It’s natural to look for shortcuts when cleaning your home in order to get the job done quickly. But some of these habits can prevent the surfaces in your home from getting truly clean, leaving bacteria, dirt, and dust to multiply. Avoiding these common cleaning pitfalls won’t just ensure your home is properly cleaned; it will also make the process easier on you in the long run. Ahead, we spoke to cleaning pros to get the dirt on the cleaning mistakes they see the most.

Not Cleaning Under Furniture

Dust tends to accumulate under furniture, so it’s important not to avoid this area. “Keeping these areas tended to will not only help to reduce overall dust in your home but will ease environmental allergies from dust, dander, and pollen,” says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home. If the furniture is too large to maneuver, consider a vacuum or dusting mop with a longer extension to accommodate such spaces.”

Not Cleaning From Top to Bottom

Cleaning from the ground up makes removing dust and dirt nearly impossible. “When you clean from top to bottom, dust and debris naturally fall to the lower surfaces, making it easier to clean those afterward,” says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. That way, you will not need to re-clean lower surfaces, and you’ll save time and energy. You also avoid the risk of spreading dust or dirt from lower surfaces to already cleaned higher surfaces.”

Using Dirty Cleaning Tools

Dirty cleaning tools are less effective in removing dirt, grime, and bacteria—so remember to clean your tools after you clean so they’re ready to handle your next cleaning session properly. “Cleaning with dirty tools can spread germs rather than eliminate them, making cleaning less efficient.” Additionally, dirty cleaning tools can develop unpleasant odors due to the accumulation of bacteria and other debris.

Using Harsh Cleaners

Using harsh cleaners in your home can damage surfaces over time, says Sokolowski. Instead, opt for natural cleaners that are free of harmful chemicals, as those are easier on your floors, furniture, appliances, and other surfaces. “Also, many harsh cleaners come in non-recyclable or non-biodegradable packaging, contributing to waste,” says Sokolowski.

Not Reading Product Descriptions

Even when it comes to natural cleaners, it’s important to read product descriptions as there are certain steps and products that cannot be combined for both safety and effectiveness. “Failing to follow directions can result in innocently causing irreversible damage to significant appliances,” says Poepping. “For instance, using a cleaning stone on porcelain toilets to remove rust, while quite effective, can wear the enamel if not used properly, which results in permanent staining.”

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Different surfaces require specific cleaning products to prevent damage, and using the wrong product may lead to scratches, discoloration, or other forms of surface damage, says Sokolowski. “Also, each cleaning product is designed to address particular types of dirt, stains, or contaminants. Using the wrong product may result in ineffective cleaning.”

Letting Paper Accumulate

Make regular sorting, filing, and discarding of paper products (mail, bills, receipts, etc.) a regular part of your cleaning routine. “Some papers might be very important; you may go over the due dates or even lose some of them,” says Sokolowski. “Breaking the habit of letting papers pile up allows you to establish a more organized and efficient system for managing your paperwork.”

Leaving Wet Towels Bunched Up

Rather than putting wet towels in the hamper, it’s better to hang them up so they can dry properly first. “In addition to creating an unpleasant aroma, wet towels and trapped moisture become a breeding ground for mold,” says Poepping. “Hang up towels after use, making sure they are not bunched up, but rather hanging in a tidy way.”

Using Too Much Cleaning Product

Just as using the wrong cleaning products can damage your home’s surfaces, so too can using too much cleaning product. “Not only is excess product unnecessary and not at all cost-effective, but it can be damaging to surfaces and the tools you are using,” says Poepping. “Less is definitely more.”  

Storing Cleaning Products Incorrectly

Certain cleaning products can be hazardous if not stored properly. “Storing chemicals to prevent leaks, spills, or mixing with other products helps minimize safety risks and protects you and your household members,” says Sokolowski. “Also, properly organized storage makes it easier to find and access the cleaning products you need.”

Not Finishing Cleaning Tasks

Not completing cleaning tasks will only overwhelm you during your next deep clean. “Decide precisely how much time you wish to delegate to a specific task,” says Poepping. “Set a timer, put your phone away, and focus only on the task at hand. You will be amazed how swiftly you will move from task to task, leaving the last one entirely completed before moving to the next.”

Putting Off Cleaning

Don’t wait until your home is noticeably messy to clean, or it will feel like a much bigger project down the line. Instead, come up with a home cleaning schedule you can stick to that’s broken down into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleaning tasks.