6 Cleaning Tips That Don't Work for Me

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Let's be honest when it comes to cleaning everyone has an opinion. We all have our way of doing things.

Well I'm here to tell you, not all advice is good advice. Some of those go-to tips that are supposed to make your house sparkle can actually leave it dull and some, just aren't worth the effort. For me, many just don't work.

Here are some pieces of cleaning advice that didn't help me much, but maybe it will be different for you.

1. Use Vinegar

Vinegar is touted as the miracle cleaner for everything from floors, bathrooms, laundry, and windows, but it's not for me. I don't find it to be the one-size-fits-all solution that other cleaning experts do.

First, vinegar has an awful smell. I don't think it goes away quickly. It also can damage certain surfaces like natural stone, hardwood floors, and some types of grout. I don't think I'm taking my chances with it since I don't like it to begin with.

2. More Cleaning Product Equals Better Results

More is better, right? Nope, not right. When it comes to cleaning, using too much product can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts even more dirt and can make the surface look dull over time.

I think a little bit goes a long way, and I prefer to use varying amounts for different surfaces. And the best results often come from following the instructions. If something doesn't work with the instructions, it's probably a bad product, and more won't necessarily make it any better.

3. Dust With Dry Cloths

It might seem like a dry cloth is the easiest way to dust, but it doesn't do me any favors. It's like moving dust around and sends particles into the air that eventually just settle right back down where they started.

I prefer microfiber hand towels with a little product on them to trap the dust and actually remove it. Give it a try next time and let me know what you think.

4. You Need to Let Your Cleaning Products Sit for Better Results

Sometimes products need to sit for better results, and sometimes they don't. It really varies.

Harsh chemicals can eat away at finishes, discolor fabrics, and make surfaces sticky or streaky.

I recommend following the product's instructions and never let something sit longer than its supposed to. You know your home and how much dirt is actually in there.

5. Keep Sponges in Your Cleaning Kit

Many cleaning experts use sponges and recommend keeping them in your cleaning kit. I don't think so. First, I don't like sponges and second, they always look like they're harboring some kind of bacteria,. Once they've gotten wet and then dried, they just look awful to me. And if you only use sponges once, you're not helping the environment.

6. You Should Only Use Natural Cleaning Supplies

I love using baking soda as a scrub, and I sometimes add essential oils. But I'm not using natural cleaning supplies exclusively, but you do you.

I think there's a time for natural, and there's a time for heavy duty.

The Best Way to Keep Your House Clean

At the end of the day, the best way to keep your house clean is consistency and what works for you.

One of the things that keeps me on track and helps me stop being a product junkie is decluttering and tackling small messes before they become big problems. I find it easier to wipe down the kitchen counter after each meal than to scrub it down at the end of the week.

I have also adopted a minimalist mindset–less clutter means less to clean, and I invest in quality cleaning tools, a good vacuum, and microfiber cloths upfront.

I follow a daily, weekly, and quarterly cleaning schedule and prioritize high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. I spend 10 minutes every evening picking up everything and starting the dishwasher.

I keep it simple, and it works for me. Maybe it will work for you too.