5 Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making — and How to Fix Them (For Homeowners in Coeur d’Alene)

Keeping your home clean in Coeur d’Alene’s changing seasons can be a challenge — but many homeowners make small cleaning mistakes without even realizing it. Here are five common ones and how to fix them for a cleaner, healthier home all year long:

1️⃣ Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Many surfaces require specific cleaners — using the wrong one can cause streaks, dullness, or even damage.

Fix: Always check labels and choose products made for each surface (like wood-safe polish, glass cleaner, or non-abrasive bathroom solutions).

2️⃣ Not Letting Cleaners Sit Long Enough

Spray-and-wipe doesn’t always work. Most cleaning products need dwell time to break down grime and kill germs.

Fix: Let disinfectants sit for the recommended minutes to ensure they work effectively.

3️⃣ Cleaning in the Wrong Order

If you clean floors first, then dust shelves, you’ll just have to re-clean.

Fix: Always start from the top down — dust higher surfaces, then wipe counters, then finish with the floors.

4️⃣ Reusing Dirty Cloths and Sponges

Old clothes spread bacteria around instead of removing it. Fix: Swap out microfiber cloths frequently and wash them after each use. Replace sponges regularly to avoid cross-contamination.

5️⃣ Forgetting High-Touch Areas

Light switches, remote controls, door handles, and appliance buttons often get missed — but they’re the germiest.

Fix: Add these areas to your routine cleaning checklist and disinfect them weekly.