19 Terribly Bad Cleaning Habits You Want To Avoid!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ve hopefully picked up on a few things I’ve been writing about cleaning in general.

But have you picked up any bad cleaning habits? Maybe you held on to a few that you didn’t realize were detrimental to your cleaning routine. Well, luckily, that’s what this article is all about!

Bad Cleaning Habits

Here are 5 of the bad cleaning habits you want to avoid:

1. Storing Your Products Incorrectly
2. Using Too Much Cleaning Product
3. Relying On Bleach
4. Leaving The Shower Curtain Open
5. Storing Your Food the Wrong Way

And there are so many more! Below I’m going to explain the common bad cleaning habits you need to ditch now if you want a cleaner environment and an easier cleaning process. Let’s dive in!

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#1 Storing Your Products Incorrectly

This is one of the easiest bad cleaning habits to pick up, thanks to misinformation online.

Storing cleaning products in direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity can damage the products, making them less effective. Many cleaning supplies contain flammable or corrosive ingredients, so it’s essential to store these items in a cool and dry environment away from any heat sources.

It’s also worth noting that you need to make sure any product bottles or containers you want to reuse are clean before adding a different chemical to them. Emptying completely old spray bottles will keep you from accidentally mixing chemicals that shouldn’t even be mixed. Chlorine bleach and ammonia, I’m looking at you!

#2 Using Too Much Cleaning Product

Using too many cleaning products is another bad cleaning habit that can cause unnecessary damage to your surfaces. If you overuse products (particularly harsh cleaners), they can leave detergent residue on counters and other surfaces, which can be challenging to remove.

Instead of pouring out a generous amount of product onto the surface, use only what’s necessary to clean up the mess to avoid a cleaning fail. This will save you money and help your surfaces stay cleaner for longer.

#3 Using Harsh Chemicals

You can use harsh chemicals in your cleaning task, but you should only use them sparingly and cautiously. Many harsh cleaning products release toxic fumes into the air and can cause health problems if not handled properly.

Opt for natural solutions such as vinegar or baking soda instead of harsh chemical cleaners if you need a powerful cleaning agent that is as good a cleaner as the store-bought stuff.

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#4 Relying On Bleach

Bleach is an effective cleaner and can be used to kill germs and bacteria on many surfaces. But it’s important not to rely too heavily on bleach, as it can cause discoloration or damage certain fabrics or materials.

Also, when mixed with certain other chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach can create dangerous fumes that can irritate your lungs, eyes, and skin. So it’s best to use bleach sparingly and as a last resort when cleaning the entire house.

There are many natural DIY cleaning solutions that you can use instead of bleach in all but the most desperate circumstances.

#5 Using Too Many Paper Towels

Another one of those bad cleaning habits I am guilty of, or at least at one time.

Paper towels are incredibly useful when it comes to cleaning up spills and sticky messes, but many people end up overusing them. It’s important to remember that buying paper towels can add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Using clean cloth rags or sponges for regular wiping and cleaning is a better option as they are more cost-effective and reusable. This will help you save money in the long run and avoid these typical cleaning mistakes.

#6 Ignoring Proper Usage Directions

We all want to save time when busy with a cleaning task, but it’s important to read and follow the directions on any cleaning products you use. Different products require different techniques for maximum effectiveness, so be sure to take the necessary steps in order to get the best results.

By following the proper manufacturer’s instructions, you can help keep yourself safe and your surfaces clean. Ignoring product directions can cause damage to your home and, in some cases, your health.

#7 Leaving Towels Balled Up

I will admit, as far as bad habits, hanging wet towels instead of dropping them on the floor is an easy fix if you consciously decide to stop doing it.

When you’re done bathing, make sure to hang up your towels or lay them flat instead of balling them up. When wet towels are left in a crumpled pile, they can create a breeding ground for spreading germs and attracting dirt and bacteria, which will make more work for you the next time you need to clean. Not to mention that gross mildew smell.

Hanging wet towels helps them dry faster and keeps bacteria growth at a minimum.

#8 Leaving The Shower Curtain Open

We usually don’t think about the shower curtain after bathing. But, leaving your wet shower curtains bunched after a shower can cause bacteria and mildew to form. To avoid this, always make sure to close the curtain and keep it closed until the shower is completely dry. You can also use a mildew-resistant shower liner to help.

This will help prevent mold and mildew buildup on your shower curtains, as well as reduce unpleasant odors in your entire bathroom if you leave a surface wet for too long. A fresh cloth can help wipe away excess water.

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#9 Not Cleaning Your Tools

When it comes to cleaning, it’s not just the surfaces that need to be taken care of. Your dirty cleaning tools, such as mops and sponges, must also be cleaned. Dirty tools can spread dirt, built-up bacteria, and germs throughout your home.

So make sure to take the time to clean and disinfect your dirty mop, dirty sponge, and other cleaning tools after each use.

This will help keep your home neat and tidy and prevent the spread of bacteria by dirty cleaning tools.

#10 Wearing Shoes in the House

One of my pet peeve bad cleaning habits isn’t so much about cleaning, as it is just about wearing shoes inside.

Outside shoes can bring in dirt, debris, and bacteria into your home. So it’s important to always take off your wet or muddy shoes at the door and wear indoor-only footwear inside.

This will help keep your floors clean and free from germs, so you don’t have to worry about tracking them across the vinyl, tile, or wood flooring throughout your house.

A shoe tray is a great way to keep your family member’s footwear in its proper place at entrances throughout the home for easy accessibility.

#11 Using Too Few Disinfecting Wipes In The Bathroom

Disinfecting wipes are an essential tool for cleaning the surfaces of your bathroom. But using too few wipes can make it difficult to completely eliminate germs and bacteria.

Be sure to use enough of just one disinfectant wipe to cover all the surfaces you need to clean, including door handles, faucets, and toilet seats. This will ensure that your bathroom is as clean and germ-free as possible. If that one wipe is getting grungy too quickly, you may need to revert back to a more robust method for deeper cleaning of bathroom surfaces.

A dirty cloth will just spread bacteria around so use what you need.

I also try to wipe the entire room at least a few times a week for dust. Hydrogen peroxide works great at keeping my non slip shower mat free of germs too.

#12 Letting Things Pile Up

We all have busy schedules, which can make it difficult to find time for cleaning. But it’s important to make sure you take the time to clean regularly, even if it’s just a quick sweep or dusting. The habit of letting things pile up can effect the entire house and leave you in a constant state of frustration.

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#13 Dirty Dishes in the Sink

I do have days where I allow the dishes pile to live in the kitchen sink for half a day. Everyone is guilty of leaving dirty dishes, but it’s a bad habit that should be broken. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink can cause bad odors quickly.

We make a habit of putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher right away, and when I do my daily cleaning of the kitchen, I tackle the dirty dishes first.

#14 Leaving the Mail Around the House

Another one of my former bad habits-leaving that paper clutter on my countertops! I do try to keep the mailbox and my kid’s loose paper pile scaled down until the paper clutter makes it into the recycling bin.

It helps to take any unwanted paper, like junk mail, straight to the bin if I don’t need it immediately.

#15 Storing Your Food the Wrong Way

One of the best cleaning habits you need is proper food storage.

Improperly stored food can risk cross-contamination and lead to bacteria and mold growth. Make sure to store all of your food in airtight containers, especially perishables. If you’re not sure how long food can be stored, use the expiration date as a guideline to help keep your food fresh and safe.

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#16 Get Rid of Clutter

I admit it’s one of those cleaning habits I’m still working on myself. Keeping clutter down is hard, especially if, like me, you tend to pile items up among your cleaning products when you are doing daily household chores.

No cleaning job is complete until you put everything away at the end of the day.

#17 Leaving Bed Messy

Leaving an unmade bed can lead to an uncomfortable, messy sleeping environment. It’s best to take a few minutes each day to make your bed and keep it neat and tidy. This will help you start the day off feeling refreshed and energized.

#18 Dusting After Cleaning

Dusting shouldn’t be the last step in your routine. While you should still dust, it’s best to dust first, then vacuum or mop after. This will help ensure that all of the dirt and dust are removed from your surfaces before they become stuck in carpets or on furniture.

Talking about bad cleaning habits, it also helps if you empty your vacuum bag after every use as well to make the cleaning process a bit faster. And help your vacuum do a good job sucking up all the debris.

Another is to forget to replace the HVAC air filters in your system. Keep them fresh to reduce dust altogether.

#19 Incomplete Chores

Tackling one chore at a time is important when it comes to cleaning. Don’t try to do everything in one go, or you may end up leaving things undone. Make sure that all of the surfaces are thoroughly wiped down and vacuumed, and don’t forget to dust even hidden spots like behind the couch or under items on shelves.

Remember, to keep clutter down and the house clean, you gotta put things away! I gather up any stray cleaning product, or clean tools, and store them where they belong in my laundry room. I also try to complete my tasks, like washing clothes or cleaning a bathroom, so they don’t stack up.

Bathroom cleaners are easier to keep in the downstairs bathrooms, as well as disinfecting wipes. I do try to do a quick wipe of surfaces with a damp cloth in one or two rooms at the end of the day to keep dust down as well.

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How To Stay On Task When Cleaning

To prevent bad habits from forming, here are some tips to keep you on task when it comes to keeping a clean house:

• Set a schedule – Having a set routine will help you stay organized and motivate you to clean.

• Make a list – Make a list of what needs to be done each time you clean so that everything is taken care of in one go.

• Reward yourself – Give yourself small rewards for completing tasks. This will help keep you motivated and focused on your goal.

• Get help – Ask family members to pitch in, or hire a professional cleaner if necessary.

• Take breaks – Don’t forget to take breaks when cleaning. This will help keep you from getting overwhelmed and burnout.

By following these tips and avoiding bad cleaning habits, you can keep your home clean and germ-free. So make sure to take the time to clean regularly to have a healthy and happy home!

Good Habits To Adopt When Cleaning

To help keep your home neat and tidy, here are some good habits you should adopt when it comes to keeping your home clean:

• Have a plan and stick to it – Knowing what needs to be done and setting aside time for each task will help you stay organized.

• Use the right tools for the job – Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies before starting any project.

• Don’t procrastinate – tidying up can quickly become overwhelming if you wait too long to start.

• Take care of spills immediately – This will help prevent permanent staining and bad odors from developing.

• Keep surfaces clean – Wipe down surfaces regularly using the correct methods for each surface type.

More Cleaning Articles

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• Genius tips to make washing dishes easier
• How to maintain order at home
• How to find the motivation to get you cleaning