The 7 Sins of Cleaning

We do a lot of cleaning research here in the Electrodry marketing office. Every now and then, you come across a tip that makes you realise you’ve been doing it wrong Your Entire Life. Here are just some of the cleaning faux pas I’ve uncovered while writing blogs about the joys of keeping a neat and healthy home. I’ve narrowed it down to seven – enjoy!

1. Sins of the Sprayer

Hands up, who sprays their furniture and surfaces directly before wiping it down? Did you know the correct method is to spray the cleaning product onto the cloth before wiping it?

Mind-officially-blown.

This is because spraying directly onto a surface can make it unnecessarily greasy, creating a build-up that may attract dust and make it more difficult to clean.

If it’s a particularly dirty area or if there’s a mark, you may need to spray direct. Just make sure you let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping – this helps the product to do its job properly.

Most of us use way too much product, too, which can create streaks when we are wiping it off. You should only need a light spray for the chemicals to work their magic.

This will really speed up your dusting process and do a fantastic job as well.

2. Combining Cleaning Products

Despite what you may think, combining your cleaners won’t improve efficiency; the products may actually cancel each other out! Mixing products together could also be detrimental to your health, as combinations like Ammonia and Bleach, Vinegar and Bleach, and Vinegar and Peroxide create toxic by-products.

Any quality cleaning product should do a sufficient job on its own but if you are going to combine cleaners, make sure you do your research first.

3. Washing Windows on a Sunny Day

You would think washing the windows on a bright day would be best. You can see the windows clearly so it just makes sense.

The heat from the sun will actually dry up your cleaning product quicker, leading to smears and streaks when you try to wipe down what minimal product is left on your windows. Save this job for an overcast or cloudy day.

Don't use old newspaper to clean your windows either -the paper will potentially scratch your windows or worse still, get ink on your glass.

4. Not Reading Directions

“I’ve cleaned with this product for a long time, I know how to use it.” Do you, though? When was the last time you read the back of the bottle? You may have been using it incorrectly for years! The information on the label will tell you how to use the product, how much to use and any important safety precautions to take. You may be surprised and could save yourself money and time in the long run!

5. Stacking the Dishwasher Incorrectly

The first mistake you’re making is overpacking the machine. Resist the urge to jam everything in – your dishwasher needs to be able to spray between your plates and crockery to clean them properly!

Overpacking may just end up causing an error message with your unit, and you may need to run the load again

You need to stop putting your smaller utensils in there as well. Unfortunately, your dishwasher may struggle to get food out of items with nooks, such as graters, garlic presses or blender parts. Give these utensils a good rinse before putting them into the dishwasher or better still, wash by hand in hot, soapy water, reaching into any crevices with a kitchen brush.

Another dishwashing tip for you? Make sure that your spoons aren’t facing the same direction. No spooning allowed! It makes it tough for the water jets to clean the spoons and you may need to run them through the cycle again. Follow this rule for your knives, too.

Keeping your dishwasher in great running order will ensure it is working at its best when you need it most.

6. Forgetting to Wash the Washing Machine

If you’re like me, you run a load of washing most days. But when was the last time you cleaned the washing machine?

People are finally catching on that having a clean washing machine is extremely important. Here's why.

Bacteria gets trapped in the film that laundry detergents and powders create, thriving in your laundry’s humid conditions. Dirty food remnants that may have been left behind after a wash are also another potential bacteria source.

Follow our instructions on cleaning your washing machine once a month to target germs, and get your machine looking shiny and smelling fresh!

7. Neglecting your Home's Germiest Items

Hats off to you – you’ve cleaned the kitchen, and the bathroom and all of your surfaces are dust-free.

But have you thought about the tv remote? What about your doorknobs and light switches? Cleaning ‘experts’ call these items touchpoints, i.e. the items people are most likely to put their germy hands on the most, spreading germs from one touchpoint to another. Give them a wipe down with a disinfectant wipe or two next time you’re cleaning the house.

It will keep your space clean and healthy, and ensure that you're on top of any germs that may be lurking in your home.