I have been writing about home cleaning for the past three years, consulting with numerous experts, reading hundreds of studies, and testing various tricks.
That doesn't mean I have been immune to making mistakes, however. In fact, I have three main cleaning regrets that, looking back, were a complete waste of time and energy.
These are the three cleaning tips I have abandoned and what I now do instead.
My 3 cleaning regrets
1. Scrubbing tile grout every weekend
Tile grout requires diligence, but there is such a thing as too much.
It isn't often that you hear someone admit that they go overboard when cleaning tile grout, but it was a task I fixated on when cleaning a bathroom.
Living in a damp-prone house meant my shower grout was particularly prone to mold and bacterial growth. Where I thought scrubbing with an old toothbrush and The Pink Stuff Paste (available at Walmart) every weekend was helping to beat staining, it was really just a waste of time.
This is not to say that you should skip cleaning the shower, but rather find simpler ways to save time and energy. For me, that meant switching from hand scrubbing to cleaning with a steam cleaner instead.
Using the Black & Decker 7-in-1 Steam Mop from Amazon cuts my cleaning time in half (while removing all harsh chemicals from the equation).
2. Not letting anti-bacterials dwell
Without the dwell time, anti-bacterial sprays do very little.
After writing about the disinfecting golden rules, I realized that every time I used a disinfectant or anti-bacterial spray and wiped it away almost immediately, I was wasting time.
Plus, I was risking cross-contamination.
As Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, explained, 'All EPA-approved disinfectants have a kill time, which ranges from two to 10 minutes, on average.
'If you spray and wipe right away, you’ve probably removed 80% of the product before it has a chance to do anything. Allow the surface to remain wet for its full dwell time to ensure proper germ kill.
'This is the most skipped part of the disinfecting process, and where disinfection fails.'
Now, disinfecting surfaces takes a little longer, but I know I am getting the best results.
3. Having a different product for everything
Stripping your cleaning arsenal back to basics makes your routine far less overwhelming.
Having a good arsenal of essential cleaning supplies is crucial for a clean home, but once again, you can have too much of a good thing.
Having a different specialized product for every task, from dusting to polishing, meant that it was easy to feel overwhelmed when cleaning. Plus, the tasks took longer as I had to keep switching between products and going back and forth to my cleaning cabinet, not to mention that organizing cleaning supplies was also a nightmare.
Now, I have pared things back to basics with a specialized kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, anti-bacterial spray, and my best steam cleaner.
For everything else, non-toxic cleaning supplies such as white vinegar, from Walmart, and baking soda, from Target are often more than sufficient.
Paired with my one-tool cleaning method, my chores fly by without sacrificing results (or my health).
My cleaning essentials
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When used correctly, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors and lighten stains, all without harsh chemicals.
Method's bathroom cleaner breaks down grease and grime without the strong smell of chemicals lingering afterwards. They are a personal favorite for freshening up the space at the end of each week.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years with proper care. Simply wash after use on a warm water cycle and gentle detergent (skip the softener) to sanitize.
The Damp Duster is great for allergy sufferers as it removes all dust, pollen, pet hair, and more. Better yet, it is easy to clean – simply rinse the sponge with water to remove dust and grime.
Made with all natural ingredients, The Pink Stuff paste is truly miraculous. It breaks down all sorts of grease and grime without damaging the surface beneath, making it ideal for glass, stoves, windows, and mirrors.
Ecover has become a staple in my home. I use it to keep eczema and acne under control, my mom uses it to help psoriasis, and my grandmother uses it to avoid irritating respiratory conditions. It is the perfect allergy-prone solution.
FAQs
Can you clean too much?
It is possible to over-clean your home. Cleaning too regularly is not only time consuming, but can damage your surfaces, especially if you use harsh chemical cleaners. Plus, it is very expensive, as you work thorough products more quickly.
Cleaning each room once per week, and dealing with high-touch points daily, is more than enough.
Meet the expert
Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.
Even the experts make mistakes sometimes. We rounded up the cleaning purchases the pros have regretted to help you save money as well as time on your chores.
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