8 home cleaning mistakes that are making your chores harder – and what to do instead

Cleaning is not always on the top of our lists let's face it, and more often than not, we want to get it done and over with as quickly as possible.

There's always something to do though isn't there – from the top of the kitchen cabinetry to the floor in the pantry. We tend to stick to our tried and tested methods combined with the same old products, but are we actually making cleaning mistakes that are costing us time?

We've spoken to our top cleaning professionals to ask them what they think the biggest cleaning mistakes are and how to swap them for efficient methods instead – because let's face it, we all should be cleaning the kitchen more for starters.

1. Not planning ahead enough

We're all guilty of this one – wanting to get the cleaning chores done as soon as possible. However, if we break this bad housekeeping habit and spend a little time planning ahead, it makes us much more efficient and more motivated to clean.

Alessandro Gazzo, cleaning expert at Emily's Maids of Dallas explains, 'Not planning out your cleaning routine is a cleaning mistake that makes your chores harder. You will lose way more time by not planning out because you will jump from task to task and waste extra time and energy.'

What is the best way to go about this? 'Set 5 minutes to decide on the cleaning tasks, then time blocks for each one and the cleaning supplies you will need,' says Alessandro.

Incorporating your cleaning chores into a planner, we love Papier's Italian Summer productivity planner that comes in four colors and has daily and monthly options.

2. Using rechargeable vacuums

Hand-held products are tempting, they take up less room and are easier to manoeuvre. But they have a downside, Sabrina Fierman, director of New York's Little Elves says, 'One of the pet peeves of our teams is rechargeable vacuum cleaners that run out of power and don’t have enough suction requiring more cleaning and waiting time.'

It can be an issue, and it's best to do your research on which handheld vacuum is worth investing in. If you have a lot of carpets then considering the best best vacuum cleaners that can tackle high and low piles, and has great suction.

3. Picking products that scratch or stain

According to Sabrina, 'I think the biggest cleaning mistakes made are using the wrong products (abrasive ones or solutions that are too strong) that will scratch or strip finishes – either immediately or over time, or products that leave streaking and build up. I particularly love Magic American's grout cleaner for ceramic and porcelain tiles.'

Alessandro agrees and says sometimes we make the mistake of applying a product and scrubbing right away (unless instructions indicate otherwise). 'Most cleaning products act chemically, not mechanically. In other words, you need to give it time and not necessarily rub and scrub. You will waste more time and energy and can even scratch the surface.'

Check out Alessandro's top three gentle, yet effective and preferred cleaning products, below.

4. Having too many products in your arsenal

It's easy to get tempted by the lasted product that's said to clean 'everywhere' in your home, and make your life much easier, but more often that not, it's a gimmick (there are plenty that cleaning experts hate) and it won't do what it says on the tin.

As a result, we end up with a cupboard full of promising products that are literally gathering dust! 'Overcomplicating your cleaning pantry or cleaning caddy makes your chores harder,' says Alessandro. 'You waste time switching between products, reading the instructions and even sometimes having to use additional supplies like sponges and towels. Stick to all-purpose cleaners and no more than five cleaning products in total.'

Alessandro recommends the Casabella plastic multipurpose cleaning storage caddy with handle, from Amazon, for keeping your key products in.

5. Working up instead of down

This is a common problem that we're all guilty of, we look at eye level and floors, instead of up.

Forrest Webber, founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning explains, 'Starting with the floors is like drying off after a shower while still standing under the water. All the crumbs, dust, and mystery particles from higher surfaces will fall back down. Instead, work top to bottom – start with shelves, counters, and those cobwebs in the corners you’ve been pretending not to see. Let gravity do its thing so you only have to tackle the floors once. Efficiency for the win!'

Check out our three buys that will help you tackle from ceiling to floor.

6. Not allowing things to dry

When it comes to cleaning we generally want it to be done as quickly as possible which allows mistakes to happen.

'Another big mistake is not drying things completely – so that fixtures are clean but don’t look it due to water drying and leaving spots and streaks,' says Sabrina.

To combat this, give your fixtures enough time to dry naturally, or give them a helping hand with a cloth. Glass cloths are good option for this as they're smear free.

7. Failing to clean your tools

'A workman is only as good as his tools', as the saying goes and this one couldn't be more true. It's vitally important we take the time to clean the tools we use for cleaning.

'Dirty mops, dusty vacuums, and grimy sponges are like using a dirty fork to stir your soup – counterproductive and kind of gross, says Forrest. How to get into the routine of cleaning them? Take five minutes at the end of your cleaning session to check each item over.

'Wash microfiber cloths, rinse mop heads, and empty vacuum canisters regularly. A clean tool is like a happy co-worker – productive and drama-free,' he adds.

8. Overusing air fresheners and scents

There are scents, and there are scents. Walking into a freshly cleaned house that has natural scents cleverly dotted about is uplifting for sure, but waking into one that overwhelmingly smells of artificial air fresheners and plug-ins is a different matter – and one that can be causing health issues too.

Forrest explains, 'Spraying air fresheners everywhere to mask odors is not fooling anyone. First, address the source of the odor – clean the trash can, air out the space, and use baking soda where needed. Then, go ahead and spritz your favorite scent. The goal is fresh air, not cover-ups.'

Light Anthropologie's Volcano candles throughout your home – synonymous with all of their stores – for a fresh and uplifting scent.

Meet our experts

Alessandro Gazzo

Alessandro Gazzo is a cleaning expert working with Emily’s Maids of Dallas, specializing in creating a healthier, greener, and more efficient approach to home care. Passionate about DIY cleaning products, Alessandro believes in the power of natural, cost-effective solutions to keep homes spotless.

Sabrina Fierman

For the last 15 years, lifestyle and cleaning guru Sabrina Fierman has been the hands-on director of New York's Little Elves, the premier luxury cleaning service in greater New York.

Forrest Webber

Forrest Webber is an entrepreneur and founder of several businesses including Bear Brothers Cleaning and Fireplace Distributor.

Learn how to speed through your cleaning chores successfully, without making the key mistakes we all make.

Next, delve into what professional cleaners always spot in dirty homes and how to clean behind radiators - a prime missed spot.