Taking care of the home often tops the list of concerns of any new homeowner. The concept of cleaning and maintaining the space becomes different when you own the space you live in, rather than merely just renting it. There is more to look out for – pipes, filters, the backs of appliances, anything that can accumulate dust or break down needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly.
It is not just making the home look clean and presentable for guests or visitors. Once you become a homeowner, you want to make sure that your home, and everything else in it, stays in good condition. You have invested a lot of resources into this property; it is only natural that you would want it to last.
Given this scenario, it is not uncommon to find homeowners who spend a lot of resources to keeping their home clean. However, not all cleaning methods are made equal, as some are more efficient than others. Here are a few mistakes you need to avoid to make the most of your time, money, and effort.
Having no strategy
A lot of property owners make the mistake of diving into the cleaning process without creating a plan. Without a definite plan, you could end up missing significant areas or wasting time cleaning the same section. One involves determining which areas to clean first.
Most people start their routine by sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming the floors. If you plan to do clean the house from top to bottom, the floors are the worst places to start. A lot of homeowners do it this way without realizing that they are making a huge mistake.
Imagine this: you have swept, mopped, and vacuumed the dirt off the floor. Then you work on dusting the side table and decide to wipe the lamp on top it last. If you do it this way, the dust from the lamp will fall on the table and the floor, causing you to redo cleaning the side table and floor.
To make the most of your time and efforts, start from the very top and work your way to the bottom. This way, if you are clearing away the cobwebs from the ceiling, the residue will fall on the surfaces below. Once you’re done with the topmost level, you can work your way along the walls, then the shelves and tables, and lastly, the floor.
By using this strategy, you can save time and get tasks done quickly. The same approach works if you live in a multilevel home. Starting at the topmost floor allows the dust dirt to fall to the lower levels, which you can clean in one pass afterward.
Cleaning with one rag
Most people know that dust, dirt, and other residues cling to rags. And yet, people continue to use one cloth for the entire house. Sticking causes cross-contamination, effectively spreading the germs to other areas of the home.
If you have kids, seniors, or pets who have weak or compromised immune systems, the wiping process increases their chances of getting sick as they get more exposed to germs. Penny pinching on rags will end up costing you more in the long run if you or your loved ones get sick. Medicines for allergies and respiratory ailments can be expensive, so best invest in rags as soon as you can.
Buy a pile of cotton rags or microfiber cloths reserved for cleaning your home. Use a new rag once you feel that the one you’re using is getting dirty.
You can use one rag per room or allocate one for each type of cleaning product you use. By doing so, you are reducing the chances of spreading the germs yourself. Once you’re done, put the dirty rags in the laundry machine or wash them thoroughly before reusing them
Using less robust cleaning products
If you bought an older property or it has been some time since you last did a good scrub, weak cleaning products may not be enough to get the dirt and grime out. By using weaker chemicals, you will end up spending a lot more time and using more elbow grease. At the end of the day, you will feel exhausted but not satisfied with the progress you’ve made.
Some tasks do require sanitizing cleaners containing bleach. But keep in mind that working with strong chemicals can affect your health and those who might be around you while you do your job. As such, remember to wear gloves, masks, and other appropriate clothing.
Not hiring help
Unsure of which chores require stronger chemicals or you don’t have the tools to get the job done?Best to leave the job to the experts. Take advantage of professional home cleaning services and take the guesswork out of cleaning.
Maids from reputable companies have the tools, expertise, and skills needed to scrub and clean every nook and cranny to leave you home spotless. Part-time and full-time maids are not the only experts you might need in your home.
Pipes and drains can get clogged up quickly, especially if you own an older home. There are tools and chemicals you can use to keep them in relatively good condition, but at some point, you will need the help of experts to ensure that your plumbing is in good order.
Unless if you work as a plumber or have extensive knowledge on plumbing, experts advise taking advantage of professional plumbing maintenance services offered by a reputable plumber or plumbing company in your local area. Hiring a specialist may cost you more upfront, but ensuring that your sinks, faucets, and HVAC systems are clean and in good working condition can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run.
Becoming a homeowner means becoming responsible for the house or apartment you own. Properties are major investments, and, understandably, you want to maximize the resources you spent on it. Cleaning and inspecting your home on a regular basis is one way to ensure that your home stays in tiptop shape for years to come.
With the help of this list, you are now more aware of some of the more common cleaning mistakes homeowners commit while cleaning their home. Take this information to heart the next time you decide to do some scrubbing.
