The most important ritual to do at home is of course cleaning . Nothing beats a clean , good-smelling house . However, there are little-known hygiene rules that must be respected when cleaning . Here are the mistakes you should absolutely avoid when cleaning your house .
Mistake #1: Cleaning with the same cloth everywhere
A very common mistake made when cleaning is using the same cloth in several places. Why is this an error? Quite simply, because by using the same cloth everywhere, you transport and distribute dirt and germs everywhere. It is therefore recommended to use a paper towel for each room or microfiber cloths that you can wash in the washing machine after each use.
Mistake #2: dusting with a feather duster
When you want to clean the dust from the house , the first thing you use for this is a feather duster . The problem is that the duster does not capture the dust but moves it and scatters it everywhere. The solution is therefore to use an anti-dust wipe or a microfiber cloth so as not to damage your furniture.
Mistake No. 3: neglecting the cleanliness of the vacuum cleaner filter
We regularly use the vacuum cleaner to dust the house , the carpets , the furniture , etc. However, we rarely have the reflex to clean the filter . When the vacuum cleaner is not cleaned, it no longer does its job as it should. This is why you need to clean the filter and regularly replace the bag when it is full for optimal dust suction .
Mistake #4: Putting all types of kitchen utensils in the dishwasher
Some people don’t hesitate to put the garlic press, cheese grater , and other kitchen utensils in the dishwasher . However, this type of utensil accumulates dirt and sometimes bits of food which cannot be dislodged by the dishwasher and end up clogging it. This is why it is imperative to wash this type of utensil by hand with dishwashing liquid , taking care to clean them well.
Mistake #5: Putting the toilet brush back in its place directly after use
Some people don’t realize that putting the wet toilet brush back in its place after use is a big mistake . This error encourages the proliferation and transfer of germs and bacteria . You must therefore allow the brush to dry completely after washing and put it back on its clean support .
Mistake #6: forgetting to maintain the sink
As the sink is used regularly, it becomes clogged with dirt and food, especially in the case of the kitchen sink . That’s why it’s important to dry the sink after each use and use a baking soda product weekly to kill germs, bacteria, and waste .
Mistake #7: starting from the ground
A time-wasting mistake is starting with cleaning the floors . This is a mistake because the floors will get dirty again when you clean the dust and crumbs from the furniture. Which will mean you have to raise the ground. To avoid this, simply start cleaning each room from top to bottom: first clean the windows , then all the tables , counters , chairs , sofas … and finally finish with the floor .
Mistake #8: Applying the cleaner directly to the surface
Contrary to appearances, spraying the cleaner directly onto the surface such as furniture or windows only makes the situation worse. This makes the dirt even more embedded. It is therefore best to spray the product on a microfiber cloth and then use it on the surface in question for a good result.
Mistake No. 9: Not maintaining the washing machine
A little-known but important thing is the fact that you need to clean the washing machine regularly . For what ? Because it accumulates dead cells, mites and dirt from clothing stains . This affects the cleanliness of the clothes and could possibly damage the machine.
If the machine is top loading , you will need to clean it as follows:
- Run the longest, hottest wash setting
- When the drum is almost full, pour in 1 quart of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda .
- Leave it to act for at least an hour with the lid open (you can take the opportunity to clean the visible corners of the washing machine such as the lid, etc.).
- Close the door of your washing machine so that the previously started cycle starts again.
- Repeat the entire process then air dry the inside of the washing machine after drying it first with a cloth.
If the machine is charging horizontally , you will need to use the following cleaning technique:
- Pour a mixture of baking soda and water (about ¼ cup) into the detergent compartment and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum.
- Run the hottest wash setting
- At the end of the cycle, dry the drum, washing machine door, detergent compartment and seals using a microfiber cloth.
- Allow the inside of the washing machine to air dry with the door ajar.
Thanks to this technique, you will have a washing machine and clothes that are always clean.
Mistake No. 10: cleaning the cutting board with dishwashing liquid
The cutting board is a bacteria magnet whether it is plastic or wood. This is generally cleaned in the standard way, that is to say with dishwashing liquid . However, this way of proceeding is a mistake because it does not eliminate germs and bacteria in any way. What you need to do is simply soak the cutting board in hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of white vinegar and water then rinse with water and let dry completely.
NB: it is not recommended to put your cutting boards in the dishwasher, your wooden board could become deformed and the plastic one would melt.
Now you are prepared for all situations ! Nothing better than easy , effective and above all intelligent cleaning tips !