Who doesn’t love a good cleaning hack? They promise to make our lives easier, saving time and effort on chores we’d rather avoid. However, not all cleaning hacks live up to their promises.
Some may actually end up costing you more time than they save. As an experienced journalist and a home owner, I’ve tried my fair share of cleaning shortcuts. Some were successful, while others… not so much.
Let’s explore 12 cleaning hacks that don’t actually save time, along with better alternatives that can help you maintain a clean, tidy home without wasting precious hours.
1. Using a Toothbrush to Clean Grout
A toothbrush may seem like the perfect tool for cleaning grout, but it’s not. It’s time-consuming, tiring, and not very effective. The bristles are too small to cover a large area, meaning you’ll spend more time scrubbing than necessary. Instead, try using a grout brush designed specifically for the job. These brushes have stiffer, longer bristles that can clean grout lines more effectively.
2. Washing Every Single Dish by Hand
Unless you’re dealing with delicate china or crystal, washing every single dish by hand is a big time waster. Not only does it take longer, but it also uses more water. Most modern dishwashers are efficient and can handle most dishes, pots, and pans. So, don’t shy away from using your dishwasher to its full potential.
3. Vacuuming with a Handheld Device
Handheld vacuums are great for small messes, but they’re not meant for cleaning entire rooms. They lack the power and capacity of a full-sized vacuum, meaning you’ll spend more time emptying the dust cup and charging the battery. For regular, whole-house cleaning, stick with a traditional vacuum cleaner.
4. Wiping Down Appliances After Each Use
While it might seem like a good idea to wipe down your appliances after each use, it’s often unnecessary and time-consuming. Instead, focus on cleaning them thoroughly once a week or as needed. This way, you’ll keep your kitchen looking tidy without wasting time on unnecessary tasks.
5. Cleaning Windows with Newspaper
Despite what you’ve heard, cleaning windows with newspaper doesn’t give you streak-free results. In fact, it leaves behind ink residue and small paper particles. Instead, use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth along with a high-quality window cleaner for spotless windows.
6. Washing Your Clothes One Piece at a Time
Washing clothes one piece at a time is not only time-consuming, but it also wastes water. Instead, sort your laundry into loads based on color and fabric type. Then, wash full loads to save time and water. If you’re worried about certain items getting ruined, use a laundry bag for delicate items.
7. Dusting with a Feather Duster
Feather dusters might look fancy, but they’re not the best tool for dusting. They tend to spread dust around rather than picking it up. Instead, use a microfiber cloth or a dusting mitt. These tools attract and hold onto dust, making your dusting efforts more effective.
8. Cleaning Carpets with a Brush
Cleaning carpets with a brush is labor-intensive and can even damage your carpet fibers. A better option is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush roll. For deep cleaning, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service or renting a carpet cleaner.
9. Decluttering by Organizing One Item at a Time
Organizing one item at a time is a surefire way to spend hours decluttering. A faster method is to sort items by category (e.g., clothes, books, kitchenware) and then decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. This method, popularized by organizing expert Marie Kondo, can drastically reduce the time you spend decluttering.
10. Cleaning the Oven with Lemon and Baking Soda
Cleaning the oven with lemon and baking soda can be effective for minor spills, but it’s not the best solution for a really dirty oven. This method requires a lot of scrubbing and rinsing, which can be time-consuming. For serious oven grime, consider using a commercial oven cleaner or hiring a professional.
11. Using Vinegar for Everything
Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can damage certain materials, like stone countertops and hardwood floors. Plus, it doesn’t kill all types of germs and bacteria. Instead, use vinegar where appropriate and consider other cleaning agents for different tasks.
12. Washing Walls with a Sponge and Bucket
Washing walls with a sponge and bucket is a big job that can take hours. Instead, consider using a mop with a long handle and a machine-washable pad. This method is much faster and less strenuous. For stubborn stains or areas that need deep cleaning, you can still use a sponge, but save it for spot cleaning.
In the end, the key to efficient cleaning is to choose the right tools and methods for each task. Don’t be fooled by hacks that promise huge time savings but deliver little. With a bit of common sense and these better alternatives, you can keep your home clean and tidy without wasting your precious time.