After years of looking after a home, most people start developing their own cleaning habits. Whether it is how you clean your bathtub or how you care for your carpets, getting into a routine can often make cleaning quicker and easier. However, even those who have been cleaning for a long time can fall into some methods that aren’t as effective as they could be. So if you want to start improving your cleaning skills, read on to find out about some of the bad cleaning habits you need to break!
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Where Do These Bad Habits Come From?
Bad cleaning habits are often habits that have been learned over some time, whether it be in the home, school, or some other environment. In many cases, these bad habits result from an upbringing that either didn’t prioritize cleanliness or instill good cleaning habits. Unfortunately, when these habits are passed from generation to generation, it’s hard to break the cycle and learn proper cleaning techniques.
People can start to take their environment for granted when they don’t understand why cleanliness is so important and how it contributes to personal health and overall well-being. Luckily, like any bad habit, breaking a bad cleaning habit requires only a little effort and some dedication.
Bad Clean Habits That Need Broken
Just because you might be used to certain cleaning habits doesn’t mean that they are as effective as you might assume. And although they may not necessarily be “bad” habits, they are ones that can be improved or even changed altogether. Here are just a few of the common bad cleaning habits many people have:
Using Too Much Cleaner
Maintaining a clean home is essential for many reasons; however, using too much cleaner can be more harmful than helpful. Using too much cleaner not only wastes resources but can also be detrimental to your health and safety. With excessive amounts of cleaner, surfaces are left feeling slippery and are then more likely to cause slips, trips, and falls in the household. Many cleaners also contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin or lungs when used in large amounts.
Additionally, some cleaners contain powerful ingredients which can damage some materials through erosion if used incorrectly or in excess. To protect your home and family, it’s best to use the recommended amount of cleaner typically found on the product’s label.
Using Dirty Cleaning Tools
Poor cleaning habits don’t just lead to a messy home; they can be downright unhealthy. Using dirty cleaning tools such as mops, brushes, and dusters can directly affect the amount of dust, dirt, germs, and allergens in your home. Not only are these contaminants unpleasant to look at, but they have also been shown to have negative health impacts on respiratory problems, skin allergies, and other illnesses caused by prolonged exposure.
Regularly throwing out old sponges or mops and washing brushes and dusters can help reduce the amount of these harmful contaminants in your home. And if you are unsure about when to replace your cleaning tools, try looking for any signs of wear and tear. For example, if your mop or duster is fraying or if your sponges begin to smell off, it may be time for a new one!
Failing to Sanitize After Cleaning
It’s easy to get caught up in the task of cleaning without giving thought to all the steps involved. However, failing to sanitize after cleaning can have serious consequences for the health of those using a space. Bacteria and germs can still linger on surfaces that don’t receive proper sanitation, presenting an unseen danger to everyone who visits it.
Moreover, failing to sanitize regularly after cleaning can actually make it harder to keep spaces clean in the long run since bacteria are more likely to build up when left unchecked. Overall, proper sanitation is an essential part of any thorough cleaning process and a necessary effort for building a safe environment.
Not Storing Cleaning Products Correctly
If you’re like most people, you have a vast array of cleaning products under your sink, but you might not be storing them correctly. An often overlooked bad cleaning habit is not properly storing the items used to spruce up our living spaces. Not practicing proper cleaning product storage can cause a buildup of toxins in your home, which will then contaminate the air and surfaces you’re trying to clean. It’s also important to store these items out of reach for children and pets as certain ingredients can be toxic if ingested or if they come into contact with skin or eyes.
Products should always be stored away from light and heat as both can reduce their effectiveness and create dangerous fumes. By correctly storing cleaning products, you’ll ensure that they remain effective when needed while also keeping your home safe and healthy.
Not Following A Routine
Cleanliness is an essential part of living a healthy and organized life. Unfortunately, many don’t realize the importance of having and following a regular cleaning routine. Without it, you can easily miss out on small tasks that can mean the difference between a clean home and one that has trouble keeping up with everyday messes. Not following a routine makes it more difficult to go through every and all areas that need attention, as well as having them maintained throughout the week or month.
It also increases the chances of overlooking details that may become bigger problems if left unchecked for too long. Long story short, forming a routine helps save you time and money in the long run when it comes to household cleanliness.
Neglecting Your Appliances
Neglecting your appliances is never a good idea when it comes to cleaning, no matter how much of a time-saver it may seem. On the contrary, leaving dirt and grime to pile up can eventually lead to more extensive repair issues down the road. Maintenance should be an ongoing effort, and regular cleanings can help ensure an appliance runs properly and efficiently. Basic maintenance such as wiping down excess food on a stovetop, washing refrigerator shelves and doors, or vacuuming the dust off of a fan can make all the difference – taking care of things before they take their toll.
Neglecting your appliances will only invite problem scenarios that could have easily been avoided with some basic preventative upkeep. It’s important to keep in mind that having strong cleaning habits now will save you time, money, and frustration later!
Start Working On Breaking Your Bad Cleaning Habits!
So while they may be difficult to break, avoiding bad cleaning habits is essential for building a safe and healthy living environment. Whether it’s properly storing cleaning products, forming a regular cleaning routine, or any of the other habits listed above, taking the time and effort to practice good habits will help you achieve a clean and clutter-free home for years to come. Just remember, a little bit of work now can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run!