12 Winter Cleaning Hacks You Didn’t Know Were Counterproductive

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It’s the season of cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and spending time with loved ones—and that’s also the time we attempt to tackle cleaning things because it feels like we have to get it done before the cold weather fully seeps in. However, what if some of these ‘life changing’ winter cleaning hacks that are doing the rounds actually do more harm than good? Unfortunately, many of the tips we take on, often in the name of saving time or money, actually create bigger messes or cause damage to our spaces.

Before you go for the vinegar or quick fix, here are some of the most common winter cleaning ideas that might be more harm than good.

Overloading Your Vacuum

With muddy boots and wet pet paws, winter means more dirt and debris get tracked into the house. While it’s tempting to believe your vacuum can take anything, overfilling the bag or canister lessens suction and can overheat the motor.

Using Dryer Sheets to Dust

Dust surfaces with dryer sheets, they say, but over time, they leave behind a waxy film. It attracts more dust and dirt, so later on surfaces become harder to clean. Microfiber cloths are not only a cleaner solution, but a residue free one too.

Clean Electronics With Water

Your electronics may be sitting untouched, and cleaning them up with a damp cloth might seem like the easiest way to get them clean. Big mistake! Water doesn’t even have to be excessive to work its way into crevices and ruin devices. Specially designed electronic wipes or dry microfiber cloth is good to clean screens and keyboards.

Using Bleach Everywhere

Bleach is powerful, but it’s a sledgehammer, it’s indiscriminate. If you’re thinking about using it on every surface to get that squeaky clean feeling then you’re probably doing damage. It can even erode grout, discolor fabrics, and when it’s mixed with other cleaning agents, create harmful fumes. Use it sparingly: only on disinfecting your sink or cleaning the toilet.

Skipping Air Vent Cleaning

During the winter cleaning, it’s easy to forget about air vents, but they are often the dirtiest part of the house. Buildup of dust and debris can decrease airflow, and even recirculate allergens into the room. Cleaning these poorly means your home’s air could be dirtier than it was before you started cleaning. In fact, poorly maintained homes can be more polluted by as much as 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

Dumping Everything in the Washing Machine

It may seem like coats, wool blankets and plush rugs can take the washing machine, but dumping them all in without checking the labels can lead to disasters. Shrinkage, fraying, or mold growth if the load doesn’t dry properly can result from overcrowding the drum or improper washing. A study by the American Cleaning Institute found that nearly 23 percent of people damage clothing every year by not following care instructions.

Mopping With Scalding Water

In the winter, hot water might seem like the ultimate germ buster, but scrubbing floors with water that is too hot can warp wood and discolor laminate or vinyl. A mild cleaner mixed with warm water does the trick just as well, and won’t damage your flooring.

Polishing Wood Furniture Too Often

While it’s nice to have a glossy finish on wood furniture, too much polishing will give you a greasy residue that will attract dust and fingerprints. Spare the polish and use just a soft, dry cloth for daily maintenance.

Spraying Too Much Cleaner

People tend to think ‘more is better’ when cleaning windows, mirrors, or even countertops. But too much cleaner sprayed can create sticky residues or streaks which can attract more dirt over time. For a truly clean finish, a little elbow grease, and a moderate amount of product is much more effective.

Wet Cleaning Tools Left Out

Sensitive individuals should take note; if you leave wet sponges sitting out, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. When you’re done cleaning and you leave your tools wet, it’s inviting germs to breed. Cleaning tools should always be wrung out, then rinsed and hung up to dry thoroughly.

Relying on Feather Dusters

Feather dusters are elegant but not good for getting the dust off. They don’t often catch those tiny particles, they just blow them into the air for them to settle down later. Instead, it’s much better to just pick up dust with a damp microfiber cloth rather than making it travel around your home to surprise you later.

Using Too Much Vinegar

Though vinegar is a miracle cleaning solution, there are surfaces in your house that too much of it can damage. It can dull finishes on natural stone countertops like granite or marble and it can even eat away at hardwood floor finishes. If you’ve been covering every surface in your home with it, under the belief that you’re showering your home with healthy cleanliness, you may be stripping away protective layers.

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