Believe it or not, there are items in your workplace and home that you’re cleaning too often.
On top of potentially damaging your stuff, over-cleaning is a surefire way to waste time and energy. That’s why cleaning is no exception to the rule: too much of anything is a bad thing.
So put away your cleaning tools, sit down, relax, and enjoy the extra time you just saved yourself.
1. Wood Furniture
Who knew polishing your wood furniture too often could actually make it dirtier?
When you use wood polish excessively, it can cause damage to the finish and can also lead to an oily build-up that traps more dirt and dust.
So how often should you polish your wood furniture? Once a month is good enough, as long as you’re using a furniture polish that does not contain wax or silicone.
2. Large Kitchen Appliances
Although most appliances in your kitchen need daily cleaning, some need to be cleaned far less often.
For instance, your refrigerator needs to be deep-cleaned once a month. Whereas your oven or cooking range needs to be cleaned only two to three times per year.
While over-cleaning these two appliances doesn’t cause any damage, it takes time away from other critical areas like countertops and floors.
3. Fixtures
Many people make the mistake of cleaning ceiling fans, lighting bulbs, and other mounted or hanging accessories every week — which is a big waste of time.
All you need is to clean the fixtures on your walls and ceiling once a month with a microfiber cloth and some warm water.
4. Windows
We bet you clean your windows more often than you should. According to cleaning experts, windows only need to be cleaned two to three times a year.
You can clean dirty little spots as often as you wish, but beware: over-cleaning the entire window can often lead to dirt buildup and streakings.
5. Curtains and Drapes
How often do you get your curtains and drapes washed? If your answer is anything over one, then you’re wasting your time, effort, and money.
Curtains and drapes need a thorough cleaning, either by washing or dry cleaning, just once every year.
If that seems like too long and you’re concerned about dust, put your drapes in the dryer on the “air only” cycle. Not only will that remove all the dust, but it will even out a few wrinkles as well.
6. Carpets and Rugs
When you spill something on your carpet, do you use a cleaning solution to remove the stain? If so, you are over-saturating for no reason.
Using too many cleaning solutions too often can quickly weaken and damage your carpets and rugs.
So the next time you spot a stain, instead of dousing your carpet with a cleanser, use a more natural solution like diluted apple cider vinegar, which is less potent but a lot more appropriate for the situation.