Keeping your home clean can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re juggling family, work, and other responsibilities. Many Clovis homeowners strive to maintain a spotless living space, but sometimes, even the best efforts can lead to common cleaning mistakes. These errors can make cleaning tasks less effective, and in some cases, even damage your home’s surfaces.

To help you achieve a truly clean and well-maintained home, we’ve compiled a list of common cleaning mistakes homeowners in Clovis often make—and how to avoid them.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

One of the most common cleaning mistakes is using the wrong product for the job. Not all cleaning products are created equal, and using the wrong one can damage surfaces or be ineffective at cleaning.

• Mistake: Using harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces like granite, marble, or hardwood can cause staining, dullness, or even etching. For example, using a vinegar-based cleaner on marble countertops can cause permanent damage.
• How to Avoid It: Always read the labels on cleaning products and choose the right one for the specific surface you’re cleaning. For natural stone surfaces, opt for a pH-balanced cleaner designed for that material. For hardwood floors, use a cleaner formulated for wood to avoid stripping away the finish.

2. Overloading the Dishwasher

It’s tempting to cram as many dishes as possible into the dishwasher to save time, but overloading can lead to poor cleaning results and even damage your dishes.

• Mistake: Overloading the dishwasher can block the spray arms, preventing water and detergent from reaching all the dishes. This often results in dirty dishes that need to be washed again, wasting time and water.
• How to Avoid It: Follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and avoid overpacking the dishwasher. Make sure there is enough space between items for water and detergent to circulate freely. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full, but not overcrowded, for the best cleaning results.

3. Scrubbing Stains on Carpets

When a spill happens on your carpet, the instinctive reaction is often to scrub it vigorously. However, this can do more harm than good.

• Mistake: Scrubbing a stain can push it deeper into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove. It can also damage the fibers, leaving the carpet looking worn and frayed.
• How to Avoid It: Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth, starting from the outside and working your way in to prevent the stain from spreading. Use a carpet stain remover suited to the type of spill, and blot rather than rub until the stain is lifted.

4. Ignoring High-Touch Areas

High-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles are often overlooked during routine cleaning. These surfaces can harbor germs and bacteria, especially during cold and flu season.

• Mistake: Focusing solely on visible dirt and neglecting areas that are frequently touched can lead to a buildup of germs, potentially affecting the health of your household.
• How to Avoid It: Include high-touch surfaces in your regular cleaning routine. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with an alcohol-based cleaner to wipe down these areas at least once a week.

5. Not Cleaning Cleaning Tools

Cleaning tools like sponges, mops, and vacuum cleaners are essential for maintaining a clean home, but they can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned and maintained properly.

• Mistake: Using dirty cleaning tools can spread dirt and bacteria around your home instead of removing it. For example, a dirty mop can leave floors streaky and less clean than before.
• How to Avoid It: Clean your cleaning tools regularly. Wash sponges in hot water and replace them frequently. Launder mop heads and microfiber cloths after each use. Empty and clean your vacuum cleaner’s dustbin, and check the filter regularly to ensure it’s functioning effectively.

6. Spraying Cleaner Directly on Surfaces

Spraying cleaner directly onto surfaces like countertops, mirrors, or electronics can lead to streaks, residue, and even damage, especially on delicate items.

• Mistake: Directly spraying cleaner can cause buildup and make surfaces harder to clean over time. On electronic screens, it can result in moisture seeping into the device, causing damage.
• How to Avoid It: Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first, then wipe the surface. This method allows for better control of the amount of product used and prevents excess cleaner from settling into seams, crevices, or electronic components.

7. Using Too Much Cleaning Product

It’s easy to think that using more cleaning product will result in a cleaner surface, but this isn’t always the case. Overuse can lead to sticky residues that attract more dirt.

• Mistake: Using too much detergent or cleaner can leave behind a residue that requires additional cleaning to remove. It can also make surfaces sticky and more prone to attracting dust and grime.
• How to Avoid It: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of product to use. Often, a small amount goes a long way. For floors, use the recommended dilution ratio to avoid leaving behind a film.

8. Skipping Regular Deep Cleaning

Routine cleaning is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. Many Clovis homeowners neglect deep cleaning tasks like cleaning behind appliances, washing baseboards, or deep-cleaning carpets.

• Mistake: Focusing only on surface cleaning allows dirt, dust, and grime to build up in hidden areas, which can affect indoor air quality and the overall cleanliness of your home.
• How to Avoid It: Schedule regular deep cleaning sessions, either monthly or seasonally, to address areas that don’t get cleaned during your routine chores. If time is an issue, consider hiring a professional cleaning service in Clovis to tackle these tasks.

9. Using the Same Cloth for Multiple Surfaces

Reusing the same cloth to clean different areas of your home can spread germs and dirt from one surface to another, rather than removing them.

• Mistake: Using the same cloth in multiple areas, especially moving from the bathroom to the kitchen, can lead to cross-contamination.
• How to Avoid It: Use color-coded cloths for different areas of your home to prevent cross-contamination. For example, use one color for the bathroom, another for the kitchen, and a different one for dusting. Always wash cleaning cloths after each use.

10. Not Following a Systematic Cleaning Routine

Cleaning without a plan can lead to missed spots and a lot of back-and-forth, making the process more time-consuming and less effective.

• Mistake: Cleaning randomly without following a systematic approach can result in certain areas being neglected or re-soiling areas you’ve already cleaned.
• How to Avoid It: Clean your home in a systematic manner, starting from the top and working your way down. For example, dust surfaces before vacuuming or mopping the floor to avoid having to clean the floor twice. Follow a checklist to ensure all areas are covered.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common cleaning mistakes can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and upkeep of your Clovis home. By using the right products, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a truly clean and healthy living environment. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the demands of keeping your home clean, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure every area is thoroughly and correctly cleaned.

For expert cleaning services in Clovis, contact R&L Cleaning Services. Our team is here to help you avoid these common mistakes and keep your home sparkling clean. Reach out today to learn more about our customized cleaning solutions.