Doing Everything at Once
Thinking More Is Better
Ever spritz your carpet 10 times when the directions say to stop at two or three? Or if one teaspoon is all you need in the cleaning solution, you put two? "This actually works against us, especially in the laundry," says green-cleaning coach Leslie Reichert, author of "The Joy of Green Cleaning_." "_Instead of getting rid of smells, it can just make your laundry smell worse." Stick to the amount in the instructions.
Over-Using Natural Cleaners
Whipping up at-home cleaning solutions can be great. Ford Berry suggests checking out Pinterest for alternatives to store-bought products, which can save you money. However, don't think they're all right for clothes, furniture or surfaces. "Just because you can eat a lemon or vinegar doesn't make it gentle," Reichert says. "They are natural acids that can eat away at finishes." When in doubt, research a solution to double-check any problematic applications.
Using the Wrong Tool
No, that screwdriver isn't a multipurpose miracle tool for lifting sticky substances. "Something too abrasive might seem like it will make the job easier, but it may actually destroy the finish you are trying to clean," says Reichert. "Also using tools without controls, like floor steamers that don't have a control dial for wood floors, can leave too much water on floors."
Cleaning Too Quickly
Many cleaning products need to sit on a surface for awhile to do their job, or else they won't work completely. "In our hurry, we spray and wipe and think the cleaner works as fast as we do," says Reichert. Leave the product on the spot and come back later if you have to.
Failing to Read Directions
Spray bottle? It's as simple as spritz and go … right? "We use cleaning products the way we think they should be used," says Reichert, who gives the example of hardwood-floor cleaners. "Some actually need to be used in a three-step process of washing, rinsing and buffing. Most people just pour it in a bucket and mop the floor." Why waste all that time and money when you can just take a glance at the instructions?
Assuming Products Will Work
Just as tools aren't all multi-functional, you are probably using the wrong products for some household chores and just assuming they'll work. "If you read the product container carefully, there are usually some dos and don'ts," says Reichert. "One spray polish specifically says do not use on floors, yet people spray it on the floors and complain that it's too slippery." Whoops!
