10 Common Spring Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid for a Sparkling Home

Spring’s here, and you know what that means: time to clean up the mess meticulously created during the winter months. Oh, did you think I was going to talk about the birds, the flowers, and the sunshine? You’re confusing this with another spring cleaning article. In this one, we’re getting right down to business and talking about spring cleaning mistakes.

Тhere are some common mistakes that will leave your home looking like you haven’t cleaned since New Year’s day, and you don’t want that. So, let’s take a look at ten of the worst spring cleaning mistakes you can make and how to avoid them.

In this article:

• Not having a plan
• Starting with deep cleaning
• Not decluttering
• Using too much cleaner
• Neglecting to clean appliances
• Not cleaning from top to bottom
• Forgetting to replace filters
• Not ventilating properly
• Not using the right tools
• Rushing the process
• Conclusion

Not having a plan

I know what you’re thinking. “A plan for cleaning? Surely you can’t be serious..” I am serious. You need a plan. Spring cleaning is not something you can simply “wing”. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll be running around like a headless chicken, wasting your time and energy. You don’t want to spend the whole day cleaning, do you? Мake a checklist and stick to it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – victory loves preparation.

Speaking of preparation, another mistake an offshoot of the previous one is not preparing your cleaning supplies. So you’re cleaning the kitchen and all of a sudden you realise you’re out of all-purpose cleaner (or scented vinegar, if you like using natural cleaners as I do). Now you have to run to the shop to get a new one or mix up a new batch. Either way, this mistake will waste time.

Starting with deep cleaning

I get it. You’re impatient. You want to get this over with as soon as possible and not waste a single second more than you need to. But why, oh, why would you start with deep cleaning? That’s just asking for trouble. Start with the easy tasks, like dusting and wiping down surfaces, and work your way up.

Deep cleaning takes a lot of time and energy. By the time you reach the smaller but more obvious tasks, you’ll be too exhausted to get them done. So you’ll have clean grout in the bathroom (congratulations), but the living room will remain a mess. Not a great look.

Not decluttering

My nan loves collecting useless rubbish. She grew up in a time when you “never knew when you might need something” and money was tight. Consequently, she’s used to keeping everything and there’s only one thing she achieves – accumulating lots of clutter.

Now, working with a cleaning company, I’ve long since let go of the illusion this is a quirk unique to my nan. Most Londoners are dealing with clutter on a daily basis so you can guess what another common spring cleaning mistake is – not decluttering.

Clutter makes you feel like you’re drowning in your own stuff. It’s distracting and it can cause anxiety. So, don’t simply organize your things, get rid of what you don’t need.

Using too much cleaner

Less is sometimes more. This is certainly true when it comes to commercial cleaners. Using too much cleaning product will leave your stuff feeling sticky and gross. So don’t forget to read the label and use the recommended amount.

Neglecting to clean appliances

Appliances rarely (if ever) get as much love as the rest of your home come cleaning time. I don’t know why. I’m guessing it has to do with the amount of time cleaning appliances (or the entire kitchen) takes. Just a hunch. Even if that’s the case, skipping appliances is a huge mistake. Don’t forget to clean out the fridge and dishwasher too. If you’re looking for ideas on how to tackle the kitchen, check out this kitchen spring cleaning guide.

Not cleaning from top to bottom

Cleaning from top to bottom is essential. You don’t want dust, dirt, and debris settling on surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Start from the top, then work your way down.

Also, leaving the dusting for dessert. You’ll be raising plenty of it during your cleaning, so you might as well spare yourself the trouble until you’re done with everything else. And, hey – think about how great you’ll feel once you start dusting and you know this is the home straight.

Forgetting to replace filters

Filters get dirty. That’s a part of their job description. If you don’t replace or clean them regularly, your air quality’s going to suffer and you’re going to feel it with every fibre of your being (especially if you suffer from asthma). So, don’t forget to take care of your filters. Check this guide if you’re looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality. As far as spring cleaning mistakes go, ignoring air quality is a huge one.

Not ventilating properly

Some cleaning products are dangerous. So open up the windows or turn on the fan to promote air circulation and avoid breathing in toxic fumes. This is part of the reason why spring cleaning happens in spring – you can crack open a window to let the fumes out.

Not using the right tools

You have to use the right tools for the job or you’ll end up making a bigger mess. Not to mention you could damage your home. For example, using abrasive sponges on a white composite sink can end up damaging it. And using white vinegar on your marble countertop can, you guessed it – damage it. Use appropriate tools or you’ll regret it.

Rushing the process

Cleaning takes time. Don’t rush the process or you’ll end up with a job half-done. Take your time and do it right.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Ten spring cleaning mistakes you don’t want to make. Don’t dive right in, plan it out, declutter, and take your time. You’ll end up with a clean home and a clear head.

Author: Atanas Dzhingarov

Hi, I’m Atanas - brand consultant and writer. I’m helping Samyx Cleaning create the best cleaning company blog on the Internet. Join us on our journey and learn how to live a cleaner, healthier, happier life in the process.