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How to Clean: Six Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

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When it comes to spills and messes, you just clean them up – right? Apparently not. There is a wrong way to clean some messes or the wrong technique to use, period. Keep reading to find out about six common cleaning mistakes that we all have made but need to avoid in the future.

The Truth about Cleaning

It drives you crazy but it is a necessity. We are talking about cleaning. You put it off as long as you can because, well, you don’t want to tackle the chore. It takes time and lots of elbow grease. Some products just don’t work like they claim and that means even more work for you.

Cleaning the wrong way could lead to costly repairs or replacements. Who knew there was a wrong way? Knowing how to clean can save you from more than just time wasted.

avoid these 6 cleaning mistakes

How to Clean: Avoid These 6 Common Cleaning Mistakes

1. Dusting after you vacuum – You’ll make more work for yourself if you do it this way. Even with a new-fangled duster you will have particles flying through the air. They settle on the carpet, tables and furniture. If you vacuum first, you will have to do it again after the dust has cleared.

2. Using more product than needed – It may seem like one capful or two cups is not enough, but when you use more than directed you are asking for problems. First, the fumes from some cleaners can cause problems for allergy or asthma sufferers in your home. It could even knock you out. It also leaves more product to wash off. Have you ever tried to clear a sponge of soap or other project but it kept on bubbling? Residue may remain not only on sponges but on surfaces.

3. Scrubbing the carpet – If you have a spill, use a towel or a paper towel to blot the excess moisture first. Then, use a stain remover and follow the directions on the bottle. Scrubbing or rubbing vigorously will result in a wooly-looking spot on your carpet where the fibers have unwoven.

4. Spraying furniture polish on surfaces – Instead of spraying directly on a surface, spray on the cleaning cloth you intend to use. Now, the cloth can collect dirt and trap it on a moist surface instead of making it fly up and then resettle once you’ve moved on to clean something else.

5. Not following package instructions – Ever wonder why you don’t get the results you desire sometimes? It could be because you didn’t follow the instructions. They are there for a reason so use them.

6. Cleaning windows on sunny days – The sun will dry the cleaner faster than you can wipe. It will leave a streaky finish after all your hard work.

When it comes to cleaning there is a right and wrong way.  Do you know how to clean the right way?

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Beth

Friday 18th of October 2013

Great tips! I had never thought about cleaning windows on a sunny day - that is the only time I ever do it! And let's be honest, I hardly ever do it =)

Thanks for linking up to TGIF! I hope to see you linked up again later today.

Have a GREAT weekend, Beth =)

Kelli Miller

Friday 18th of October 2013

Knowing is half the battle - G.I. Joe ;-)

Jaime

Sunday 13th of October 2013

My kids ALWAYS want to sweep first! It drives be batty. Gravity children, and the fact they're slobs and the counters are always full of crumbs and so is the floor now when you finish the counters!

Oh well, they'll learn. Great post.

Kelli Miller

Friday 18th of October 2013

On the bright side - at least they still want to help. Give them a few years - you will be begging them to at least sweep :-)

Patti

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

My favorite way to clean the right way is to show up after Husband has taken care of things. (this only happens occasionally, but it always feels right!)

Kelli Miller

Friday 18th of October 2013

HA HA HA! That is perfect! I should totally do that :-)

Dawn

Tuesday 8th of October 2013

Oh my, I think I'm probably guilty of all of these! Great advice, thank you for sharing!

Stopping by from the Inspiration Board, Dawn from http://www.IThinkWeCouldBeFriends.com

Kelli Miller

Friday 18th of October 2013

My biggest cleaning mistake is NOT CLEANING. ;-)