Top Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid: Advice from Professional Cleaners

Whether you have a cleaning service or tackle your chores yourself, it’s easy to fall into bad habits. These common cleaning mistakes can make your home dirtier in the long run, but they’re easy to fix. Using dirty cleaning tools spreads germs and dust around your home. Be sure to clean or sanitise your broom, sponges, and mop heads regularly, as well as empty and wash your vacuum cleaner’s filter.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Using the right cleaners near me and tools can make cleaning your home quick and easy. However, there are several common mistakes people make while cleaning that can cause damage to surfaces and items, as well as affect their health. From using a store cupboard ingredient as an industrial cleaning agent to mixing incompatible products, these mistakes can cause a variety of problems from chemical burns to respiratory irritation.

Some of these mistakes can be costly, while others can be dangerous to the environment and your own health. For example, rubbing alcohol and bleach aren't compatible because they create chloroform gas when mixed together. This can irritate the skin, eyes, liver, and kidneys. It can also corrode metals and harm plastics. Other bad combinations include combining oxidic acid-based cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend and trichloroisocyanuric acid-based products such as Ajax or Comet powders. These combos can create chlorine gas, which can irritate the eyes and lungs at even low levels.

Another big mistake when cleaning is using dirty or contaminated tools, such as cloths and rags. Reusing the same cloth or rag can transport germs from room to room and leave behind residue on surfaces, making them unclean. This is why you should always use a dedicated clean-up tool for each room, such as a disinfectant spray or disposable wipes. Also, remember to launder your cleaning tools frequently to ensure they're free from bacterial growth.

It's important to keep in mind that many industrial cleaning agents are toxic or caustic. This is why you should only use professional-grade cleaning supplies for cleaning your home or business. Additionally, you should only use these chemicals in a well-ventilated area and never mix them with other household cleaners.

If you're not sure what type of cleaning solution is best for your specific surface or item, ask a professional. They can help you find the right product for your needs and explain how to use it safely and effectively. They can also offer you tips to get the most out of your cleaning products, so that you can save time and money on your cleaning routine.

2. Washing Windows on a Sunny Day

Cleaning your windows is a time-consuming, often frustrating chore. But it’s a task that’s vital to keeping your home looking fresh and tidy. Over time, pollution, dust, and grime accumulate on windows and window frames both inside and out, obstructing your view and blocking sunlight that your plants need to thrive. Fortunately, there are some simple tricks you can use to clean your windows and keep them streak-free.

While it may be tempting to jump in with a bucket of soapy water and start wiping, the first step to sparkling clean windows is to dust. This will help to remove loose dirt, smudges and salt spray that have built up on the glass and frame. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a dusting attachment to remove heavier buildup.

Once you’ve dusted, you can then apply your cleaning solution. When washing your windows, experts recommend using a mild soapy water or diluted vinegar. A squeegee or cloth is also an essential tool, but you’ll want to avoid paper towels or tissues which can leave lint streaks behind. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth or chamois (or even better, a baseball umpire brush, which can be found in the sporting goods section of your local store).

When it comes to the best day to wash your windows, overcast and cooler weather is preferred. Hot sun causes the cleaner to evaporate quickly, leaving streaks on the glass before you have a chance to wipe them off.

If you have no choice but to clean your windows on a sunny day, Adam Pawson from leading window manufacturer Safestyle advises starting with the shady side of the house and working your way around. He also suggests washing just a small area or single window pane at a time to avoid soap suds drying onto the glass before you can wipe it down.

Once you’ve finished washing your windows, a quick run over with a dry chalkboard eraser will help to eliminate any residual streaks and leave your windows sparkling clean. If you want to be extra sure your windows are streak-free, you can also try a quick run over with a sticky lint roller, which will cling to any remaining lint or fuzz.

3. Spraying the Cleaning Solution Directly on the Surface

Cleaning your home is important to help keep it looking its best and smelling fresh. However, it can be easy to make mistakes during the cleaning process that can leave behind more germs and dirt than before. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easily fixable with some quick fixes and adjustments to your cleaning routine.

One common mistake people make is spraying the cleaning solution directly on the surface that they are trying to clean. While this method can work on some surfaces, it is not the safest or most effective way to clean many different kinds of surfaces. Instead, it is best to spray the cleaner on a microfibre cloth or paper towel and then wipe the surface that needs cleaning. This will help to ensure that the cleaner is not dripping down other areas of the house or getting on surfaces that it shouldn't.

Another cleaning mistake that people often make is forgetting to regularly clean their vacuum cleaner. Many people don't think that this is a big deal, but failing to clean your vacuum can actually cause it to be less effective at removing dirt and debris from your floors. Make sure to give your vacuum cleaner a thorough clean once a week by following these tips.

Finally, a common mistake that people make when cleaning their homes is failing to regularly dust certain surfaces. This can lead to a build-up of dust that makes your home look dirty and can even aggravate allergy symptoms. To avoid this, make sure to dust all surfaces in your home on a regular basis, such as tables, shelves, and furniture.

By avoiding these common cleaning mistakes, you can ensure that your home stays clean and healthy for your family. To learn more about how to properly clean your home, contact a professional Dallas house cleaning service today. They can recommend the best products and techniques for keeping your home sparkling clean!

4. Using Ammonia-Based and Bleach-Based Cleaners at the Same Time

Cleaning products can be extremely useful, but it's important to know how to use them properly. Certain combinations of cleaners can release dangerous and toxic gasses, which can cause illness, irritate your skin and eyes and lead to other problems.

Using ammonia and bleach at the same time can be dangerous. Bleach and ammonia react together to create chloramines, which emit toxic fumes that irritate your nose, eyes, throat and lungs. At high levels, these gases can even lead to respiratory emergencies like vomiting, chest pain and fluid in the lungs. When you use bleach and ammonia together, you must wear protective goggles, gloves and open windows or vents to prevent inhaling these chemicals.

Ammonia is a common ingredient in many cleaning products because it cuts through grime, dissolves mildew and kills germs. It also helps to remove tough stains and leave glass and mirrors sparkling clean. However, it's important to note that ammonia itself is a toxic chemical and should be used sparingly, if at all. Ammonia's harsh scent should be enough of a warning to make you cautious about how much you use and how long you allow it to sit on surfaces.

It's also a good idea to avoid mixing ammonia-based products with ones that contain chlorine bleach, such as Windex Original Cleaner or Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Using these two ingredients at the same time releases chlorine gas, which can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness and nausea. Bleach and rubbing alcohol shouldn't be mixed, either, because they create chloroform, which can damage your eyes, skin, liver, kidneys and nervous system.

Another mistake that can be dangerous is using the same dirty cloth or sponge to wipe down counters, windows and other surfaces throughout your home. Instead, keep a dedicated cloth for each room and change it out frequently to prevent the transfer of dirt between areas. This will help to keep your cleaning results more consistent and your household cleaners safe for use. Keeping up with these tips will help you to save time and effort when it comes to cleaning your home while protecting your family's health and well-being.

Conclusion

A well-organized home contributes to a happier, healthier, and more productive life. With the assistance of professional cleaners near you, you can transform your living spaces into clutter-free havens. Say goodbye to the stress of a disorganized home and hello to a space that promotes peace and tranquility. Home organization is not just about tidying up; it's about creating a better quality of life. Choose the right cleaners near you, and embark on your journey to a more organized and fulfilling home.