11 Things You Should Never Do When Cleaning Your Home

Mix Cleaning Products

It may feel like doubling up cleaners will get better results, but it can actually cause dangerous chemical reactions and ruin household surfaces. “The most common mistake people make is combining bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners,” says the president of AspenClean, Alicia Sokolowski. “This can release toxic fumes and damage surfaces.”

To be safe, stick to using one type of cleanser at a time. “If you need to switch cleaners, rinse the surface thoroughly with water first,” says Sokolowski. Opting for safer alternatives, such as natural all-purpose cleaners, can also reduce the risk of hazardous chemical reactions.

Oversaturate Cleaners

Too often, people overload their surfaces, fabrics, or floors with cleaning products because they assume that the extra liquid will make for a more thorough job. However, “less is more when it comes to cleaning,” according to Schrader.

Excessive cleaning product will not only damage finishes, it will likely leave a residue which will attract future dirt. Plus, you'll likely have to replace your preferred products more frequently.

To prevent over-usage of cleaning products, Sokolowski advises using the recommended amount indicated on the label (usually just a small spray or capful). “For concentrated products, dilute properly before use,” she says.

Skip the Dry Prep

Ensure that when you start cleaning your house to address the dry debris first. “Spraying cleaner onto a dusty table or crumb-covered counter just creates a muddy mess,” says cleaning professional Lauren Houser. “This is especially true when mopping–if you don’t vacuum or sweep first, you end up pushing hair, grit, and food particles around.” 

Take a minute to remove dry debris first. A dry microfiber cloth or a damp sponge will do for removing debris from countertops before you apply any kind of spray or other liquid cleaner. “Starting with a dry dusting step ensures that the wet cleaner can effectively work on the grime, rather than just spreading it around,” explains Houser. For floors, she recommends vacuuming thoroughly and picking up any loose debris before using a mop.

Use Abrasive Materials on Delicate Surfaces

“When wiping down delicate surfaces like glass, mirrors or stainless steel, never use abrasive materials like steel wool or rough scrubbing pads,” cautions cleaning expert Michael Williams, CEO at Michael’s Cleaning. “These will scratch and damage the surface, and make future cleaning even harder.” 

Cleaning chemicals can also easily strip sealants from delicate surfaces like wood, marble, and granite. When in doubt, opt for microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or non-abrasive scrubs. And make sure to always select a cleaner made for the material you’re working on.

Skip the Instructions

Before you use any kind of cleaning product, make sure to read the instructions. “It’s tempting to skip reading the instructions on cleaning products,” says Williams, “but this can lead to using products incorrectly or not getting the desired results.” He urges taking the time to read any warning or instructions and then following them carefully.

Rinse and Wipe Too Soon

If you’re like most, you tend to spray and wipe, and then spray again, especially if the residue is particularly stubborn—a classic cleaning mistake. “People tend to spray and wipe immediately,” says Sokolowski. “Doing this, however, doesn’t give the cleaner enough time to break down grease, soap scum, or bacteria.” 

Sokolowski recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions for best use. “Dwelling time usually varies from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Letting the product sit helps it work effectively, reducing the need for extra scrubbing.”

Just be sure not to let the cleaning product sit for an extended period of time, as this can lead to dulling and warping.

Clean Glass and Mirrors in Direct Sunlight

Another common cleaning mistake is spraying glass cleaner onto windows or mirrors when the sun is shining directly on them. According to Sokolowski, this causes the cleaner to dry too quickly and can lead to streaks. 

To avoid this problem, she recommends cleaning glass in the early morning or evening, or when the surfaces are shaded. Wiping the glass dry with a clean microfiber cloth will ensure a streak-free shine.

Forget to Clean Your Tools

Don't forget: Your cleaning tools themselves need to be cleaned, too. "Many people often reuse dirty sponges, mop heads, or vacuum filters,” says Sokolowski. These products can harbor bacteria and mold—and spread dirt and germs.

Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing. “Cross-contamination is a hidden issue,” warns Houser. “When you use one cloth to wipe a toilet and then move to the kitchen, you’re spreading germs.” 

To prevent cross-contamination, assign specific cleaning rags to each specific area. “Invest in a few microfiber cloths and color-code them by room,” suggests Houser. “Bathroom cloths stay in the bathroom, kitchen cloths remain in the kitchen.”

Wash microfiber towels in hot water after each use and replace sponges frequently. Clean or replace vacuum filters and mop heads as needed.

Use Dirty Mop Water

“One of the biggest floor-cleaning missteps I see is using the same bucket of dirty water for the entire room,” shares Houser. “Doing so redistributes grime and leaves streaks.”

To perfect your technique, try the two-bucket system: Keep one bucket with clean water and diluted floor cleaner, and a second for wringing out your mop. “Rinsing the mop head frequently and changing the rinse water helps keep floors truly clean,” says Houser. She recommends rinsing the mop often and always finishing with a clean, damp pass to remove any residue to help protect finishes from damage.

Ignore Safety Protocols

Particular cleaning products can exude strong smells or fumes that aren’t meant to be inhaled and which can be harmful to your lungs and skin. “If you are cleaning with a strong cleaner in a small space, like a bathroom, you may experience health problems (headaches, etc.),” says Schrader. 

Make sure to only use your strong cleaners with the windows and doors open and the fan on. Wearing protective gear, like an N45 mask, is also a good idea. “It’s important to wear gloves and a mask when using certain products, especially if you have allergies or [other] sensitivities,” Williams adds.

Ignore Routine Maintenance and Proper Frequency

According to Houser, “Waiting until a surface looks dirty makes cleaning much more difficult and can cause permanent stains.” She recommends keeping a regular cleaning schedule (light daily tidying, weekly wipe-downs, and seasonal deep cleans) to keep your home healthy and to reduce the length of time and effort you have to spend in each area. “Consistent upkeep also means you’re less likely to resort to harsh chemicals or heavy scrubbing because dirty and grime never have a chance to set in,” she notes.

Plus, by only waiting for visible messes, you'll likely miss some of the most germ-ridden places in your home, like light switches, door handles, and remote controls. Sokolowski recommends adding them to your cleaning routine. “A quick wipe with a natural cleaner or microfiber cloth prevents the buildup of grime and bacteria over time,” she says.