You put a lot of effort into keeping your home sparkling clean. There’s no denying that home cleaning is a lot of work, so you want to ensure that you are making your efforts as efficient as possible. At My Amazing Maid, we know a thing or two about home cleaning, and we want to help you avoid these five common cleaning mistakes that can prevent your home from being the clean, serene retreat that you want.
Cleaning Mistake #1: Not Cleaning Your Cleaning Supplies
Your trusty cleaning tools need cleaning too, from humble basics like rags and mops to that fancy high-end vacuum with three dozen attachments.
The safest bet is to wash delicate cleaning items like rags and to clean cloths after each use. Empty vacuum containers promptly, and make sure to check that the filter is not clogged up when you are emptying the canister.
While disposable items do offer convenience, some people prefer to avoid the household waste of some disposable cleaning products. You may be thinking it’s time to trade in your old-fashioned rope mop for a disposable version, you can also find mops with lightweight, microfiber attachments that can be removed and tossed in the wash after each use.
If you go with disposable products such as Swiffers, check the instructions for replacement, and don’t use a disposable cleaning wipe for more than one task. For reusables, check the instructions on the product, and err on the side of washing more often.
Cleaning Mistake #2: Not Researching Your Home Cleaning Products in Advance
If you find yourself often haphazardly grabbing spray bottles at the store, with just a cursory glance at the label, make a note to do some research before your next supply run. There is a myriad of cleaning products available, and using the wrong tool or spray for the task can prevent your home from being as clean as you would like.
Plus, if you are going to be using a home cleaning product in your home, you want to know what is going into it, and that it is safe for your home and family. At My Amazing Maid, we use high-end green products from Biokleen. We value home cleaning products that are safe for use around kids and pets, as well as biodegradable.
Mistake #3: Not Tidying Up Before Cleaning
Especially if you are in a hurry, it can be tempting to bust out the microfiber cloths and the vacuum and start attacking the closest surfaces. But if you want to maximize your time and get your home really clean, it’s important to straighten up a bit before you start cleaning. Your home doesn’t have to be completely free of clutter to be clean, but do take a few minutes per room to corral shoes, toys, clothes, fitness equipment, etc. Before you vacuum, clear off the rug. Before you wipe the kitchen counter, stow cereal boxes in the cabinet and put the mail in the office.
Your home doesn’t have to look like Martha Stewart just came through to help you stage it, but if most surfaces are reasonably free of piles of stuff, it will be much easier (and faster) to get them clean. A few minutes of tidying up will save you time on moving things out of the way to vacuum or dust.
Mistake #4: Not Having a Rotation of Home Cleaning Tasks
Whether you are a hyper-organized spreadsheet aficionado or an easygoing free spirit, it’s a good idea to jot down a list of semi-regular or occasional tasks and break them up into a rotation. For instance, if you do a weekly home cleaning on Saturdays, you probably don’t plan to wipe down your baseboards and door frames every week. Plenty of cleaning tasks can be done occasionally, like deep cleaning the fridge or upholstery.
If you neglect these periodic tasks during regular cleaning time, they tend to pile up. Avoid having a huge list of large home cleaning tasks by making a schedule. Maybe you do baseboards in January, upholstery in February, and deep clean the oven in March. It doesn’t matter how you structure the tasks, so long as you break them up into manageable pieces.
This is the approach we take with our Premier Cleaning Service. Thanks to a structured rotation of deep cleaning tasks, your home never gets to the point of really needing an annual deep clean, because our staff continuously cleans those forgotten areas throughout the year.
Mistake #5: Not Cleaning From the Top Down
When cleaning, always remind yourself to start high and work your way downward. For instance, don’t sweep your kitchen before you wipe down the counters, or you will find yourself with a dirty floor all over again.
If you are cleaning your living room, dust before you vacuum, and you’ll catch more of the loose dust as you vacuum. If you’re working on a tub or shower, start at the top and work your way down, so drips from above don’t make the lower parts of the tub or shower dirty again.
Let My Amazing Maid Help Out With Your Home Cleaning
Keeping a home clean is a lot of work. If you find yourself thinking you don’t have the time and energy to follow the home cleaning tips above, it might be time to consider investing in home cleaning services. Our services are available at a variety of price points, and we aim to create a plan that works for each individual customer and their home.
Get a free, no-obligation instant estimate today, and see what we could do for your home.