7 cleaning tasks you shouldn't do yourself – and why experts reckon each is best left to them

When it comes to the weekly cleaning routine, vacuuming, mopping and sanitizing are all everyday activities, carried out regularly to keep your home looking beautiful.

But, there are some tasks that can be tricky, or even dangerous, to do yourself – risking causing damage to your house, or, worse, you. From window cleaning to pressure washing, these tasks require expertise and equipment to ensure they are done correctly.

With such a wealth of cleaning tips out there, here's the seven jobs best left to the professionals.

7 cleaning tasks you shouldn't try to do yourself

We've spoken to professional cleaners and cleaning experts and compiled this list, so you will know exactly when it's worth paying for a professional.

1. Deep carpet cleaning

While carpets need regular vacuuming to keep them looking at their best, calling in a professional at least once or twice a year to deep clean them will have them looking good as new.

‘Regular vacuuming is great, but sometimes carpets need a deep clean,’ says Ross Pascale, director at Neeet House Cleaning. ‘Professional carpet cleaners have the tools and expertise to blast out dirt, stains, and allergens.’

If you have pets, this will also get rid of any hairs in your carpets, although it’s recommended to get it done more regularly if your pet sheds heavily.

2. Washing your windows

Having clean windows makes any space look sparkling and bright, but if you’ve been researching how to clean a window, leave it to the professionals – particularly if you live in a high-rise apartment.

‘If you are residing in a high-rise building, then window cleaning may be very dangerous,’ says Samuel Davis, professional cleaner and CEO of London Gardeners. ‘It may put you at risk of falling from heights and perhaps may require specialized equipment to make sure it gets done safely while leaving no streaks behind. Professional window cleaners take up such tasks and finish them in an efficient, neat, and safe manner.’

Even if you don’t live in a high-rise, Pascale recommends leaving especially dirty windows to the professionals. ‘They have the gear and know-how to get them clean without risking a fall,’ he says.

3. Pressure washing patios

Pressure washers are often used for cleaning outdoor patios and paving, or you might use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture. Hiring a professional might save you a headache down the line because even though pressure washers are highly effective, they can cause damage, too.

‘Most cleaning of outdoor areas can be difficult and for the layman, it means that sometimes this cleaning can cause damages,’ says Delah Gomasi, CEO and managing director of MaidForYou, particularly as there are things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

‘I've seen homes where clients have pressure washed in between their garden pavers, and mistakenly removed all the sand from in between them. They left it for 6 months and noticed that their pavers were now moving and that the surface had become uneven,’ he adds.

Instead, rely on pressure-washing professionals to keep your outdoor space looking gorgeous.

4. Removing mold

Wondering whether bathroom mold is dangerous? Many homeowners struggle with mold, particularly in the bathroom, but mold needs urgent care and attention once it appears, and taking matters into your own hands can create more problems.

Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia’s Cleaning Service says, ‘Clearing out mold is one cleaning task that I would recommend leaving to a professional service. Of course, if you just spot some mold or mildew in your bathroom or elsewhere, you can try cleaning it with some bleach or vinegar first – but if mold continues to recur, it could speak to a deeper problem.

'At this point, I would definitely call in a professional. They will be better equipped to handle a potentially deeper mold problem within your home, such as using respirators and knowing the best days to diagnose and address the underlying problem.’

This is particularly important to avoid illness from damp, mold or mildew.

‘I’ve seen time and time again the presence of black mold in our client’s homes, especially at the back of their linen closet and in their bathroom,’ says Gomasi. 'One of my clients was surprised when I told her that her home was basically unliveable and the reason she kept getting sick was due to the presence of black mold in her home.'

So, if you’ve been wondering how to get rid of bathroom ceiling mold, or how to get rid of black mold, call in a professional to safely deal with the problem. Mold in carpets is particularly tricky too as it may have invaded into your floor boards and anything wet you use to remove the surface issue may worsen the problem where you cannot see it.

5. Oven cleaning

Your oven is the centre of your kitchen, and home, so making sure it’s clean for cooking is important. If you’re unsure about how to clean an oven or a glass oven door, leave it to the pros.

‘Ovens can get seriously gross,’ says Pascale. ‘Professional oven cleaners have the tricks to remove all that baked-on grime.’

And, if you’re wondering how often you should clean your oven, experts recommend getting it professionally cleaned once every six months.

6. Cleaning your gutter

Gutters fill up with leaves which can lead to blockages, particularly in fall and winter, when it can be difficult to prevent gutters from clogging, but trying to clean them yourself can be hazardous.

'Cleaning out gutters is dangerous and messy,' says Pascale. 'Definitely let the pros handle it. It's not worth the risk.'

Professionals will know how to clean gutters from the roof, and can also give you advice on when the best time to clean gutters is.

7. Air ducts and chimneys

Martin Orefice, CEO at Rent to Own Labs, also recommends against trying to clean your air ducts or chimney yourself, as it’s unsafe and requires professional equipment.

‘Air ducts and chimneys are two areas that homeowners usually shouldn’t try to clean themselves,’ he says. ‘These areas are best cleaned with specialized equipment that most homeowners simply don’t have access to. You also shouldn’t skip these cleaning tasks, though. Keeping these areas clean is essential for your home’s safety and air quality.’

FAQs

How often do you really need to clean your house?

Surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen should be cleaned and sanitized daily, and general cleaning, like vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and dusting at least once a week.

Aim to deep-clean your home every few months, and stick to a cleaning schedule to stay on top of tasks. We have a handy guide on how to clean a house quickly.

Knowing when to call in the professionals will vastly reduce the risk of any cleaning disasters, and in the meantime you can focus on the household chores you should be doing weekly.