10 Household Chores You’re Probably Doing Wrong

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When it comes to household chores, we may have routines, and sometimes those routines feel so second nature, we don’t even question them. While some of these habits are great, some of the habits we’ve picked up over time may not be as effective as we think. Little mistakes can mount up to more work for ourselves in the long term.

The good news? With a few tweaks, our household tasks become quicker, easier, and more efficient. Here are some of them.

The Wrong Cleaner on Wood

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Wood surfaces can be damaged over time if you use a generic all purpose cleaner on them as it will strip the finish from the wood. Just be sure you are using a cleaner designed for use on wood as to keep its natural beauty intact.

Forget to Clean Light Fixtures

Just like any surface, light fixtures gather dust and grime, but they’re easy to overlook. A dirty fixture can cut down on your lighting and make the room seem less bright. Every now and then take a moment to give them a quick wipe down.

Dusting With a Dry Cloth

If you’ve been dusting with a dry cloth, you’re almost certainly spreading dust around more than you’re picking it up. Static is caused by dry cloths which just move particles around. Don’t do that instead, take a slightly damp microfiber cloth. It will catch the dust, so you can clean effectively without sending the debris flying all over the place.

Not Cleaning Your Washing Machine

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You might think it’s a bit strange to clean something that is supposed to clean your clothes but your washing machine needs some love too! It can have musty odors and, in extreme cases some staining (fabric softener and detergent residue can build up, if particularly bad). For keeping things fresh, run a cycle with just vinegar and hot water every few weeks.

Using Too Much Laundry Detergent

Clean clothes don’t always mean more soap. In fact, when you use too much detergent, it can leave a residue behind, making clothes feel stiff and not quite clean, as this Better Homes and Gardens article attests. Follow the manufacturers guidelines—typically a little goes a long way.

Ignoring Your Vacuum Filter

Dirt is great for vacuum cleaners, until the filter gets clogged. A dirty filter removes the horsepower of suction and can blow the dust back in the air. To keep your vacuum working it’s best, check your vacuum’s filter regularly to clean or replace it as necessary.

Scrubbing Stains Too Hard

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It’s tempting to see a stain and go all out with the scrubbing, trying to get rid of it as hard as you can. Too much force can ruin the fabric, and even make the stain harder to get out. Instead of scrubbing the blot stains, blot them gently with a clean cloth and work on them with a stain remover.

Cleaning Windows on a Sunny Day

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Direct sunlight dries cleaning solution too quickly, leaving streaks behind. It might seem like a sunny day is the perfect time to wash windows, but it isn’t. Pick a cloudy day for a streak free shine.

Overloading the Dishwasher

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As many people are guilty of cramming in as much as possible into the dishwasher, thinking it saves time and energy. The fact is that overcrowding blocks the water spray, and according to Sears Home Service, this means dishes aren’t getting clean enough. Running two loads is better than dish washing later by hand.

Keeping Wet Towels for Laundry

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It’s a recipe for molds to toss wet towels in a laundry pile, or to leave them bunched up on the floor. Throw towels in the wash only once they’ve been hung to dry properly. Not only will this prevent that musty smell, it also will keep your towels fresher for longer.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.