Cleaning is a necessity, but have you ever stopped to think if you’re doing it wrong, or at the very least, unintentionally cutting corners? Bad cleaning habits might be lurking in your daily routine without you even realizing it. Conquer the dust bunnies, messes and more with this thorough cleaning guide that leaves no corner forgotten.

Overlooking Dust

Ever wonder why you’re always sneezing, sometimes in certain rooms? Overlooking dust can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. Dust accumulates on various surfaces in your home, sneaking up when you least expect it. Consistently dusting furniture, shelves, and other surfaces once a week can help keep your surfaces looking maintained and clean.

Not Cleaning Your Tools

It’s not necessarily intuitive, but how often have you cleaned your cleaning items? Cleaning tools such as brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners tend to accumulate dirt and bacteria over time.

Ignoring Appliances

You’ve cringed when you’ve pulled a cooking utensil from the dishwasher and noticed remnants of dinner from a few days ago, and appliances should be no different. However, refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves often get overlooked during cleaning schedules. Cleaning their interiors and exteriors helps maintain their longevity and prevents the buildup of dirt and food residue.

Forgetting About Floors

Floors are a canvas for accumulating dirt, dust, and spills. Vacuuming or sweeping, followed by mopping — or Swiffering! — with appropriate floor cleaners should be part of a regular cleaning routine weekly or bi-weekly.

Forgetting Windows

Windows provide natural light and a view of the outside world, but they can easily build up with dirt, grime, and fingerprints. Skipping windows can make a clean home feel grimy and can obstruct the amount of light entering your living spaces. Still, cleaning them can leave unsightly streaks. Instead of using paper towels to wipe them down, opt for microfiber cloths.

Neglecting Bedding

Bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, can harbor nightmare-inducing dust mites, dead skin cells, and body oils if not cleaned regularly. Aim to wash bedding once a week—at a minimum—in hot water to maintain their freshness.

Ignoring the Bathroom

Bathrooms are prone to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth due to their humid environment. Disinfecting surfaces, cleaning toilets, and properly ventilating often, about once a week, are essential.

Skipping Vacuuming

People tend to track in a lot of dirt, dust and debris from the outside—even more so if you have kids or pets. Vacuuming not only removes visible dirt and debris from carpets and rugs but also eliminates microscopic allergens and dust mites.

Failing to Declutter

Clutter not only affects the aesthetics of your home but also makes cleaning around various stray items more challenging. This can be a less-frequent task, a few times a year or so. Donate items that you no longer use to give them a second life in a new home, sell them online or host an old-fashioned garage sale. It feels good to clear up your spaces and also gives you an opportunity to redecorate if you’re in the mood to refresh your home’s look.

Not Cleaning High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops harbor germs and bacteria that can easily spread. Wipe them down with disinfectant sheets or a solution of water and mild detergent weekly.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Using harsh chemicals during cleaning can have negative effects on both our health and the environment. Instead, opt for natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. If you’re looking to DIY your cleaning products, combining ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can effectively clean various surfaces without compromising your well-being.

Not Cleaning Electronics Properly

How many times do you touch your remote or press your phone to the side of your face? Electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and keyboards can get pretty dirty over time. Use dry cloths and appropriate electronic cleaning solutions to clean and sanitize your devices once a month.

Neglecting Air Vents

Air vents harbor dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles, which can circulate throughout your home if not cleaned often. Clean your air vents with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove dust buildup. Also, don’t forget to change out your air filter every one-to-three months.

Passing on Deep Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, it’s easy to focus on surfaces, but deep cleaning is essential for that thorough and sparkling clean. Avoiding deep cleaning can lead to the buildup of dirt, grime, and stains that are not easily visible.

Set aside time for deep cleaning tasks such as washing curtains, cleaning upholstery, and scrubbing grout to maintain a pristine home. It may seem cumbersome, but you can easily turn it into a ritualistic habit — crank up your favorite playlist or put on an audiobook or podcast and you’ll be done before you know it!