Hidden Home Habits: Unseen Ways You’re Wrecking Your Home

Being a homeowner means dealing with many small headaches. To avoid big problems later, there are simple steps you can take. These steps help keep your home in good shape.

You want to ensure that the steps you’re taking to protect your home are the right, though. Sometimes, certain cleaning methods do more harm than good. Keep reading to learn more about what not to do around your home.

Don’t Clean Grout With Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Commercial toilet bowl cleaners have acids that can harm grout and caulking over time.

Stick to gentle cleansers for your grout instead of using toilet bowl cleaners.

Don’t Walk Around Wet After A Shower

After showering, make sure you’re dry before walking around your home.

Walking wet can damage your wooden floors, causing them to warp and buckle.

Don’t Forget To Clean Out Your Dishwasher Drain

Just running a self-clean cycle on your dishwasher isn’t enough.

Manually clear the filter at the bottom of the machine to keep it clean.

Trim Loose Tree Branches

Before a storm, check your property for loose tree branches.

Trim them to prevent them from breaking off in the wind.

Don’t Put Your Grill Too Close To Your House

Be careful where you place your barbecue in the summer.

Grills too close to homes can start house fires.

Always Use A Stud Finder

Before hanging heavy items, find a stud to hammer into.

A stud finder helps you locate the right spot.

Use Furniture Pads On Hardwood Floors

Use furniture pads under heavy furniture on hardwood floors.

This prevents scratches when furniture moves around.

Clean Your Chimney And Fireplace Regularly

Cleaning your chimney and fireplace is crucial for your home’s safety.

A dirty fireplace can lower air quality and release pollution.

Don’t Use Mulch So Close To Your Home

Mulch near your home can hold too much moisture, causing problems.

Please keep it away from your home to avoid issues.

Don’t Spray Cleaners Directly Onto Surfaces

Always spray cleaners onto a paper towel or sponge first.

Direct spraying can leave a residue on surfaces.

Don’t Forget To Use Your Exhaust Fan

Turn on your bathroom fan every time you shower.

This helps remove excess moisture from your bathroom.

Don’t Pour Grease Down The Sink

Don’t dispose of bacon grease like other foods. It can clog your pipes.

Let it cool and pour it into a container before washing dishes.

Don’t Use Too Much Water On Your Hardwood Floors

Using too much water when mopping can damage your hardwood floors.

Use a small amount of water or a special cleaner instead.

Don’t Put The Toilet Brush Back In The Holder Right After You Use It

Please don’t put a wet toilet brush back in its holder.

Let it dry with some cleaner before putting it back.

Don’t Leave Towels In The Bathroom

It’s smart to have towels ready after showering. But, don’t leave them hanging in the bathroom all the time.

Towels in moist places can grow bacteria.

Don’t Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar

Vinegar is great for cleaning, but not for your dishwasher. It’s too harsh for the rubber and plastic parts.

These parts can get damaged by vinegar’s acidity.

Don’t Make Your Bed Right After You Wake Up

Make your bed after it’s had a bit of time to dry. This keeps moisture from getting trapped under the sheets.

Letting your bed air out first is a good idea.

Don’t Use Bleach Tablets In Your Toilet Tank

Bleach tablets can keep your toilet tank clean. But, they can also wear down the plastic or rubber parts faster.

This can shorten their life.

Don’t Remove Parts Of Your Downspout

The downspout might not look great, but it’s important. It keeps water away from your home’s foundation.

Please don’t take it outside.

Don’t Wash Your Cutting Boards With Dish Soap

Using dish soap on cutting boards can spread bacteria. This can get on your sponge and dishes.

Use hydrogen peroxide to clean them instead.

Don’t Let Vines Grow On The Side Of Your Home

Vines might look nice, but they attract bugs. They can also trap water against your home.

This can cause problems.

Don’t Clean Hardwood Floors With Bleach

Bleach is okay for some surfaces but not hardwood floors. It can strip away the protective coating.

This can damage your floors.

Don’t Let Rooms With Hardwood Floors Stay Humid

Humidity is bad for hardwood floors. Use a dehumidifier in moist areas to protect them.

This saves money in the long run.

Don’t Leave Your Curtains Open All The Time

It’s nice to let in sunlight, but too much can harm your home and furniture. Close your blinds when you’re out.

This protects your belongings.

Don’t Forget To Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Leaves and debris can clog your gutters. This can cause water to damage your roof.

Keep your gutters clean to prevent this.

Don’t Pour Coffee Or Tea Down The Toilet

Coffee and tea can stain porcelain surfaces. Pour unwanted coffee into a compost bin instead.

This avoids any damage.

Don’t Use Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards might seem clean, but they’re not. Once scratched, they’re perfect for bacteria.

Stick to wooden boards instead.

Don’t Use Vinegar On Granite Countertops

Vinegar and granite don’t mix, says Melanie Hartmann. Vinegar can damage the sealant and reduce the countertop’s shine.

It’s best to avoid using vinegar on granite.

Don’t Try To Shampoo Your Rugs

The best way to clean rugs is by beating them or vacuuming them. Washing them yourself can lead to moldy rugs.

Stick to the recommended cleaning methods.

Sweep Less, Vacuum More

Brooms might pick up big pieces of dirt but spread dust instead of cleaning it.

It’s best to use a vacuum that can suck up dust.

Don’t Pour Pasta Water Or Coffee Down Your Sink

Pasta water’s starch can cause fatty deposits in your pipes. Coffee grounds can block sewers.

Find other ways to dispose of these liquids.

Regularly Clean Out Your Lint Filter

Make it a habit to clean the lint filter in your dryer often.

Too much lint can make your dryer work less well. It can also be a fire hazard.

Leave Your Shoes At The Door

Start taking your shoes off when you come inside. This stops dirt and bacteria from spreading.

It can also help reduce allergies at home.

Slamming Your Door Is Ruining The Alignment

If your teen likes to slam doors, find another way for him to express himself.

Slamming doors can push the door jamb out of place, causing gaps.

Keep Vinegar Away From Your Grout

Vinegar is great for cleaning many surfaces, but not your grout.

Its acidity can wear down the grout, making it yellow or crumbly.

A Packed Closet Can Ruin Your Drywall

Don’t overfill your closet with clothes. Avoid layering too many pieces on hangers.

Too many clothes can strain the closet rod and brackets, damaging your drywall.

Avoid Flushing Those “Flushable” Wipes

Even if the tissues are labeled as flushable, it is best to avoid flushing them down the toilet.

Their fabric can stick in your pipes, causing expensive problems.

Don’t Over-Stuff Your Storage Under Your Porch

Don’t fill your storage under your porch with too much stuff.

This can block air circulation, causing your deck or porch boards to warp.

Never Leave Damp Laundry In The Washer

Don’t forget to switch your laundry from the washer to the dryer.

Leaving damp clothes can make them moldy or smelly, forcing you to rewash them.

Stop Using Dusting Pads

Swiffer-type duster pads seem easy to use but they attract more dust.

This leaves a static buildup on surfaces, attracting more dust.

Stop Using Such Large Amounts Of Cleaning Products

Using too much cleaning product won’t make your house cleaner. For example, too much laundry detergent leaves residue.

Save money and use fewer products. A little goes a long way.

Don’t Forget To Clean Your Cleaning Tools

Remember to clean your vacuum and other cleaning tools.

A dirty mop can spread bacteria around your home.

Don’t Use One Wipe To Clean Everything

If you’re using disinfectant wipes, use more than one for each surface.

Wipes are handy for quick cleaning but aren’t enough to disinfect a whole room.

Stop Keeping Leftovers In Your Fridge For So Long

When deciding what to keep or throw away, be honest with yourself.

Don’t keep leftovers that your family never eats. It leads to mold and bacteria in the fridge.

Don’t Leave The Dusting Till Last

Dusting should be your first step, not the last. It makes sense.

Dusting spreads dust and dirt around. Clean up with a vacuum after dusting.

And Don’t Even Think About Using A Feather Duster

Feather dusters are outdated. They just move dust around.

They don’t trap dust. Instead, they spread it, making your space dirtier.

Don’t Use Wax-Based Wood Polish

Wax-based polish can damage your wood furniture. It builds up and traps dust.

Stick to other polishes to keep your furniture looking good.

You Might Be Over-Cleaning Your Windows

Only clean your windows when they’re really dirty. Do it one to two times a year.

Cleaning too often can cause streaks and dirt buildup.

Leave Upholstered Furniture To The Professionals

For deep cleaning upholstered furniture, hire a pro. They can steam clean and use the right products.

For quick cleaning, use a vacuum brush attachment to get into tight spots.

Some Kitchen Items Should Be Washed By Hand

Don’t put everything in the dishwasher. Some items need hand washing.

Items like garlic presses and cheese graters won’t get clean in the dishwasher. Leftover food can spoil or grow mold.