Housekeeping Tips: The Dos & Don’ts of House Cleaning
There aren’t many things that provide the same comfort like a neat, clean, and cozy home after a tiring day at work. With all surfaces shiny and a whiff of freshness permeating the air, all we have to do is make ourselves comfortable and enjoy unwinding in our living environment.
However, keeping your home tidy takes some skill, effort, and above all, know-how. Many people make mistakes that can make the cleaning process harder, less efficient, and in worst cases, a waste of time and energy. Whether you’re putting your efforts in daily touchups or a full weekend deep cleaning, knowing what to do, when, and how can make the difference between a smooth routine and a hard slog.
In today’s article, we pick the brains of the leading maid service to outline the six dos and don’ts that will help you optimize your cleaning efforts. If all this feels like too much information or a waste of time and energy you can’t afford, call 314-781-0018 and let the best house cleaning team in St. Louis take care of the dirt for you.
What are the dos and don’ts of housekeeping?
If you’ve tried to spruce up your home but never seemed pleased with the results, we’ll help you up your game. Before we get onto what you should and shouldn’t be doing, it’s important to stress that no matter how hard you try, you mustn’t expect the same level of cleanliness that professional cleaners deliver. While cleaning like a pro is probably not an option, stay true to the following advice and you’d be surprised with the improvements you’ve made.
The Dos of Housekeeping
1. Do clean from top to bottom
No matter which room you’re cleaning, always adopt a top-to-bottom cleaning approach. First, tackle the highest surfaces and work your way down. From ceiling fans and lighting fixtures to tops of closets and bookshelves, starting from the top spares you from going over the same surfaces twice.
2. Do pay attention to cleaning products
The choice of cleaning solutions is very important so if you think that any cleaning agent will do, think again. If you use abrasive cleaners to tackle your wooden furniture, marble, or stainless steel, you may end up with discolored or damaged surfaces so it’s crucial to pair the material with the appropriate cleaning fluid.
3. Do decluttering before you start
Once you’ve gotten rid of the clutter, you’ll find that your cleaning routine has become so much easier. Clutter eats at our attention, making it hard to concentrate on our work. It also prevents us from having a clear picture of the scope of the task at hand.
4. Do take care of high-touch surfaces
This is especially important during the winter due to the heightened concentration of contaminants in warm and dry living spaces. If you live with kids or the elderly, it’s important to keep these areas disinfected and break the chain of infection before someone falls ill.
5. Do ventilate as much as you can
While the winter months aren’t the ideal time to keep your windows open, it’s important to let some fresh air in every day for at least a couple of minutes. Also, keep in mind that cleaning products can contain chemicals that can cause irritation so it’s important to increase air circulation after you’ve finished cleaning the home.
6. Do establish a schedule
A lot of the time people find house cleaning overwhelming due to a lack of plans and organization. Having a cleaning schedule will help you turn house cleaning into a manageable routine. Since consistency is key, just pick a schedule that works for you, and readjust the intensity according to your emerging needs.
The Don’ts of Housekeeping
1. Don’t use more product than needed
More isn’t always better, in fact, it can prove costly. If you overuse the cleaning product, it may leave behind residue, attract more dirt, or even damage surfaces. Always use only the recommended amount and rinse thoroughly after you’ve finished.
2. Don’t apply a product before testing it
Never soak up the surface with the product before testing in a small, inconspicuous area. This way, you’ll avoid costly damages and discoloration that may ruin your belongings. This is especially important for fragile items like carpets, upholstery, and wooden furniture.
3. Don’t neglect hidden areas
Most of us will clean the visible surfaces but overlook the hidden areas. Surfaces like baseboards, behind appliances, under the furniture, or in various hard-to-reach areas will collect a lot of dirt and need to be taken care of if you want to enjoy a clean and healthy home.
4. Don’t scrub too aggressively
If you find a stubborn stain, keep in mind that going hard is not an option. In most cases, this will only worsen the problem by damaging the affected material. Instead of aggressive scrubbing, try to blot the stain using an appropriate stain remover.
5. Don’t forget to read labels
Since cleaning products are not the same, it’s important to understand the characteristics of each. This will not only make your job easier and enable you to pair every product with the right surface, but it will also prevent unwanted damage, ineffective cleaning, and misuse that may lead to health issues.
6. Don’t ignore safety precautions
Speaking of health issues and reading the label, it’s important to stay safe while cleaning. If you’re using harsh chemicals to tackle ingrained grime, always wear gloves to protect your skin from prolonged exposure. If a product emits strong fumes, wearing a mask or splitting the task into smaller chunks will help you avoid irritation.
