1. Dry mopping
What’s the best way to get all the dirt and crumbs out
of the way before you wash down the kitchen or bathroom floor? Dry mopping (aka
“dust mopping”) might seem to make sense, but you’re better off
busting out the Hoover. Trust the pros on this one.
Vacuuming removes two times more debris. And you want as
much debris as possible out of the way—otherwise it will just
get spread all over your kitchen when you wet mop. And that will make
getting rid of it the next time even harder.
2. Not emptying the vacuum receptacle
Before you dig out the vacuum for your spring-cleaning
escapades, get rid of the evidence from the last time you cleaned.
All of it. If your dust buster’s canister or bag is more than half-full,
empty it before you start sucking.
A too-full vacuum makes a much less efficient cleaner,
meaning you might have to go over your living room two or three times just to
remove your dog’s latest layer of hair. Emptying the bag at the start (or
if it gets too full mid cleaning) means much less work for you.
3. Going rogue
Cleaning might not seem like a science, but it’s certainly
simpler if you treat it like one. If your lemon floor cleaner says you
need only 1 tablespoon per gallon, follow that instruction. You’d be
amazed (or perhaps not) how many people think more is always better.
“If more worked better, they would recommend
more,” Smallin Kuper says. After all, it’s in their interest to sell more
product. So why would they tell you to save when they could tell you to
splurge? Because their stuff is made to work a certain way.
Pay attention when you read (not skim) the
manufacturer’s instructions, and follow them closely to save yourself time,
sanity, and money.
4. Using paper towels and rags
Ditch the paper towels—and don’t use rags in their place.
Microfiber cloths are far more effective at removing dirt
and grime than cotton cloths, and you can pick up these miracle workers in
every shape and form—including gloves that fit over your hand for easy
general-purpose dusting to varieties specifically designed for cleaning
electronics or wood floors.
As a bonus, microfiber clothes catch dirt and dust (and even
bacteria!) between their super thin threads, letting you clean most
surfaces without the need for chemical cleaners. Of course, heavy-duty stains
may require some additional work, but as a general rule you’ll
be cutting costs in your cleaning cabinet.
5. Not wiping down your light bulbs
Cleaning your old bulbs isn’t just an aesthetic- or
allergen-related requirement. It actually helps you keep your home cheery and
bright—and your electricity bill under control.
Dirty light bulbs emit 20% less light than clean bulbs. And
that’s not just wasted light—it’s wasted energy.
Before cleaning, make sure the lights are turned off (no
shocking surprises here). Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean off your
bulbs—water or cleaning sprays can affect the electronics—and enjoy the
sudden rush of brighter light when you flip the switch.
6. Storing things in cardboard boxes
Boxing up your seasonal odds and ends? While it might
be tempting to use the pile of leftover moving boxes
accumulating in your garage, you need to a trip to the store.
One cleaning mistake frequently seen is “storing things in
cardboard boxes in the basement, attic, or garage instead of waterproof,
insect-proof plastic bins.” Mold, termites, or just dampness after a rainy
spring can damage your precious belongings. Pick up some heavy-duty plastic
boxes instead.
7. Not decluttering first
We see you eyeing that dust rag. Wait! If there’s still a
layer of clutter around your home, don’t even think about cleaning.
If you don’t pick up things first, you’ll be making multiple
passes through a room, putting toys on the couch to clean the
floor, pushing them in the corner to clean the couch, then realizing
the dirty toys left another layer of dust, which requires another
quick cycle.
Make sure there’s nothing out that shouldn’t be
visible. Only then do you have our permission to start cleaning.
8. Spraying the glass
Cleaning glass-framed artwork or mirrors? Here’s a
less-than-obvious tip: Make sure you’re spraying your cleaner onto the cloth,
not the glass itself.
“The cleaner can drip or spread into the frame and damage
the artwork,” Smallin Kuper says.
We’re sure you’re quick with your hands, but it’s better to
be safe than sorry—especially when it comes to high-value artwork.
You’re forgiven if nothing makes you like cleaning.
But with some help from the pros to smooth out the onerous process,
hopefully you can start having a little bit of fun cleaning your Lexington
home!
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