Home Improvement & Cleaning

Bad Cleaning Habits You Should Stop Immediately

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Whether you’re a clean freak or not, we all might be cleaning wrongly this whole time. Read on for some bad cleaning habits you need to stop ASAP!


1. Cleaning Without A Plan

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In some cases, cleaning requires some careful planning too. For example, if you dusted your coffee table before dusting the ceiling fan, you’ll end up having to backtrack and clean the table again. When cleaning any room, try cleaning from top to bottom and from left to right to prevent recleaning. 

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2. Vacuuming Long Strands Of Hair

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Image source: Part Time Maid Singapore

Do you immediately reach for the vacuum when you see stray hairs on the floor? Well, those long stray hairs can actually tangle up the brush roll in your vacuum, which can block other dirt particles like dust from being vacuumed up. Stick to the good old broom and dustpan for long stray hairs!

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3. Using Harsh Cleaners

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We like to think that harsh cleaners mean they are more effective. However, many store-bought household cleaners actually contain toxic chemicals and pesticides that can be harmful to your health.

Most of your cleaners can be DIY-ed with natural and safe ingredients, some of which you already have at home. A glass cleaner only needs white vinegar and water to make it! 

Also check out on StyleMag: 7 Non-Toxic & Natural Cleaning Sprays You Can Easily Make At Home

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4. Using Too Much Product

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Tend to go crazy with detergent when doing laundry? Excess detergent actually leaves spots on your clothes, which can make them look worn and dull.

This also goes for overusing any cleaning product. Residue accumulates on surfaces when too much product is used, which will make them feel sticky and grimy. 

Overall, using too much is just as ineffective as using too little. Always read the product’s instructions and use the amount recommended.

Also check out on StyleMag: Pods, Powders, Or Liquids? Your Guide To Laundry Detergents

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5. Cleaning With Dirty Tools

Watch this video to find out how to clean cleaning tools

Don’t expect clean surfaces if you’re using unclean tools! Using the same dirty cloth to clean every surface just will spread more germs and can cause cross-contamination too. Take the time to take out debris and soak your cleaning supplies such as scrubs, mops and cloths after every use.

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Replace your tools periodically too. Some cleaning tools, like sponges, should be thrown out when they start to fall apart. Get new ones with our range of cleaning essentials!

6. Wiping Disinfectant Spray Immediately

Most of us like to spray disinfectant on surfaces and wipe it up straight away with a cloth. However, most disinfectants need to sit for a few minutes for it to actually disinfect. 

Remove dust and dirt by wiping the surface with a microfiber cloth first before spraying. Then, spray the surface with your disinfectant and let it sit for however long the product label states. Wipe up and you’re done!

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7. Overusing Paper Towels

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Though they can come in handy, using too many paper towels is not only harmful to the environment but they can also get expensive. A simple cloth can be washed and reused endlessly, saving you so much money!

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For sensitive surfaces such as television screens and mirrors, use an anti-scratch cleaning cloth as they remove dirt smoothly without leaving scratches.

8. Not Cleaning Bathroom Essentials

Does your bathroom have a weird smell? If you have a habit of reusing the same bath towel for weeks, the smell might be mildew forming!

Here are some bathroom essentials you might be forgetting to clean:

  • Shower curtains: Clean them at least once a month
  • Glass shower screens: Squeegee them after bathing to prevent hard water stains from building up
  • Bath towels, hand towels, floor mats: Launder them once a week
  • Loofahs: Disinfect by soaking in a diluted bleach solution once a week
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9. Hoarding Leftovers In The Fridge

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If your fridge is constantly filled with leftovers (some even from months ago!), it’s time to stop hoarding them. If you know you won’t be eating it again, it’s better to just discard it instead of letting it rot in your fridge.

Store leftovers in airtight and shallow food containers and position them visibly in the fridge so you’ll remember to eat them. 

Also check out on StyleMag: How To Organize Your Fridge & Keep It Clean 

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10. Leaving Dishes In The Sink

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The sight of dirty dishes in the sink can be so agonizing and demotivating. It also invites pests and leaves an unpleasant smell in the kitchen. 

Make it a habit to have a dish-free sink every night. Tackling dirty dishes is easier than you think, and can take less than 10 minutes to do! Prevent an overflowing sink by washing as you go too, like while waiting for your pasta to cook.

11. Letting Paper Clutter Pile Up

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Magazines, receipts and warranties can accumulate fast if you don’t sort them. Papers all over the place will also make finding important documents a hassle. Here are some ways you can conquer paper clutter:

  • Sort through your papers weekly and categorise them according to:
    • To recycle
    • To shred (eg. paper with personal information)
    • To file
  • Compile sentimental papers into a scrapbook 
  • Create a filing system with a folder 
  • Go digital: Take pictures of important receipts or switch to reading the news online

For a comprehensive guide on organizing paper clutter, check out How To Get Rid Of Paper Clutter For Good (Bills, Letters & Receipts) on StyleMag!

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Cleaning the house can (literally) be a chore, but learn from these mistakes and adopt good habits to make your life easier. Check out 8 Clean-As-You-Go Habits To Adopt At Home on StyleMag!

Which of these bad habits are you guilty of doing? Let us know in the comments!

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