The 6 spring clean mistakes making your home dirtier & the ‘top-to-bottom’ step expert swear by for sparkling surfaces
WE’RE in the height of spring cleaning season, but be careful not to make these easy mistakes.
Experts have revealed the six common errors homeowners are guilty of when carrying out their chores.
Whether you’re planning to make the most of the May bank holidays or are do small tasks whenever you get a chance, spring cleaning is no easy feat.
So make sure you don’t make it any harder on yourself by following the advice of This Morning’s Queen of Clean and home expert Lynsey Crombie (@lynsey_queenofclean).
Lynsey broke down the cleaning mistakes which often leave your house in a worse state than before you began.
First, she explained that a common error is not starting from the top and working your way down when cleaning surfaces.
“Dust falls like snow, so if you start vacuuming or wiping lower surfaces first, any dust or dirt from higher spots will settle back down,” the cleaning expert explained.
She described the most logical order to wipe down the surfaces in your home.
“When cleaning a room, always begin at the highest points: Cobwebs, tops of cabinets and light fixtures – then work your way down walls, furniture, and finally, the floor,” she said.
According to the pro, the same rule applies to your house as a whole.
“If you have stairs, start cleaning from the top floor and work your way down,” Lynsey advised.
“This way, when clearing clutter or rubbish, you’re bringing it down with you rather than carrying it back upstairs.”
You should also avoid getting too trigger happy with your cleaning products.
“In reality, overusing cleaning products can leave surfaces sticky and streaky, attracting more dust and grime,” the expert said.
“When it comes to laundry, overuse of detergent and fabric conditioner can leave a residue on clothes, making them less breathable and reducing their lifespan.”
Lynsey recommended following the recommended amounts and using measuring caps or dosing balls for accuracy.
You should also avoid mixing cleaning products as certain combinations can be dangerous.
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Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices.
Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains.
Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly.
Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner.
Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew.
Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine.
Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
“A common mistake is using a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner in the toilet and then immediately following up with bleach,” she warned.
Mixing certain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia creates toxic fumes.
You should always flush the toilet before adding bleach or any additional cleaners to avoid mixing harmful substances.
And make sure you don’t spray your cleaning products and then wipe them up immediately.
Most solutions need time to work effectively, according to the expert, who suggests checking the label on the product.
“Disinfectants, for example, require time usually around five to 10 minutes to properly kill germs and bacteria,” Lynsey explained.
“If you wipe too soon, you’re just spreading dirt and not giving the cleaner a chance to do its job.”
And while vacuuming may seem straightforward, the expert revealed that many people are making a common oversight.
According to Lynsey, if you’re only pushing the vacuum in one direction, you’re not lifting dirt from all angles.
“For the best clean, vacuum in a north-south and east-west pattern to loosen dirt from carpet fibres and revive the pile,” she said.
“This technique is especially important in high-traffic areas where dirt gets deeply embedded.”
Finally, make sure you wash your windows in the correct weather conditions.
“A bright, sunny day might seem like the perfect time to clean your windows, but it can lead to streaks and smudges,” the expert explained.
“When the sun hits the glass, it causes the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving marks.”
Instead, she recommends opting for a dull, overcast day when the glass stays cooler, and allows the product to be wiped away evenly.