The end of the year is a time when families pay more attention to cleaning their homes. Although it may sound simple, experts say there are many common habits when cleaning that take up more time and effort, and the cleaning results are not satisfactory. One such mistake is cleaning the house with dirty cleaning tools.
“How can you expect your home or belongings to be clean when you use dirty tools to clean?”, the author of an article on The Spruce website said. Experts also emphasize that using dirty cleaning tools will only make the condition worse. It can even make the house dirtier, with more bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Cleaning tools such as brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners that are not cleaned before use will make house cleaning less effective (Illustration)
The cleaning tools commonly used to clean homes include brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners. Experts say that users need to regularly clean these tools.
For brooms and mops, wash them with water and soap, and then hang them under the sun for drying. For vacuum cleaners, clean the dust container and the cleaning brush, and also clean the inside with a cleaning agent, then let it dry. Cleaning the cleaning tools should be done after they have completed their tasks.
In addition, for brooms and mops, they need to be replaced regularly if the bristles are no longer in good condition and cannot meet the cleaning needs of people.
Cleaning tools need to be cleaned, dried after each use, and replaced regularly (Illustration)
In addition to not cleaning cleaning tools, experts from The Spruce website also point out some other mistakes that many families make, making the house messy and harder to clean.
1. Hoarding too much junk papers
Many families have a habit of keeping a large number of advertising flyers, expired discount vouchers, bills, or old books and newspapers in their homes. They are usually stored on bookshelves or in corners of the house, piled on top of each other.
This is one of the typical mistakes that make the house messy and harder to clean. It is best for users to consider carefully these types of items. If they are no longer needed, they should be sold or discarded. Hoarding a large amount of junk papers in the house also creates unpleasant musty odors during humid days.
Illustration
2. Leaving wet towels in the bathroom
Do not be lazy and leave wet towels in the bathroom, such as cotton towels or floor mops. In a moist environment, wet and dirty towels are more likely to breed bacteria. This habit is emphasized by experts as one of the simplest bad habits that families need to eliminate.
Immediately after using towels in the bathroom, wash them or at least hang them in a well-ventilated area with sunlight to dry them, thereby leaving no room for bacteria to breed.
Illustration
3. Leaving dishes in the sink for a long time
Many people share that after using dishes or cooking utensils, they often leave them in the sink or soak them in water for a few hours. However, experts advise against this action because it does not make the dishes cleaner or easier to clean. On the contrary, it will cause more bacteria to grow.
In addition, a large number of dirty dishes accumulated in the sink will attract insects such as flies, bugs to “visit” this area in particular and the kitchen in general.
Illustration
4. Using too many cleaning agents
“More cleaning agents doesn’t mean better”, The Spruce website emphasizes. In addition, Katie Berry, an experienced American expert in cleaning and household hygiene, also added that videos of home cleaning with a large amount of soap bubbles can be visually appealing, but it does not have many effects.
“When you use too many cleaning agents, there is a risk that the soap residue is not completely cleaned, and it will remain on the objects even more, which can be dangerous”, Berry added.
Therefore, it is better for users to use a moderate amount of cleaning agents to clean utensils or homes. When using, users should also read the instructions on the packaging carefully. These instructions usually include recommended dosage, which supports users in easy and effective usage.
Illustration
5. Leaving cleaning agents and tools cluttered
Finally, cleaning agents and tools need to be organized neatly and tidily in a separate area. This action will save a considerable amount of time and effort in cleaning when users do not need to search for each item anymore.
It also helps to better store and secure cleaning agents and tools, especially for families with young children. “Some substances, such as hydrogen peroxide or bleach, lose their effectiveness when exposed to sunlight. Others, including solvents like alcohol or acetone, are flammable, so they must be kept in a closed box, away from heat and light”, expert Berry said.
According to The Spruce
Discover the Quickest Way to Clean Your Fridge for Tet in Under 20 Minutes
As we approach Tet, preparations for the New Year can seem endless. From cleaning the house to sorting through cabinets, it can be a taxing process. But perhaps the most dreaded New Year chore is refrigerators. No need to fret, though – with these helpful tips, you’ll have a clean fridge in no time – just 20 minutes!