Last updated on March 2nd, 2023
Your home sees a lot of traffic in a day with kids running around, or the family huddled around the TV set. And predictably, there is a mess of school bags, discarded shoes and empty chip packets to deal with the next day.
However, it’s easy to go overboard while cleaning your home. And yes, while you can step back and look at your squeaky-clean space with pride, you may be causing harm to your precious stuff or the environment. Confused? After all, how can ‘clean’ be bad? Before you work up a dust storm, let’s check out what’s what in the world of cleaning.
Allergic Reactions from Overcleaning
Be it dust or the chemicals in cleaning products, the more you clean, the more airborne dust mites and allergens you can breathe in. As the dust takes a while before settling, your breathing will bear the brunt. That’s not to say you don’t clean. However, avoid making it a daily affair and mask up when you do.
You May Be Overwashing Your Clothes
A pile of clothes waiting their turn for a spin in the washer can be distressing, to say the least. This is especially true when you have kids. Hanging up the clothes to dry is another challenge, especially when you have a shortage of space.
To avoid the hassle, make sure only the clothes that need a wash make it to the washing machine. Garments such as socks, underwear, and sweatshirts must be washed daily. However, the dress you wore for the movie last night need not be washed, not your partner’s jeans.
Rather than let them join the heap of dirty laundry, hang them up neatly to air before putting them back in your wardrobe. You save on detergents, labor and water. So, it’s a win-win situation.
The downside of over-washing
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The lifespan of clothes reduces
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Elastics in garments bear the brunt
Cut the Rinse Before Machine Wash Routine for Your Dishes
There are enough enzymes in your dishwashing liquid to attack grease, spices and food particles. When you avoid the pre-dishwasher rinse, you save water and energy. But make sure to clean off leftover food from the plates, so you don’t damage the machine.
Ceiling Fans and Lights Don’t Need Daily Cleaning
Dusty fans can be depressing. However, by cleaning them every day, you will end up releasing mold and dust into the air, something your lungs can do without. So, be content with a monthly cleanup and vacuum the dirt immediately after.
Avoid Weekly Wash for Your Quilts and Bedspreads
These heavy affairs can be tricky to clean. And you may even have to send them to the laundromat for washing if your machine isn’t up to it. The next best thing is to wash your bedcovers after every three to four months. You can use a vacuum cleaner to pick up dust or dog hair. And for food spills, do a bit of spot cleaning.
You can wash your pillow covers weekly, as the dust mites can cause an allergic reaction if allowed to accumulate. The same goes for your drapes; an annual or bi-annual washing is perfect.
Shampooing Your Carpets
Carpet shampooing can take a lot of time, and if not handled properly, it can damage your rug. So, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust particles. This can be done weekly or twice weekly, depending on your use. Get professionals to clean your carpet and upholstery once a year.
Oven and Fridge Cleanup
Ovens don’t have to be cleaned every week. The self-cleaning mode in your oven can release dangerous fumes into the atmosphere and can be risky. A wipe with a clean cloth should suffice for your bi-weekly cleanup.
Where your fridge is concerned, a weekly cleanup is essential as bacteria buildup can cause health issues. This is especially true if you are a non-vegetarian.
The Final Word
What’s better than a clean environment to come home to? However, going overboard with your cleaning habits can prove counter-productive, so moderation is the key. For tips on cleaning and home décor, check out homebliss.in for interesting and quirky ideas.
