Hassle.com has put together nine of the most common cleaning mistakes all homeowners make - and provided helpful tips on how to avoid them.
DUSTING WITH A WET WIPE
Moisture attracts dust and therefore it's better to use a dry anti-static wipe.
Additionally, the experts recommend polishing your surfaces with a mixture of water and a drop of fabric softener, which penetrates surfaces and slows down the return of dust build-up.
Do you only replace the vacuum bag when it's bursting at the seams? You're not alone.
In fact, it should actually be replaced when it is two thirds of the way full - likely to be around every six to eight weeks. Sand and dust residue reduce suction power, making your vacuum less effective as it becomes fuller.
Additionally, food residue decomposes in the warm environment and mould evolves to create a bitter smell.
CLEANING WINDOWS ON A SUNNY DAY
When the sun is shining through your windows, it might seem like a good time to give them a clean.
But that sunshine will cause your cleaning solution to dry too quickly and will leave lasting streak marks. Instead, clean them on a cloudy day and use a combination of white vinegar and newspaper for a sparkling finish.
THINKING THE WASHING MACHINE CLEANS ITSELF WITH EVERY RUN
It's tempting to regard our washing machines as 'self-cleaning', but Hassle says that slowly evaporating moisture eventually turns the drum into a germ incubator.
To avoid the spread of bacteria and odours, pop 50g of baking soda into the drum and fill up the detergent drawer with 50ml of white vinegar, and run a 60 degree wash on the empty machine.
NOT DISINFECTING YOUR MOP
Despite being home to around 10 million germs, the kitchen sponge is not the dirtiest cleaning tool.
The mop is even more filthy, given that it can accumulate up to a billion bacteria for every ten square feet of floor it covers.
After each use, wash the removable fibre head at 60 degrees, and replace it altogether every two months.
SCRUBBING CARPET STAINS
When you spill something on your carpet, don't be tempted to scrub it. This will spread the stain and damage the carpet as fibres begin to untwist and come apart.
The experts at Hassle say you should spread a little baking soda over the affected area then press down gently on the stain with some kitchen roll. Let the mixture dry before vacuuming up any residue.
CLEANING YOUR MATTRESS WITH CHEMICALS
Baking soda offers an easy, chemical free way to keep your mattress clean. Simply strip off your bedding and sprinkle the baking soda all over your mattress.
Leave to settle for 3-4 hours and vacuum up any excess.
PLACING SMELLY SHOES OUTSIDE TO STOP THE ODOUR
If your shoes are beginning to smell, the old trick putting them outside to air doesn't work.
Instead, simply take two used tea bags, allow them to dry out, and then place them near the toes inside each shoe.
This method is particularly effective on gym and sport shoes, as it absorbs moisture therefore eliminating any bad smells.
USING THICK CHEMICALS TO UNCLOG YOUR DRAINS
People often rely on expensive harsh chemicals to unclog their pipes and drains, but there is more affordable and safe way to tackle the issue.
Simply sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda down your clogged drain, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Cover with a cloth for 5 minutes before flushing with hot water.
/Daily Mail/
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