Oh no! We’ve all made errors while tidying up, but certain slip-ups can seriously damage your items. Whether it’s spoiling a beloved sofa or damaging your kitchen appliances, these errors could end up costing more than just a little effort. Check out our compilation of major cleaning faux pas to steer clear of in order to protect your valuable possessions!
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Using Dirty Cleaning Tools
When it comes to cleaning your possessions, one of the most overlooked and underrated aspects is the cleanliness of cleaning tools. Most people assume that if a tool can be purchased from the store, it’s probably already clean and safe to use. However, this isn’t always true. Many sponges, cloths, and other materials used for household cleaning attract dirt, bacteria, and germs over time.
The longer these tools are used without being cleaned or replaced, the greater the risk of spreading germs and potentially damaging your surfaces. It’s important to remember to always clean or replace cloths and sponges when they become visibly soiled in order to prevent any potential harm from coming in contact with your stuff. To ensure that you are using clean supplies every time you’re ready to do a little bit of tidying up, make sure you:
- Disinfect sponges regularly by microwaving them for 1 minute.
- Use disposable cloths like paper towels or baby wipes for spot cleaning.
- Clean brushes with detergent frequently and hang them up in between uses.
- Replace cloth mop heads often.
Not Cleaning Before Disinfecting
Before attempting any type of disinfectant process, it is important to make sure your surfaces are properly and completely cleaned. Dirt, soil, and another residue can interfere with the effectiveness of the disinfectant by providing a protective layer for bacteria and germs. Start by wiping down all surfaces with hot soapy water and allow them to air dry or dry with a clean cloth.
This step should be performed before using any kind of chemical-based disinfectant to maximize the cleaning power and reduce risk of spread or contamination. Additionally, many types of common household cleaners cannot effectively remove germs or bacteria when used alone; they will only break up dirt, debris, dust mites, and hair – allowing these organisms to stay in place or become airborne.
Rubbing Stains Instead of Blotting
When dealing with a stain on clothing, furniture, or carpets, it is important to remember that the key to successful stain removal is blotting the spot. This method involves applying pressure with a cloth to absorb or remove the spill. Rubbing the spot can cause the stain to penetrate deep into the material’s fibers and become more difficult to remove. Using too much force can even damage fabrics, especially those that are delicate or silky in texture.
When dealing with spills, do not rub or scrub them into fabrics – instead:
- Blot any liquid spills immediately using a clean white cloth (avoid colored cloths as dyes may transfer onto your furniture)
- Do not scrub or brush spills – as this may further set in any residues
- Be sure never to rub in circles as this can also damage materials
- When cleaning carpets and rugs, use an up-and-down motion rather than the circular motion
- When dealing with fabrics or soft furnishings that are prone to water spotting – always ensure you pat dry rather than rubbing (for example leather).
Wiping Surfaces Too Soon
When it comes to cleaning your home, certain tasks can become an easy habit that you hardly think of. For instance, one of the most daily tasks that many of us do is wiping down kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and other surfaces after a spill.
However, if you’ve spilled something sticky or greasy on a hard surface and you go right away to wipe it off with a clean cloth and liquid cleaner, this could actually do more harm than good. If the problem area is still wet with the substance, wiping it too soon can cause the liquid cleaner to actually spread the mess around instead of absorbing it.
Moreover, if there is soiling on these areas from food residue that has dried over time, going in too soon with just a cloth will end up rubbing the dirt even deeper into the surface. To get hard surfaces properly cleaned and prevent permanent damage, the first step should always be gently scraping away any crusted residue or sticky messes with a putty knife or other flat-edged scraper or spatula before going in with a damp cloth and cleaning solution.
Using the Same Cleaning Cloth Around the House
The same cloth used to clean surfaces around the house can spread bacteria and germs, leading to illness and even more cross-contamination. Before using a cloth, make sure it is compatible with the surface you are planning on cleaning.
A cloth that is too abrasive or contains chemicals not suitable for certain surfaces can cause damage. For instance, an abrasive cloth can scratch delicate materials such as granite countertops or painted walls. Additionally, if cleaning the bathroom with a cloth used to wipe down kitchen counters, harmful bacteria such as E. coli could spread from one room to another.
It’s important to use a different fabric or different colors of cloth for each type of surface being cleaned in order to prevent cross-contamination and avoid damaging items with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Consider utilizing microfiber towels instead of regular cotton rags since most microfiber designs are safe for all surfaces—ranging from glass and tile to marble and wood—and don’t produce lint that can damage fine furnishings.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that with any cleaning project, prevention is key. Regular upkeep and maintenance can help avoid major destruction from deep-set dirt or water damage.
And if you do need to clean something, taking the time to research what products or techniques are best suited can mean the difference between restoring your possessions to their original condition and throwing them away. The right knowledge, tools, and preparation can make your cleaning experience a successful one!