaning service but hesitant due to common misconceptions? Many people hold back because of misunderstandings surrounding professional cleaning. Let's debunk the top 5 myths and shed some light on the truth behind hiring a cleaning service.
By Master Account December 15, 2020
2020 has certainly presented more than its fair share of challenges. But, as the holidays draw near, there is the hope that things may return to something resembling a bit more “normal.” Many people are looking forward to hosting relatives and seeing loved ones they have not seen for months. Preparing the house to welcome guests is one of the primary goals most people will be looking to complete in the coming weeks. If you are expecting guests, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that things are neat and tidy prior to their arrival. Realizing that time is a limiting factor, we have put together a few suggestions of things you can do around the house to get ready to welcome company. The first thing you can do is check your air filters. If you can’t remember the last time you changed them, that’s a good indicator that now is the time. The filters will be marked with their sizes in case you don’t remember them. You can order new ones online or purchase them at a local hardware store, Walmart, or Target. Replacing the used ones with new ones increases the air quality in your home and will help reduce the number of allergens in the air. Another simple action you can take is to clean your fan blades. They are a magnet for dust and should be cleaned at least once every few months. Use a step stool and a damp rag or a duster to clean them. A wipe down of each blade will make a big difference in air quality, too. Wipe down prominent or more visible light fixtures. Sconces, chandeliers, or other fixtures accumulate a lot of dust. In addition to improving air quality, you can also increase the amount of light in a particular room or rooms. For a deeper, more intensive clean, contact Scrubd Cleaning. We will be happy to help you, not only with dusting fans and fixtures, but with vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, baseboard cleaning, and more. When you want to make the best impression on family and friends, call Scrubd. We will help you make your house sparkle. Call today to get your cleaning service scheduled before company arrives!
By Master Account October 14, 2020
Moving out of your apartment is an exciting and exhausting endeavor. Whether you’re moving into a house for the first time, getting a bigger place, or are just looking for a fresh start, leaving your apartment takes time and effort. By the time you get everything moved out, you can be tempted to cut corners on the final clean. However, doing this can cost you money. Having a thoroughly cleaned apartment is a great way to make sure that you get back your deposit. If you don’t have the energy, or know exactly where to focus, you should hire a company that can help. Though you can do most of the work yourself, sometimes it’s just too much to think about dealing with after packing, carrying, and loading boxes. Our team can help. We will do more than remove cobwebs, dust blinds, or clean windows. We will clean baseboards and wash walls with the right type of cleaner to protect the paint. We will also wipe down and clean your pantry and cabinet shelves, deep clean your fridge, sanitize kitchen countertops, clean the oven, and clean the sink. Additionally, we will provide a deep clean in your bathrooms. We’ll start with the counters and mirrors, and then move on to the fixtures. We will also thoroughly clean and disinfect your toilets, bathtubs, and showers. We will even be sure to take care of the vents in your bathroom so that they are free of dust and debris. If you have an outdoor space, we can help with that, too. Our team can clean your balcony and clean your sliding glass door. We will clean every nook and cranny to be sure that your apartment looks its best before your final inspection. When you are getting ready to move out of your apartment, call Scrubd Cleaning. Our team can work around your schedule so that you can get everything out of the space before we begin cleaning. We pride ourselves on our thorough, professional service, and we look forward to making sure you get your deposit back. Don’t risk a fine or a final charge from your landlord. Call Scrubd Cleaning today and allow us to clean your apartment from top to bottom.
By Scrubd Clean Team September 21, 2020
Carpet is a great flooring material. It’s versatile, soft, and comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles. It’s also, for the most part, relatively easy to clean with regular vacuuming. However, carpet is susceptible to stains. Whether you spill something, have a child or animal who tracks something in, or have a pet that decides to use the carpet as a bathroom, your carpet can take a beating. Cleaning these types of stains can be time-consuming, frustrating, and difficult. The most important thing to keep in mind when cleaning carpet is not to rub stains. Instead, you should remember to gently blot them. For example, if your dog pees on the carpet, blot up as much urine as you can with paper towels. Then, you can use either a store-bought cleaner or a mixture you can make yourself to treat the area and then blot out the stain. There are several good carpet cleaners for sale online or in stores. There are also numerous carpet cleaning companies. But, if you have an urgent need to remove a stain and don’t have access to these resources, there are some things you can do with products from around the house. Club soda, white vinegar, water, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda are all common household substances you can use to eliminate stains from your carpet. By combining 1 cup of clear ammonia and a half-gallon of warm water, you can create a homemade carpet stain remover. If you have pet stains, you can use 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of warm water, and 4 tablespoons of baking soda to make a solution that will both eliminate the stain and the odor. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to help remove blood stains. Club soda can also be used to remove alcohol stains. The truth is that your house is likely already filled with substances that can help you effectively and safely deal with carpet stains. Carpeting can be expensive. Properly caring for it will extend its life and protect your investment. Accidents and stains are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they’re untreatable. Using these simple recipes can go a long way in keeping your carpets clean and presentable. Contact Scrubd Cleaning today for more helpful tips or to schedule a deep clean of your home or business. Our team would love to help you keep things looking neat and tidy!
By Srubd Clean Team August 13, 2020
School is back in session. This year, thanks to the canceling of in-person classes in the spring, back to school felt more like emerging from hibernation than just a typical end to summer.
By Scrubd Clean Team July 17, 2020
Spending more time at home? We have tips for all your summer cleaning needs!
By Jamie Willis April 23, 2020
The changes we are making during these unprecedented times.
By Master Account January 22, 2020
Eliminating mold and mildew in your shower, bathtub, or sink can seem like a never-ending battle. It can also seem like a battle you cannot win. Though mold and mildew may continually return, there are some effective things you can do to get rid of it and reduce the frequency with which it reappears. Many people are familiar with store-bought mold and mildew removers like Tilex. Those products generally do a good job, but if you are out of them or are unable to get to the store to buy them, there is a solution. You can use some relatively common items to create your own mold and mildew remover. Hydrogen peroxide and tea tree essential oil can be combined to create a natural mildew remover. Simply mix ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and then store the mixture in a dark container. Soak the affected area for up to 2 hours and then rinse it clean. Then, like magic, the mold and mildew are gone. To limit the regularity with which the mold and mildew appear, combine equal parts water and vinegar. Or, you can use 10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice to create a better smelling solution. After you finish showering, spray the solution across the top of the shower walls and on the curtain or door. There is no need to rinse or wipe off. This preventive action can effectively prevent mildew and mold from appearing. Scrubbing your shower, tub, or sink is not an enjoyable task. By using common household products, you can reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your bathrooms and do something you enjoy instead. Mold and mildew can be frustrating, but by utilizing things around the house, you can win the battle against them once and for all.
By Staff Writer July 8, 2019
Now that summer is in full swing, families are preparing to go out of town and enjoy some vacation time. While it’s always good to get away and enjoy a change of pace, it’s important to make sure that you prepare your house well before you leave. If you don’t, you may come back to a smelly home, expensive utility bills, or something worse. There are several simple steps you can take in order to ensure that your home stays in good condition while you are away. First and foremost, be sure to take out the garbage. Nothing ruins a homecoming like a horrible odor inside your house! Second, be sure to pour ½ of a cup of white vinegar down drains and the garbage disposal. This step will also help you prevent a bad smell from festering while you’re out of town. Finally, take some time to clean out your refrigerator before you go and throw out any food that may expire while you’re gone. This is another easy way to avoid coming home to an unpleasant surprise. You can also do a few things to save yourself some money while you are gone. Be sure to unplug all small appliances before you leave – toasters, microwaves, etc. Additionally, set your thermostat to a higher temperature to prevent the air conditioning from working to cool an empty home. Setting the temperature at 78 degrees can greatly reduce your energy costs. Finally, if your water heater has it, set it to vacation mode. These are simple ways to reduce the amount of money on your utility bills while you are enjoying your vacation. Lastly, be sure to do some things that make it appear like your house is not empty and unattended. Leave a few lights on throughout the house, set your sprinklers to run while you are away, and be sure to stop your mail and newspaper. Thieves look for low hanging fruit and if it is clear that you are gone, your home could be targeted. Vacation is a great way to make memories, enjoy a change of pace, and spend time together as a family. But, to be sure that you can completely enjoy your vacation, take steps to prepare your house before you leave. The quick and easy things mentioned here will help you do just that. And, when you get home, call Scrubd Cleaning and let us give your home a nice, thorough cleaning!
Show More
Share by: