Top 10 Cleaning Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

May 6, 2025

Top 10 Cleaning Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Think You’re Cleaning Right? Think Again.

We all want a clean and healthy home—but sometimes, even the most well-meaning routines can backfire. At Glanz Cleaning, we’ve seen it all: sticky floors from too much product, scratched surfaces from using the wrong tools, and homes that look clean but aren’t truly sanitized.

Here are the 10 most common cleaning mistakes homeowners make—and how to fix them like a pro:

1. Using Too Much Product

🧴 More isn’t always better. Using excess cleaner can leave behind residue that attracts more dirt.
Fix: Follow the label instructions, and use only the amount recommended. For concentrated products, always dilute as directed.

2. Not Letting Disinfectants Sit Long Enough

⏱ Spraying and wiping immediately doesn't give disinfectants time to kill germs.
Fix: Read the label. Most need to sit on the surface for at least 5–10 minutes to be effective.

3. Using the Same Rag Everywhere

🦠 One rag for everything = spreading bacteria from one surface to another.
Fix: Use color-coded microfiber cloths or dedicate different rags for bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. Wash after each use.

4. Forgetting to Clean the Tools That Clean

🧹 Dirty vacuums, mops, and sponges can reintroduce grime.
Fix: Regularly wash mop heads, replace sponges, and clean vacuum filters and brushes.

5. Spraying Cleaner Directly on Electronics or Wood

💻📺💧 Moisture can damage delicate surfaces.
Fix: Spray the product onto a cloth first, then wipe down the surface. Never saturate screens or wood.

6. Skipping the High Touch Zones

🚪 Light switches, remotes, doorknobs, and handles are often neglected.
Fix: Include high-contact points in your regular routine, especially during cold and flu season.

7. Cleaning Windows on a Sunny Day

☀️ Heat makes glass cleaners evaporate too quickly, causing streaks.
Fix: Clean windows on overcast days or during early morning/late evening hours.

8. Using Abrasive Tools on Delicate Surfaces

🪵 Steel wool or stiff brushes can damage stainless steel, glass, or marble.
Fix: Use non-scratch sponges or microfiber cloths on delicate materials.

9. Ignoring Baseboards, Ceiling Fans, and Vents

🕸 These areas collect dust and impact indoor air quality.
Fix: Add them to your monthly deep clean checklist or let our pros handle them during a deep cleaning.

10. Trying to Do It All at Once

😮‍💨 Cleaning your entire home in one day can lead to burnout and poor results.
Fix: Break tasks into manageable chunks with a weekly cleaning schedule—or book recurring cleanings with Glanz Cleaning to take the pressure off.

Ready for a Professional Touch?

Avoiding these mistakes is easier with expert help. Glanz Cleaning offers detailed, thorough cleaning services that keep your home looking, smelling, and feeling truly clean. Let us handle the dirty work—so you can focus on living in a healthier, happier space.

📞 Book your cleaning today with Glanz Cleaning and see the difference professional care can make.