10 Subtle Ways You’re Damaging Your Home Without Knowing It

This post may contain affiliate links.

Your home is a space to come to: a safe place, an intimate playground. However, in our busy daily life, we sometimes ignore really simple habits that, if repeated over time, can do much damage. These subtle oversights can take a chipped away at our treasured space until all that left is stress and tension.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of these often overlooked habits that could be damaging your home and discover ways to keep your abode in great shape.

Not Doing Regular Maintenance

When life gets hectic, it’s easy to put off those nagging little chores that have to be done, like changing air filters or cleaning gutters. But if you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, you’ll pay for it later. Dirty air filters can make your HVAC system work overtime, and clogged gutters can allow water to pool on top of your roof, which can lead to leaks and shorten the life of your HVAC. Maintenance is like the health check up your home needs, don’t skip it at your peril!

Overusing Cleaning Products

We all want our homes to shine but using too many cleaning products can be a bad idea. Surfaces can be damaged by harsh chemicals and lingering odors just won’t go away. It also means that using too many different products can cause bad reactions. Instead aim for simple, a little baking soda and vinegar can handle a mess without leaving a toxic trail behind. You’ll breathe a little easier and your home will thank you!

Forgetting About Your Roof

We don’t think about our roofs until we get a rainstorm or a snowstorm. But regular inspections will save you headaches in the long run. Keep an eye out for shingles that are missing, cracks or even wear. Your house has a roof, just like a hat, and if you don’t have one, things can get pretty messy up there. Give it a little attention now and again, so.

Ignoring Small Leaks

Leaking Faucet — Image Credit: Nithin PA/ Pexels

Faint stains on the ceiling or those tiny drips from faucets might seem like background noise, but these can cause major problems if left unattended. Tiny leaks can waste gallons of water—just enough to drive mold into your bathroom walls. It also means that what begins as a minor problem can quickly become an expensive repair. Think of these little nuisances as pesky gremlins, and treat them before they multiply!

Placing Furniture Against Walls

18 Stunning Living Room Inspirations for Your Dream Home Decor — Image Credit: Vecislavas Popa/Pexels

While it is tempting to push furniture against walls to get the most utilization, this eliminates airflow and encourages moisture build up. In humid climates, this is especially true. Instead, leave your furniture a little space to breathe. Not only does this look great, but it can also help keep your home fresher.

Ignoring Exterior Maintenance

Your home’s outside deserves some love too! The exterior of your home can be ignored and that can cause peeling paint, chipped siding, and overgrown landscaping that can damage your home’s foundation. Just like you would your interior, you should regularly inspect and maintain your exterior. A little paint touch up or weeding session will go a long way towards preserving your home’s curb appeal and integrity.

Electrical Overloading

Devices That Should Never Be Plugged Into Your Power Strip — Photo Credit: Ivy Main/Wikimedia Commons

You know how easy it is to add one more gadget to the mix, but overloading electrical outlets can trip circuits or even start fires. Don’t daisy chain multiple power strips together like a Christmas light tangle. Instead, upgrade your surge protectors, and keep number of items plugged into one outlet to a minimum. Safety first, always!

Ignoring Humidity Levels

A house that’s too humid feels like a sauna, while a house that’s too dry dries out your skin. Mold can grow when humidity isn’t considered, as can warped wood, and even respiratory problems. Watch those levels and if you need to, keep a dehumidifier or humidifier handy to keep things at a comfortable level. You want your home to feel perfect, like Goldilocks finding her perfect porridge!

Neglecting Your Garden

Wooden Table and Benches among Plants — Photo Credit: Hoài Nam/Pexels

A beautiful garden is a delight but to allow it to decline is a major problem. When plants grow out of control, they can invade your home’s foundation, and trees planted too close to the house can wreak havoc on roofs and gutters. Take time to tend to your garden, a little pruning and maintenance will do wonders for protecting your home as well as keeping your outdoor space looking fabulous.

Ignoring Pest Control

Pests find a way to sneak in when we least expect it. If you ignore pest control, you’ll end up with infestations that can destroy your home, from termites eating at your wood to rodents nesting in your walls. Be proactive! If you are smart, you will have regular inspections and preventative measures that will save you from a world of hurt. And this stitch in time will save maybe nine damages!

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