8 Bad Home Cleaning Habits You Need To Change

April 17, 2020

Although a lot of us are now stuck at home due to the pandemic, chores and cleaning are still the last things a lot of us would want to do. But, it’s what we gotta do to give ourselves an added protection against this rampaging virus. However, did you know that there might be some things you’re doing wrong?

All of us are looking for shortcuts and easier ways to get all the cleaning done. Unfortunately, more often than not, these shortcuts do more harm than good. They can even become habits that are harder to get rid of. So, to get the job done more efficiently, mind your cleaning habits. Check which ones are actually getting the job done and which ones are forcing you to exert twice the effort in the long haul. Then, start changing them one by one as the weeks go by. To get you started, here are some habits you might not notice you have but need to change.

1. Waiting Until Everything Piles Up

Yes, yes, chores can be a bore. But, there is nothing worse than having everything pile up until it gets really overwhelming before you start moving. A lot of us simply try to avoid it until the very last minute. But, trust us, cleaning up and picking up after yourself five to ten minutes every day is a treat compared to hours and hours of nonstop cleaning. So, whenever you get those few minutes to spare, do a little bit of cleaning or organizing. Vacuum a room, load up the dishwasher, or simply just get your desk in order. Those few minutes helps a lot.

2. Disinfecting Only Once

In these times, we all have to be vigilant. And disinfecting your home only once a month isn’t going to be enough. According to the CDC, frequently touched areas should be disinfected with EPA-recommended disinfectants at least twice a day. These include spots like doorknobs, light switches, faucets, counters, remotes, tables, and gadgets. If surfaces have dust or grease, they must be thoroughly cleaned before being disinfected. Better safe than sorry.

3. Using Too Much Cleaning Product

More suds can seem like the product is doing its job better. But, it’s actually the opposite. When not rinsed away completely, excess cleaning products can become a dirt magnet. So, don’t forget to read directions and use only the recommended amount of the product.

4. Wearing Outside Shoes In The House

If you want to save on so much vacuum time, take your outside shoes off before you start walking around your home. That’ll help prevent tons of germs and dirt from getting all over your carpets and floors. So, set up a little chair or bench near the door and maybe even a shoe tray for wet or muddy shoes to make the change a little easier.

5. Letting Paper Accumulate

We know it’s tempting to just throw that piece of paper somewhere on your desk or on any available surface. But, do you really want to deal with hours of paper organizing week after week? To avoid that, designate places for your papers. Place a tray for mails, periodicals, or paper forms near the entryway. Or reserve a folder for tax receipts and other important documents. And as much as possible, organize them immediately.

6. Cleaning With Dirty Tools

Your cleaning tools should also be cleaned. Or else, they won’t work as efficiently or they’ll simply be pushing dirt and dust around. So, every after a cleaning session, make sure to thoroughly clean your tools by emptying their contents or washing them in hot water or with a disinfectant.

7. Storing Cleaning Products and Tools Incorrectly

If you always have a hard time finding the right tools and products to clean a room, it may time to change how you store your cleaning essentials. Gather the cleaning supplies you need for each area of your home. And store them together near those areas. If you have specific things for certain rooms like bathrooms, store them in little baskets and keep them under the sink or such. And, of course, don’t forget to place them back where you got them at the end of each cleaning session.

8. Not Finishing The Task

We all get distracted while cleaning. But, try to finish the task once you’ve started it. For instance, stop yourself from taking social media brakes in the middle of folding laundry. Or, set a timer for rest breaks so you don’t lose track of time. Once distractions take hold of you, it will be harder to get back into the cleaning mode. So, finish up the chores first then relax all you want..