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10 cleaning mistakes that make the house messier

10 cleaning mistakes that make the house messier

Cleaning, though exhausting, can be either a nightmarish or a fun project. It is fun because you know your efforts result in a sparking and clean house. It could become a nightmare if you do not set your goals or execute them well. There are some common mistakes that you may make accidentally or make without realizing it. Such mistakes can make your house dirtier than before. Here are some cleaning mistakes that you should take note of:

Using dirty tools
Rags and towels are the most versatile tools for cleaning. However, if they are dirty, unwashed, or moist, they can not only leave streaks on the cleaned surface. Dirty rags leave a nasty smell all around the house. Discard old and dirty rags, and take up different types of soft cloth, microfiber towels, and clean dusters for the house. Also, have separate towels for kitchens, counters, living rooms, toilets, and basins. You can use paper towels if you can or use different colored towels. By doing this, there is no way you can use the bathroom towel for your kitchen. Sponges may clean well, but they can also hide bacteria and germs for a long time. Dry and disinfect a sponge thoroughly before using it again. Microfiber towels or old soft fabric from your discarded clothing are best suited as they can be thoroughly cleaned in your washer.

Clean the vacuum
Whatever type of vacuum you have, clean the dust bag and wipe the attachments to remove any dust or debris. If the dust bag is half full, it can affect the suction power and may send the dust in the bag into your house. If you have a mopping vacuum, ensure that the cloth is not moist and does not carry and foul odor. An unclean cloth can leave streaks on your floor and also leave a terrible odor that is difficult to remove.

Using dusters too much
Though versatile, Dusters may spread the dust all around the area. Use dusters only for reaching objects in higher places, like ceiling fans or cupboard tops. For the rest of the surfaces, microfiber cloth is ideal as it cleans well and does not leave any streaks on the surfaces—complete dusting throughout the house. Then do a thorough round of vacuuming in the same order as you dusted.

Cleaning the floor first
If you notice that your floor needs more cleaning than the ceiling, walls, windows, furniture, or counters, do not start cleaning the floor. Finish dusting and cleaning higher surfaces as the dust and dirt settle on the floor. Finally, use a vacuum or brooms to remove the dust and debris from the floor.

Rubbing stains hard
When you notice any spill, you tend to grab a rag and rub the stain hard as a reflex action. The stain may spread and also become ingrained into the floor, upholstery, or carpet. Instead of rubbing the stain, use a clean rag cloth. Blot the spill gently and use an appropriate stain-removing product to remove the stain completely.

Directly using solutions on surfaces
It may be convenient and easy for you to spray the cleaning solution on the area and wipe it off with a cloth. It is not advisable as the germs and bacteria present on the surface may become airborne and can infect you. You can spray the solution into the cleaning cloth and wipe the surface, so the germs are trapped. You can also add the solution to a bucket of water, dip a cloth in it and wipe the surface clean. If you use the second method, ensure you wear gloves to avoid contact with germs. Once you use the cloth, rinse it with water and dip it in the bucket again.

Keeping windows closed
Whether you use organic or chemical cleaning solutions, ensure that you keep the windows and doors open. It can help the fumes and odors from such products escape outside. Leave the room, keeping the windows, shutters, or doors open for adequate ventilation. Once all the areas are dry, you can close them. If you cannot open the windows, use a fan or an air purifier.

Leaving loose ends
Cleaning your home can be exhausting. Always clean the tools, vacuum, buckets, mops, gloves, and toilet brushes. Set them back in their places once they are dry. Stacking wet tools can attract bacteria, mold, and bad odor. If you use the same tools the next time, you may be causing more mess than actual cleaning.

Top disinfectant sprays
You can choose an exhaustive range of cleaning products that are safe and non-toxic for humans and pets. If there are family members with allergies, check the ingredient list for possible allergy triggers or choose hypoallergenic cleaning products: Some top disinfectant sprays include,

  • Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
  • Greenways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner
  • Go from Greenshield Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
  • Seventh Generation Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner
  • FIT Organic Pet Stain and Odor Remover

These mistakes make cleaning a tougher job than it actually should be, so avoid the above issues to make sure your house is spotless!

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Top 7 indoor purifiers for improving air quality

Air quality in and around structures can be affected by pollutants like asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, radon, pesticides, indoor particulate matter, tobacco, volatile organic compounds, and wood smoke. Purifier devices are the safest and most trusted options for improving air quality. The country's air purifier market was 2.17 billion in 2020, with a growth estimation of 8.6% by 2028. Here are seven of the best indoor air purifiers to consider for your home: Blue Pure 211+ by Blueair Blueair air purifiers are reliable, and the Blue Pure 211+ can remove a wide range of pollutants and particles trapped in your home. This device has a fabric filter for dust and larger particles and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for smaller particles like mold and bacteria. Another filter is activated by carbon that can remove other dust and odors. Blue Pure 211+ is a compact machine that has proven effective for removing airborne pollutants across 540 sq. ft., and replacements will cost around $70. Airmega AP-1512HH by Coway Coway has been leading the air purifier market for quite some time. The Airmega AP-1512HH is effective for a 361 sq. ft room size and has four filters: HEPA, washable, odor, and bipolar ion. This air purifier is the only one with ionizing functions, along with a programmable timer, four fan speeds, and a filter indicator light. It is a compact machine and one of the market's most highly rated and reviewed air purifiers. Replacement costs are also low. The company runs out of stock frequently; if you are keen on this, track its availability. Macro Pro True HEPA Air Purifier by DREO DREO's Macro Pro is an ideal low-cost air purifier with ultra-fine, HEPA, and pelletized activated carbon filters that can remove odors caused by dogs and a lot of dust. The device has three fan speeds and three additional and separate modes for sleep, turbo, and auto. DREO is fitted with sensors that can adjust the mode and speed settings based on the current air quality in the room. The replacements cost around $30. Core 400S by Levoit Levoit's Core 400S has three filtration stages: nylon, an H13 True HEPA, and activated carbon. The maximum effective room size for this air purifier is 403 sq. ft. You may have to replace the filter every six months for one year at about $50. Levoit claims the Levoit Core 4005 can capture about 99.97% of airborne particles and close to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. This device can also capture smoke, fumes, pet odors, and cooking smells. HM400 HealthMate® by Austin Air If you want an air purifier that works in larger room sizes and is durable, you can consider the Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate. This device can remove pet dander and chemical and gaseous pollutants for a large room size of 938 sq. ft. The Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate has already been tested and proved to remove volatile organic compounds. While this air purifier is slightly higher on the cost side, it is a durable machine. Pure Cool™ Purifying Tower Fan and TP04 Air Purifier by Dyson It is a standing purifying tower fan that detects air quality in real-time. The activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a Glass HEPA filter captures minute allergens and pollutants. This smart machine delivers pure air throughout the room at 77 gallons per second, and it can be operated through a voice-enabled app. Dyson's combination of purification and powerful fan speed makes this product a must-buy. You can set it to nighttime mode, which functions in quiet settings with a dimmed display. HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover by Honeywell Honeywell's HPA 300 can purify an area of 465 sq. ft. with a disposable pre-filter and a true HEPA filter. This portable device is easy to use, has four-speed settings, and works almost silently, even in high fan speed settings. Allergens trapped in the house are effectively removed thanks to this durable product. The Honeywell HPA has one of the highest ratings for removing dust, pollen, and smoke. However, the device may need a good amount of maintenance, and replacements are expensive. The need for air purifiers The Environmental Protection Agency says that immediate exposure to household pollutants can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. While treatment can cure them, the symptoms may relapse when they come back home. The impact of air quality on people with allergies and sensitivities could be more than cold-like symptoms. Prolonged and continuous exposure to household pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Hence using an air purifier reduces the risk of such diseases. In addition, it can also remove microorganisms and protect you from viral and bacterial infections. Other methods to improve air quality Apart from using an air purifier to remove existing pollutants, pay attention to the household things and remove potential pollutants. Keep the house well ventilated. Check pipes, tanks, and water supply channels for any water leaks that may cause molds. Use professional cleaners to clean your home thoroughly.

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5 mistakes to avoid for better vacuuming

When buying your vacuum cleaner, you probably imagined and assumed that your home would be sparkling clean, just as in the commercials. However, reality may have been a disappointment. You may not have been able to use the appliance to its fullest potential or might be making some mistakes while using it. To ensure you get the best for your buck, here are five common mistakes to avoid while using a vacuum cleaner: Using the vacuum cleaner scarcely Your vacuum cleaner can clean the tiniest speck of dirt, but it cannot prevent new dust from settling in. If cleaning is a weekend task for you, or you do it only when you have time, you may not be doing it right. Vacuuming your floors daily is essential as the dust and debris accumulating in one day can be quite high. If you cannot vacuum daily, you can sweep the floors instead. This will remove dust and debris like scraps of paper or hair that may accumulate around the house, under the carpet, furniture, and behind doors. Sweeping the floors daily, vacuuming the floor three to four times a week, and vacuuming the complete house once a week can keep your house sparkling clean. Dusting after you complete vacuuming Many individuals dust the house after vacuuming. The dust from the ceiling may settle on the desks, tables, and floors. While family members walk around the house, they may leave footprints or streaks on the floor. The right order of cleaning is to dust the furniture, desks, tables, windows, and doors first. The dust is likely to settle in 10 minutes. Wait for some time and run the vacuum on the floors so that it can remove every bit of dust and grime. Vacuuming right after dusting can unsettle the dust and send it back to higher surfaces. Vacuuming in a hurry Vacuum cleaners are efficient machines, provided you use them right away. You need to run the vacuum up and down more than once to remove the dust from it. It is particularly important to do this on carpets, under furniture, near doors and windows and in other high-footfall areas, where the dust is likely to be more. Running the vacuum only once or doing it quickly will not remove the dust, and you might end up with shoddy results. Take the time and vacuum slowly and steadily for the best results. When you vacuum in a hurry, you could miss crucial spots where debris tends to gather. For example, a hurried cleaning may not remove dust mites, pet dander, or fur that could be caught up in your upholstery, curtain, bedding or under the carpet. Not doing the right prep work Once you decide to vacuum, do you plug the machine and start immediately? If yes, then that is a mistake that you should avoid. It takes a few minutes, but you must do some prep work before vacuuming. The prep work allows you to finish cleaning at a stretch without frequent disruptions. Know your vacuum attachments well and their purpose of getting the best result Clear the space by picking up large pieces of debris in the space you want to clean. Plug in the vacuum and start from the opposite end of the room. By doing this, you will finish near the socket and not have to tread on the cleaned floor to remove the plug. Pick the right power setting based on the surface you are cleaning. Always clean from top to bottom and choose the attachments and brushes accordingly. The best way to vacuum is in the shape of a W. First, vacuum away from you in a straight line. Pull the vacuum back towards you at an angle, creating a V. Repeat the process so that it looks like a W or a chain of Vs. Not knowing what should not be vacuumed A vacuum cleaner commercial or salesperson may promise that the vacuum can clean anything and any surface. If you have read the manual, you may know that the appliance has limitations and cannot be used for some objects and surfaces. These products could clog the pipes, damage the dust bag, break the plastic in the machine, aid in mold and mildew inside the vacuum, or cause a scratch in the insides. The things and objects that should not be vacuumed are: Glass pieces Fine dust like construction residue Pet poop Liquids Fireplace ash Makeup Coins Small clips and other sharp objects Used coffee grounds Garden and plant debris Electrical wires and cords Soil Hair clumps (strands of hair are safe) Shredded paper. Tips for maintaining a vacuum cleaner Clean the appliance frequently to extract optimum performance and ensure that it is durable and gives you good value for money. Some useful tips for maintaining your vacuum cleaner in good condition are: Clean the vent covers Keep the filters clean Remove hair, string, and yarn from the roller brushes after every cleaning Replace the belt annually Do not forget to replace the dust bag when it is about 80% full Wipe the outsides with a mild detergent and cloth Monitor the performance closely to foresee problems Wipe or wash the brushes and dry them well before reuse

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