Spring Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

There’s nothing quite like giving your home or office space a deep clean. Whether it’s springtime or not, having a regular cleaning session to get into all those neglected nooks and crannies is a great way to reset your home. 

But, before you start scrubbing into oblivion, we’re here to show you some of the most common spring cleaning mistakes and how to fix them. From not using products the right way to storing items incorrectly, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to find out our top spring cleaning tips to keep our home feeling fresh year-round.

Don’t Skip The Declutter 

It’s tempting to jump straight into deep cleaning surfaces and organizing your things, but first things first: take time to declutter any unwanted household items. After all, there’s no point in wiping and scrubbing around all of your clutter—that’s just creating the illusion of cleanliness. 

The Fix: Clear Out Unwanted Items

Dedicate some time to sorting through your house—whether it’s your kitchen cupboards or your wardrobe—and donate or bin any items you no longer use. Once you’ve done this, your cleaning process will be much quicker.

Taking On Too Much At Once

When it comes to spring cleaning, it can quickly become overwhelming if you’ve been putting it off for a while or if you’re planning on tackling your entire home. Instead of starting your cleaning aimlessly, make a plan. 

The Fix: Create a Plan

Decide to take it one room at a time or make it your goal to tackle just one small section of your home each day. If you get more done, great! If not, there’s no pressure being placed on yourself to overhaul your entire house in a day.

Not Reading Product Instructions

How many times have you thrown something into your washing machine only for it to come out still dirty? Maybe you forgot to read the fabric care label, or you didn’t follow the laundry detergent instructions properly. We’ve all been there. Not following instructions correctly can damage certain delicate materials and fabrics, while household cleaning sprays can react badly with surfaces they’re not intended for use with.

The Fix: Read The Label *Carefully*

Believe it or not, there’s a reason why every product has its own instructions on the label. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you use the product for its intended purpose, avoiding damage to clothing, surfaces, or other objects.

Avoid Over-Application

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more. Using too much of any product can actually make it less effective. Over-spraying on countertops or mirrors can result in streaky residue being left behind, in turn making surfaces feel sticky and unpleasant. No thanks!

The Fix: Start With Less

Start by using less product than you think you need. You can always add more if necessary, but this will mean fewer streaks and less product waste. The same applies to laundry detergent—using too much can leave residue behind on your clothes and affect your machine. Freddie’s detergent sheets are made with thoughtful ingredients, as well as pre-measured and packaged without plastic jugs, which helps reduce packaging bulk and avoid measuring errors. 

Not Cleaning Items Before Storing Them

If you don’t properly clean items before putting them into storage, it can lead to foul odors, a buildup of bacteria, and a deterioration of materials and fabrics. For example, if you don’t wash your clothes before storing them in vacuum bags or other containers, it can lead to a buildup of mildew on your clothing.

The Fix: Clothing Is Clean And Dry Before Storing

Yep, it really is that simple. Just make sure your items are fully cleaned and dry before you decide to pack them away. Trust us, it will make life much easier in the long run! There are plenty of ways to make your laundry smell good and never worry about damp-smelling clothes again.

Storing Items Incorrectly

You’ve done the hard part. You’ve sorted through all your disorganized mess and have decided what’s worth keeping and what needs to be decluttered. But what’s the use if you’re not storing your items correctly? Throwing clothes back into messy closets and haphazardly storing away Tupperware boxes is only half a job.

The Fix: Pack Items Away Neatly

The last thing you want to create is something similar to Monica’s secret closet in Friends (if you know, you know). You should dedicate the same amount of time to storing items correctly as you do to decluttering. Neatly stack your cupboards and label items to keep things as stress-free as possible. 

Neglecting Cleaning Your Appliances

A lot of homeowners regularly neglect their appliances. When they think of spring cleaning, they might think of decluttering and organizing what they currently have. But, if you find yourself dealing with smelly clothes even after they’ve been washed, or a greasy air fryer and microwave, it’s time to prioritize your home appliances!

The Fix: It’s Time To Use Some Elbow Grease

Add appliance care to your spring cleaning to-do list and give your washing machine, oven, or dishwasher the TLC it deserves. Don’t forget about those smaller appliances, too. Clean out your toaster, descale your kettle, and empty out your vacuum to keep things working smoothly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a Mistake You Can Make While Cleaning?

Some of the most common cleaning mistakes include using products incorrectly and ignoring the instructions on the label, as well as cleaning before you’ve decluttered items you don’t need. This just makes for a bigger job than it needs to be.

What Are the 5 Rules of Smart Cleaning?

The five rules of smart cleaning include decluttering beforehand, starting small, following product instructions correctly, storing items properly, and cleaning as you go. Try your best to stay on top of small cleaning tasks. There’s a known rule that if it takes less than 5 minutes, do it right away. So next time you want to put off cleaning your dishes after dinner, keep this in mind!

What is the 20 10 Rule for Cleaning?

The 20/10 rule is when you clean for 20 minutes and then rest for 10. You can repeat this as many times as necessary. By setting a timer, you can make the task at hand more manageable, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed and facing burnout. Breaking the task down into smaller increments can be super helpful for getting things done.

How to Do Proper Spring Cleaning?

The best way to tackle your spring cleaning is to start by creating a plan that will work best for you and your home. Follow the steps we’ve included in our list and set aside a day—or several days—to reset your home.

Ready to Discover Cleaning Tips With Natural Laundry Detergents?

Which mistake from the list are you guilty of making? Spring cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a daunting process; in fact, when you set out a plan, it can actually be very rewarding! Remember, declutter first, start small, and ensure you follow all product instructions carefully. Whether you’re looking to refresh your laundry routine or tackle stubborn dishwasher buildup, Freddie offers pre-measured laundry detergent sheets, packaged without plastic jugs and formulated without dyes, phosphates, or parabens. They’re designed to make laundry simpler and reduce storage clutter.