# 15 Things I Stopped Doing That Made My Home Easier to Clean
Cleaning your home can feel like a never-ending chore, especially when you’re juggling work, children, pets, and everything else life throws at you. But what if there were ways to make the task easier, less time-consuming, and a little less daunting? What if a few simple changes in your habits could drastically reduce the amount of time you spend scrubbing, sweeping, and dusting? Here are the 15 things I stopped doing that made my home so much easier to clean.
1. Leaving Shoes On in the House
Walking around the house with your shoes on can bring in a lot of dirt and grime from outside. This not only spoils the cleanliness of your floors but also increases the time you spend cleaning them.
Instead, create a designated space near your entrance where everyone can leave their shoes. This might be a shoe rack, a mat, or even a simple basket. You’ll be surprised by how much cleaner your floors will stay by simply leaving your shoes at the door.
2. Ignoring Spills and Stains
Ignoring a small spill or stain thinking you’ll clean it later often results in more work. The stain gets harder to clean, and sometimes even permanent.
When a spill happens, clean it up immediately. Keep cleaning supplies in easily accessible areas around your home for quick clean-ups. The small effort you put in now will save you a lot of scrubbing and frustration later.
3. Hoarding Unnecessary Items
We often keep items that we no longer need or use, and these just end up cluttering our space. This not only makes your home look untidy but also creates extra things to clean and dust.
Regularly declutter your home. Not only will this free up space, but it will also reduce the amount of dusting and cleaning you have to do. Donate, recycle, or sell items that you no longer use or need.
4. Not Using Liners in Trash Cans
Not using liners in your trash cans can result in spills and stains that are difficult to clean. It also creates a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors.
By simply using trash can liners, you can keep your trash cans cleaner and more hygienic. Make sure to change the liners regularly to prevent any buildup of waste or smells.
5. Leaving Dishes in the Sink
Leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight can make them harder to clean the next day. Food residue dries up and sticks to the dishes, sometimes even attracting pests.
Try to wash dishes right after you use them or at least rinse them off to prevent food from drying. This will make doing the dishes a much easier task.
6. Using Too Much Cleaning Product
Using too much cleaning product can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dust and dirt. It can also be wasteful and costly.
Use only the amount of cleaning product recommended on the label. This is usually enough to get the job done, and it prevents the buildup of sticky residue.
7. Not Cleaning Your Cleaning Tools
Dirty mops, brooms, and vacuum cleaners can spread more dirt and dust around your home instead of cleaning it.
Clean your cleaning tools regularly to make sure they are doing their job effectively. This also extends their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
8. Not Organizing Your Stuff
Not having a designated place for your belongings can make your home look cluttered and disorganized. It also makes cleaning more challenging as you have to move things around.
Organize your stuff and give everything a home. This will make your space look tidier and your cleaning process more efficient.
9. Not Cleaning Regularly
Putting off cleaning until your home is a mess can make the task feel overwhelming. It also allows grime and dirt to build up, making cleaning more difficult.
Make a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Even spending a few minutes each day tidying up can make a big difference.
10. Not Dusting from Top to Bottom
Dusting from the bottom up can result in dust settling on lower surfaces that you’ve already cleaned.
Always dust from top to bottom to prevent this. Start with the highest surfaces and work your way down.
11. Leaving Wet Towels Around
Leaving wet towels on the floor or bunched up can result in unpleasant smells and mildew.
Hang your towels to dry after each use. This prevents smells, mildew, and also keeps your towels fresher for longer.
12. Not Cleaning Behind Furniture
Dirt and dust can accumulate behind and under furniture, contributing to a dirty environment and even allergies.
Move your furniture and clean behind it regularly. This will keep your home cleaner and healthier.
13. Not Changing Your Bedding Regularly
Not changing your bedding regularly can lead to a buildup of dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens.
Change your bedding at least once every two weeks. This will keep your bed fresh and clean, and also contribute to better sleep.
14. Not Cleaning Your Pet’s Items
Your pet’s toys, bedding, and feeding bowls can harbor bacteria and dirt.
Clean your pet’s items regularly to keep them and your home clean. This also helps to prevent any potential health issues for your pet.
15. Not Emptying Your Vacuum Cleaner
Not emptying your vacuum cleaner regularly can reduce its efficiency and spread dust back into your home.
Empty your vacuum cleaner after each use. This will ensure it works effectively and keeps your home clean.
By stopping these 15 habits, you’ll find that your home stays cleaner for longer and the task of cleaning becomes less daunting. Happy cleaning!
