Here are seven things in your home that you are probably cleaning wrong and how you should clean them for a better result. If you want to hiring someone to help you can learn more here.
The Carpet
You might panic when wine, juice, or ink spills on your carpet and quickly saturate the spray with a carpet cleaner. That can actually do more harm than good.
The Problem: When you saturate a stain, the chemicals can soak through to the carpet pad below, damaging it and causing mold. A lot of cleaners could also make it hard to reduce stickiness.
The Solution: Less is more with a carpet cleaner, as the powerful chemicals can grab onto the stain and start dissolving it. Spritz it onto the stain and use clean cloths to dab at the stain. Once you break up the stain, rinse by spraying it with water and dabbing it dry.
Your Coffee Pot
Many of us enjoy brewing a pot of coffee each morning, but it is easy to clean it wrong after.
The Problem: People often just rinse the pot with water after finishing it, cleaning it occasionally with dish soap. That’s not enough to keep your pot fresh each day.
The Solution: Disassemble your pot and wash it with dish soap and water after every use. This will prevent mineral and bacteria build-up, helping your coffee taste great every day. If you see signs of mineral deposits, use a solution made from equal parts water and white vinegar to remove them.
Glassware
We’re often taught to rinse our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but that actually harms them.
The Problem: When you rinse food and beverage debris off of the glass before you put them in the dishwasher, the detergent makes direct and prolonged contact with the glass. This can cause microscopic abrasions that leave your glasses vulnerable to breaking and makes them look cloudy.
The Solution: To prevent this, avoid pre-rinsing glass cups and plates before placing them in the dishwasher. Remove large pieces of food and pour out any remaining beverages before putting them in.
Cast-Iron Skillets
For many people who enjoy cooking, a cast-iron skillet is a favorite kitchen tool. However, cleaning it the conventional way harms it.
The Problem: Washing with soap and water damages the coating of the pan, known as “seasoning.” This affects the taste of food and damages the pan itself.
The Solution: Skip the soap and gently scrub a still-warm pan under running water to remove debris and prepare it for next time. For more thorough cleaning, you can purchase specialized pastes or make one yourself using baking soda and water.
Wood Tables
Wood veneer dining and living room tables are beloved in many homes but you could be damaging them.
The Problem: Scrubbing the tables with towels and brushes can compromise the veneer, weakening it and taking away from its appearance.
The Solution: To keep your wood veneer clean and shining, gently scrub at spills and debris with a microfiber cloth, gentle soap, and water. It’s vital to do this in the direction of the wood grain to keep it strong and looking great. Dusting it at least once a week can help avoid debris build-up.
Toothbrushes
It’s easy to rinse a toothbrush with water after use and call it a day. You could actually expose yourself to unwanted viruses and bacteria.
The Problem: Rinsing your brush with just water doesn’t do enough to keep bacteria from building up. While you should let your toothbrush air dry, it also stays vulnerable to bacteria that float through the air from toilets and hand washing.
The Solution: While you don’t need to clean your toothbrush every day, frequently dipping it in antiseptic mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide can remove viruses and bacteria from bristles. Keeping your toothbrush several feet away from the toilet and sink basin can help prevent excess germs from landing on your toothbrush.
Your Shower Curtain
It’s easy to forget that your shower curtain can be frequently cleaned, helping prevent a build-up of dirt and bacteria.
The Problem: Your body can only be as clean as the environment you’re cleaning it in. Your shower curtain can transform the look of the room. Bacteria, dust, and dirt can collect on it over time, impacting its look, smell, and ability to get clean.
The Solution: Wash your curtain and liner once a month to maintain them and keep them clean. You can run them on a gentle cycle in your washing machine. Add in a few towels for some scrubbing power.
Improving Your Cleaning Routine
Cleaning your home is a part of life. It helps you enjoy your items longer and maintains their appearance. Learning the most effective ways to clean the items can help you maintain them while keeping you and your family safe.
About The Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.