Cleaning can be fun for others but can also be a despised task by some. But it’s undeniable that cleaning is a must for many reasons, starting with maintaining proper hygiene. But to be able to make the most out of cleaning, you have to do things the right way. We might think that as long as it ends up clean, then we can leave it a that. What we might not know is that what we think is the common way to clean things might be causing long-term damage, leading to the deterioration of of our home decor, appliances, fixtures, and more.
Can soap be used on all surfaces? How much solution should I use? Is it right to scrub off stains immediately? You might think you have the right answer but think again. If you’re not sure, then you definitely have to read on or hire a Austin house cleaning service to do the work for you.
PROPER CLEANING TECHNIQUES
Not everything can be cleaned with soap and water, and if you you’re not sure about using chemicals, don’t think about doing a trial-and error method. There’s a right way to do things, and it pays to do research or hire a professional to do things for you. But before you do that, below are some of the common cleaning mistakes people do and things to avoid.
Same sponge or cloth for everything
It’s a common mistake for many households to use the same cleaning cloth or sponge for everything. For example, using one sponge for all dinnerware and cooking utensils, including pans. Or using the same cleaning cloth in wiping different surfaces with different purposes. This is a big no-no as it just transfers the unwanted dirt of one area to another and does not help in cleaning at all. Worse, it can leave unwanted smells due to the mixture of many elements.
Have separate sponges for your pots and pans, and another one for your glasses, plates, and utensils. As for cleaning cloths, use a different cloth when drying dishes and wiping kitchen surfaces. Same goes with cleaning cloths used in the bathroom. Do not use on other surfaces what you used on the toilet and floors.
“All-purpose” is not for everything
Nothing truly is all-purpose so don’t be fooled into using one product on every surface or item you need to clean. Especially when dealing with an expensive product, it’s worth investing in cleaning products intended to be used on a particular item to make sure that it lasts long.
Washing windows on a sunny day
You might feel like enjoying the sunshine while spraying the cleaner on your dirty windows but it’s actually going to make the job harder for you. The sunlight will only make the spray evaporate faster, leaving streaks on the surface of the glass. If that happens, then you’ll have to repeat the process and tire yourself out. Best to wait until sundown or when it’s a bit cloudy to clean your windows.
Disinfecting before cleaning
There is no sense in disinfecting the surface when you have yet to clean it. It’s a common cleaning mistake thinking that the disinfecting solution also doubles as a cleaning solution.
Remove dust, dirt, debris, and other unwanted solid chunks and objects on the surface. After that, spray cleaning solution first before using disinfecting chemicals so you don’t waste products and let them do their job.
Spraying solutions directly onto surfaces
It’s a very common mistake to make since we think that directly spraying the solution makes it easier to remove the dirt. Wrong. It actually leaves the surface greasy, and makes it more laborious to rinse. Spray it onto the cleaning cloth instead, or a disposable paper towel.
Making cleaner cocktails
Just because you have several cleaning products doesn’t mean you ca mix them thinking that your cocktail is more potent and can clean better. On the contrary, it may even cause more damage than good!
One important thing to remember is to never mix bleach with any other solution. Not vinegar, alcohol, or ammonia. Doing so may not cause it to emit dangerous fumes, but the chemical reactions may cause health problems, with irritations being the least of them.
Impatience with soaking
Cleaning is patient work. You can’t speed up the process and expect everything to be shiny and glimmering at the end. One of the common cleaning mistakes we do is we end up using too much product thinking that it’ll lessen the waiting period. Many cleaners do this when cleaning bathroom and kitchen surfaces and soaking stained clothes and rags.
Using dish soap on a cutting board
Cleaning the cutting board should be done properly since it’s regularly used in cooking, and bacterial can quickly accumulate since it directly gets into contact with raw meat every time. Another thing is that for wooden cutting boards, it can grow moulds and mildew which is a no-no for food. Dish soap and water just won’t cut it. Don’t put it in a dishwasher as well. Instead, soak it in hydrogen peroxide or a bleaching solution, then rinse and dry.
Cleaning from the bottom then moving up
The floor is the easiest surface to access to it is logical for some to begin cleaning there but the process is wrong. Starting from the ceiling and higher areas helps you get rid of dust and dirt, which will fall on the ground. Then you can sweep and vacuum it with along with the floor dust. This is an essential cleaning tip that any maid service must follow. Starting from the bottom will only have you vacuuming the floor twice which is a waste of time and energy.
Using too much fabric softener
Again with the use of too much product thinking that it will give us the best results. While we want our towels to smell good, using too much fabric softener might result in in being greasy. Fabric softeners also reduces the ability to absorb wetness which counteracts the purpose of a towel. You might want to use a measuring cup next time when you do your laundry.
DO IT RIGHT WITH THE HELP OF HOME CLEANING SERVICES
We hope you learned something new with what we shared. If you are have been doing any of the mistakes above as part of your regular cleaning routine, then it’s time to switch things up and make the most out of your effort.
You can do things on your own and try to learn how to do it the right way, but if you want to be sure of the clean state of your home, then we recommend hiring a house cleaning service.
There are many reasons why you should hire professional cleaners. They are trained, have the right tools, and it will also save you time and energy. Go check out the local cleaning service providers in your area.