When it comes to home interior design, there are many options available. However, you’ll need to make the right choice to get the best results.  There are several types of flooring that can be used for your house interior design, but carpeting and hardwood are the most popular ones.

We’ve created this guide on carpeting vs hardwood flooring so that you can learn what factors may affect your decision when choosing between these types of flooring for your home interiors. So, if you’re replacing your floors and wondering how to choose between carpeting vs hardwood flooring, don’t worry. This article is for you.

Sustainability 

Carpets

Modern carpets are created by threading closely spaced loops of synthetic fibers through large sheets of backing material. There are also some natural fiber carpets made out of cotton and wool. Most carpets come in synthetic materials, and they’re manufactured in huge rolls where they can be bought in any quantity.

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Hardwood Floor

Modern hardwood flooring comes in one of two forms. There is solid hardwood flooring, which boasts of solid wood that is milled from rough lumber from felled hardwood trees. The boards are smoothly sanded on the top surface and are left slightly rough at the bottom. 

Another hardwood flooring form is known as engineered hardwood flooring. This is the most economical type of modern wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring has the same tongue and groove construction and can be installed the same way as solid hardwood floors.

ppearance

Carpet

Appearance is another big difference between hardwood flooring and carpet. Both hardwood and carpet flooring comes in several styles that can meet any interior design, but carpet offers variety in color, texture, and feel. While there’s a substantial difference between hardwood and carpeted floors, carpets are more available in wood-like, making them more decorative. 

The great thing about carpet is that you can choose any color, making it a very versatile flooring choice as you can mix and match colors and shades based on other design choices in your room.

Hardwood

The look of hardwood flooring is easily recognizable, and its main appeal is natural wood tone colors and the appealing pattern of wood’s grain. Hardwood flooring creates a bold statement, and that’s why it’s called the prestige in flooring. When it comes to appearance, your style and the style of your house will determine the best flooring option.

Cleanliness and Care

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is easy to care for and maintain with regular cleanups. This flooring type doesn’t require deep cleaning too often. While cleaning hardwood floors, it’s advisable not to use liquid cleaning products as these can warp and damage the natural fibers that make up the floorboards.

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It’s also easier to spot dirt on hardwood floors than carpet floors, making it easier to notice when your floors need a wipe and a good cleaning. Hardwood floor cleanings include sweeping and vacuuming with a hardwood vac to maintain its appearance and condition. Periodic damp mopping with the wood cleaner will also remove deeper dirt and most stains.

Carpet

Cleaning carpet flooring seems daunting because stains can soak and settle permanently on the surface. To prevent stains, turn your rug over once a week to let the other side be exposed to sunlight and air for a day. Not doing so can create a musty smell forming on dark spots in your carpet, especially if you have pets at home. 

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Wipe spills immediately using a clean cloth with warm water or a commercially available solution. Regular vacuuming can also help get rid of dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. If left without vacuuming, these elements can get stuck in the carpet fibers causing unpleasant odors.

Durability and Maintenance

When considering the durability of your hardwood flooring vs carpet, there are different things that you must consider. Don’t only concentrate on the lifespan of the flooring type, but consider the impact of your daily life on it. Factors such as foot traffic, your habits, visitors, and pets will greatly influence the durability of your flooring.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is a durable material that can last 50 to 60 years if properly maintained. But they’re also more expensive in most cases. When evaluating cost, consider the initial price of the wood flooring and its installation and maintenance costs over time. Think about how much it costs to refinish hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring will also last longer if you care for it properly, both by taking good care of it and making sure that you clean up spills quickly. Hardwood floors can also warp when exposed to too much liquid and can dent and scratch from furniture movement and shoe traffic.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet is a more forgiving floor type. As long as you deal with spills immediately and frequent vacuuming, you won’t have to worry about dents and scratches. However, carpeting still does need occasional professional upkeep, such as cleaning and re-stretching. Occasional professional cleaning service can also extend the life of your carpet. 

The best flooring type for durability and maintenance is hardwood flooring because it is made to last and does not need any professional upkeep. Even if you do manage to inflict some damage, hardwood flooring can be refinished or patched, unlike carpeting which has to be completely replaced when damage is done.

Cost and Installation of Carpet and Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood

Professionals usually do hardwood flooring installation because of its weight and intricacy. You will need to foot the bill for this aspect of the project, too, as well as for upkeep in general. A DIY installation can save you money and time, but it can cause you some additional cost if not properly installed.

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Fortunately, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring products are pre-finished in the factory, but you’ll have to pay more to have them pre-finished. Solid hardwood floor costs start at around $4 per square foot and go up from there. And on average, hardwood floors cost about $8 per square installed.

Carpet

Installation of carpeting can be done yourself or by a professional at your request. Carpet padding is about an inch thick, and if you purchase high-quality padding, it will last the life of your carpet. It will cushion your feet from bumps in the floor and keep the carpet fibers uniform and neat-looking. 

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The most convenient flooring for cost and installation is carpet flooring because it can be pulled back to install underlayment for hardwood flooring. It’s also cost-effective compared to hardwood flooring.

For example, perfectly acceptable carpeting may be available for less than $1 per square foot installed. The cost can also run as high as $20 per square foot.On average, most carpets purchased at home centers cost about $3 per square foot, while solid hardwood flooring starts at around $4 to $8 per square foot installed. Also, the cost of professional installation is higher on hardwood floors.

Resale Value

Hardwood

Most homeowners prefer having hard flooring surfaces such as hardwood and ceramic tiles because they’re easy to clean and tend to hide flaws the best. Even estate agents agree that when it comes to carpet or hardwood flooring, hardwood is likely to increase the resale value of your home. Hardwood is a natural material and is much longer-lasting than carpet.

Carpet

Carpeting tends to wear down over time and may show signs such as wrinkles, spots and footprints after a few years of use. All these tend to lower the resale value of the property which you’re trying to sell. Also, new carpet can also lead to home improvement than an old carpet.

They could also be a turn-off for potential homebuyers who’d rather have hardwood that’s clean and in good condition. Therefore, the flooring type with the best resale value is hardwood flooring. Hardwood resale value wins even when you ask real estate agents in the market.

Radiant Flooring

Both carpets and hardwood floors can be installed with radiant heating. And because of the insulating properties, you must be careful when choosing both carpet and radiant heat systems that can work together. In some cases, you may need to set the radiant heat system higher for the carpet to warm sufficiently.

On the other hand, hardwoods work with many radiant heat systems because they transmit heat with little loss. But it’s not recommended to use radiant floor heating under a plank wider than three inches.

Environmental Impact

Carpet

Some natural carpets such as wool have less impact on the environment than synthetic carpeting. Wool and other natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable. Furthermore, most synthetic carpets are made from petroleum which is not renewable and is a non-biodegradable material. 

They can break down unevenly, releasing volatile organic compounds as they age. The downside of natural fibers is that they cannot be recycled, and when disposed of in landfills, they will take a very long time to decompose.

Hardwood Flooring

If you’re concerned about the environment and want renewable flooring, then hardwood flooring is your best option. Hardwood is a renewable material, especially if you ensure responsible harvesting and planting of trees.

Homeowners who are looking for more sustainable flooring material can look to hardwood flooring as their best option. Most hardwoods are also recyclable, which means they won’t sit in landfills for decades.

Water and Heat Resistance

Carpet

The synthetic fiber materials used in most modern carpets make them highly resistant to water damage. It’s also important to prevent water from seeping down into carpet padding, which can cause mold and mildew growth. This is especially important with groundwater damage from flooding or leaky roofs.

Additionally, tile carpets can be damaged by heat, such as burning cigarettes and hot pans. Some carpet materials can also emit toxic gases if a serious home fire ignites.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring is not recommended in any location with constant water and moisture. It’s also not recommended for below-grade installation against a concrete slab because contact with concrete can cause swelling. Wood flooring materials also emit formaldehyde gas over time. However, engineered wood flooring may be stable to water and moisture.

Engineered hardwood flooring has a moisture barrier to stop water from seeping into the subfloor before it ever reaches your main joists below. You can also install engineered hardwood flooring directly against concrete slabs that are dry and free of cracks or joints where water could infiltrate.

Comfort and Sound

Carpet

With its soft fibers and insulating pad, carpeting is more comfortable to walk on than hardwood floors. High-pile carpeting is soft and thick underfoot, while lower-pile carpeting feels more like an even surface. Carpet can be made from various materials, including nylon, wool, cotton or synthetic fibers. 

The sound absorption of carpet comes from the insulating pad underneath the carpet fibers, but that means the carpet is better at trapping sound inside the house.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are loud compared to carpet, especially when installed on the upper levels; the people below will hear footsteps and other sounds from above. The hardwood floors amplify the sound of children running on the upper levels because it’s a harder surface with no insulation capabilities.

Hardwood floors are less comfortable underfoot, but they have a timeless elegance that carpeting can’t match. Also, since hardwood floors are laid in strips, any surface imperfections can be covered up with a strip of wood over the problem area or damp mopped to free the particles.

FAQs on Carpet and Hardwood Flooring Comparison

Which type of flooring is suitable in an active environment?

High-quality carpets can sustain high foot traffic if you keep them level and smooth to avoid irregular wear.

Which one is the warmer flooring type?

Carpeting is warmer than wood flooring, but only when the carpet is not glued directly onto concrete. Wood floors, on the other hand, allow cold air to move through between individual boards.

Final Thoughts on Carpet vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison

As you can see, there’re many factors you need to consider when choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring. The answer on which one is better depends heavily on your particular situation, budget, and taste.

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Orchids are beautiful and exotic, but they can also be frustrating if you’re trying to grow them.  One of the most common problems people have with orchid growing is that their plants won’t bloom. It’s very disappointing when your plant doesn’t produce flowers because it’s such a rare event.

If you love orchids, this guide will help you get the most out of your investment in these stunning plants.  Even if it hasn’t flowered for years, there are still things that can be done to encourage blooming. Orchids are one of those flowers that require very specific care, so they don’t wilt and die on you before they even get a chance to bloom. Below are reasons orchids won’t bloom.

Insufficient Light

If you want your orchid to rebloom, try moving it near a brighter location. Orchids need at least 12 hours of bright light so they can survive and grow. You should learn how to care for your orchids indoors so they can grow well and bloom.

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To ensure they get enough sun, there are different places to put them in the house, but the ideal place is by a window to get good sunlight exposure. It will also help if you rotate them once in a while so that all sides get enough light. Move your orchid to a place where it gets a few hours of direct morning and afternoon sun.

This will ensure the plant gets enough energy to make a spike with lots of flower buds. Dendrobium orchids and cymbidium orchids are also orchid varieties that require bright light and not direct sun. Lack of sufficient light is one of the reasons why orchids fail to bloom, so if you plant indoor orchids, you may try to grow light to achieve flowers.

Getting Too Much Light

If you’re trying to grow your orchid in direct sunlight, it may die. However, too much shade can also be a cause of failure orchid bloom. Indirect light or morning sun is best for most orchids, and if the light is bright where you live, go ahead and put your plant in direct sunlight. Avoid excess sunlight for the best-blooming orchids.

If you also place your orchid in full sun, you’ll see severe symptoms such as sunburned leaves, and an overabundance of artificial light can also suppress blooming. In addition to cooler nighttime temperatures, the shortening days of autumn can signal an orchid to form buds.

If you’re keeping an orchid indoors, in a room where the light stays 24 hours a day, then your orchid is missing an important natural cue. If you’re using artificial light, then use a timer to simulate the cycle of natural daylight and darkness.

Overwatering

Overwatering is most often the cause of orchids’ failure to bloom. Just like humans, orchids need oxygen to survive. Excess water displaces oxygen in the potting media, starving roots and suppressing blooms. Most orchids need to dry out between watering, and you should allow them to have wet feet by allowing water to saturate in the root zone.

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Orchids growing in the right kind of potting mix will rarely suffer from overwatering. Signs of overwatering include roots turning brown, while wrinkled leaves can be a sign of too little water or too much water. Don’t wait to see a pot of muddy mix and a dying orchid; instead, give your orchid adequate care while it’s in bloom and out of orchid bloom.

Varying Temperature

Orchids like to be warm and relatively dry during the day, but they require a drop in temperature at night. Orchid flowers need bud building overnight temperatures (under 10 degrees Celsius). For example, Paphiopedilum orchids need temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. Warm temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius will encourage buds to form on your orchid flower spikes.

Cooler conditions can prevent your plant from forming buds. It is possible to have too much of a good thing if the temperature stays above 25 degrees Celsius during the day and night, as your plant will stop flowering. Try to expose your orchids to nighttime temperatures 10 degrees cooler than daytime temperatures for two weeks at the start of the orchid’s growing season.

Orchids Need Proper Nutrition

If you fertilize your plant too much, the excess nutrients can build up in the potting media and cause your orchid to bloom. You also need to feed your orchid well during its flowering season. Give it a regular fertilizer that has trace elements, which will help promote bud formation. But also be careful because too much fertilizer can stop your plant from blooming.

Of course, orchids are not heavy feeders, but an orchid living in the sterile inorganic potting mix may need a nutrient boost for its best performance. The best fertilizer to use is a urea-free fertilizer that provides nitrogen even in the absence of microorganism activity common in rich garden soils.

Moth orchids, in particular, initiate blooming spikes in response to a month and cool nighttime temperatures. At home, you have two options to encourage blooming. These options include keeping your orchid near a bright window at night in the early fall, keeping air-conditioning low during the day, and turning it up at night.

Roots Need Attention

Most orchid growers find it tricky when it comes to repotting orchids. When your orchid media begins to break down, the orchid roots can suffocate from lack of oxygen. In addition, some orchids will resent having their root zone disturbed, and they’ll refuse to bloom for six months to a year after repotting.

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In order to determine whether your orchid needs to be repotted, evaluate the root system and not foliage. If you see the orchid roots turning brown and the planting material resembling garden soil in its density.

Also, if you see more than two roots creeping over the edge of the pot, it may be time to repot. You can also divide your orchid plant to maintain blooming vigor.

Know Each Season of Your Orchid Variety

Each orchid type has a time of the year when it will naturally bloom. It may not be the same season that the orchid was blooming when purchased since nurseries can force orchids to bloom off-cycle. Many orchids bloom in the fall, winter, and spring.

Knowing the season that your orchid bloom will save you the frustrations of waiting for it to bloom. For example, Phalaenopsis orchid grows new leaves in the summer and early fall and sets a bloom spike in the late fall. Most Phalaenopsis orchids are known for blooming off-season for many reasons, but many will follow this pattern.

After you’ve identified your orchid, make sure you learn about its blooming cycle. Vanda orchids, for example, bloom two to three times a year, with each bloom cycle lasting up to six weeks. On the other hand, popular cattleya and cymbidium orchids only bloom once a year, but they’re very easy to maintain, making them popular choices for novice growers.

Underwatering

Underwatering is one of the most common reasons orchid plants won’t bloom. The best way to avoid this problem is to water your orchid regularly, but don’t over-water it. Water generously during spring and summer season but taper off as fall starts to set in. Stop watering altogether when winter begins because this will help your orchid properly rest.

You can test the moisture of your orchid’s medium by pushing your finger into it. If you feel any moisture, hold off on watering until the surface is dry. Remember not to water again until the top layer is dry because this will cause overwatering and root rot.

To prevent underwatering, mix water with some water-soluble fertilizer at the same strength you’d normally use when feeding your orchid. Water generously, but ensure that excess water drains away from the plant’s roots before drying up.

Cut Spent Flower Spikes for a Stronger lant

After your moth orchid has finished blooming, snip off the flower spike. An orchid needs to rest after flowering to build up its energy, so don’t fertilize your orchid for at least a month after it blooms.

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After this waiting period, you can feed your orchid with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer once every three weeks to keep it happy and healthy. Note that some orchid species and hybrids rebloom on old spikes. You can also contact the American orchid society or contact your seller to get a replacement or refund.

FAQS on Reasons Why Orchids Won’t Bloom and How to Fix Them

How long does it take an orchid to rebloom?

Phalaenopsis orchids take a month or several months to rebloom, while most varieties bloom annually.

Why is the orchid not flowering?

If your orchid is not flowering, improper light exposure, incorrect potting media, and overwatering are the most common reasons.

Why did my Phalaenopsis stop blooming?

Phalaenopsis stopped blooming because of root rot which can be caused by too much water or cold conditions.

Final Thought on Reasons on Why Orchids Won’t Bloom and How to Fix Them

If you perform all these steps religiously, your orchid might begin blooming again in no time and you’ll love your gardening skills. Orchids are blooming plants, and as such, they require a lot of attention. However, by following the basic care tips above, you should have no trouble keeping your orchid blooming.

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Cleaning gas stove burners can be difficult to do by yourself, especially if you don’t have the right tools. There are many different kinds of cleaning products available in your local store, but not all of them will work for all types of stoves. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to clean your burners on a gas stove, then look no further. 

This article will help you eliminate any build-up of grime from inside your stove’s ports as well as its burners within minutes. If you follow these tips, you’ll understand why you should not ditch your gas stove as it will be as clean as new. Let’s get started!

How Gas Burner Works

The burners on your gas stovetop consist of a burner assembly attached to a small gas intake valve on the front or at the top of the stove. Gas stove burners operate by receiving an air-gas mixture that is sent through the main gas line. Gas stoves have a gas valve that attaches the main gas line to the stove and sends the air-gas mixture to each burner. 

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When the burner control knob opens the intake valve, it allows gas to flow through the venturi tube. The gas then enters the venturi tube through one of the wide ends, increasing in pressure as it passes into the narrow section of the tube. The burner head is a hollow metal disk with holes and slots in the outside edge.

The burner head sits atop and directs flames emerging from the burner head. The older burners have a pilot light, while the newer gas stove burners have a small spark pilot located on the side of each burner. A light pilot or electric spark pilot controls the airflow, allowing you to generate more or less flames as possible.

How Often Should You Clean Your Stove’s Gas Burners?

Gas stoves are simple and trouble-free. Typically, you can clean the burner once a year. But, it’s important to clean it when the flow of gas becomes hindered due to food residue that may spill on the pots and pans. Food residue can clog the ports around the burner heads.

If left unattended, this food residue can be quite hard to remove. Clean your burners whenever the burner becomes irregular and exhibits a yellow color. Below are the steps you need to take to clean your gas stove burner properly. Take time and refer to your owner’s manual if necessary:

What You’ll Need

Old toothbrushNon-abrasive scrubbing padDish soapDry towelBaking SodaPaper clipDamp cloth

Read Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before you start cleaning, it’s always a good idea to refer to your owner’s manual. This can serve as a safety reminder, and it may reveal some tips on the best way to clean your burners.

If your cooktop didn’t come with the manual, you could always download a manual online via the manufacturer’s site. The manual will recommend tools and cleaning products, saving you from many hassles.

Turn Off Gas Supply Valve

Clean gas stove burners before turning them off. Make sure you shut off the valve before doing anything else. Before removing the burner caps, ensure your gas is off. Look under the burner caps and access the burner heads. 

Proper gas flow is dependent on clean burner heads, so ensure you clean stove burners first. A valve will be nearby, connecting your stove to the main gas line. Make sure you turn off the valve before cleaning. Also, ensure the stovetop and burners are completely cooled before you begin cleaning.

Remove Burner Caps

Remove the burner caps and set them aside. Once a sturdy grip is established, twist each cap counter-clockwise to remove it from the stovetop. The order of the caps does not matter because you will reattach them later on during the cleaning process.

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Many gas burners have a removable ceramic disc that sits atop the burner to diffuse flame. If you have this kind of burner, lift the disc off the burner, making sure that the burner is completely cool before doing so.

Remove Burner Heads

Use a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool to loosen and remove the burner heads and caps. Take care not to damage the gas line connected to the burner because you will be reinstalling them later on during the cleaning process. Set aside and inspect each burner head as you remove it from the stovetop.

Look for built-up debris inside the gas jets, at the edge of the burner head, where it sits on top of the stovetop surface. Be careful not to damage the venturi tube beneath when lifting the burner head.

Soak and Scrub the Removed Parts

Place the burner heads and caps into a bowl or other suitable container. Fill this with warm water and liquid dish soap and let it soak for 30 minutes. If you find that there is still residue on the parts, try soaking them overnight instead.

Once they’ve soaked, pull them out and scrub them with an old toothbrush to remove debris. If the toothbrush can’t remove some debris, use a straightened paper clip to unclog the head and cap holes. Make sure you don’t damage the metal of the burner head as you clean. 

You can also use one part water and one part baking soda to remove stuck-on debris. You can also make your cleaning paste with one cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Apply a paste on the surface of your stove using a clean cloth or sponge.

Rinse the Parts

Use whatever you used to make the paste and rinse it off with running water. Make sure the area is dry before replacing the parts. Shake to remove excess water, then dry with a damp cloth.

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Allow all the parts to air dry completely before reassembling the burners. As the parts are drying, turn your attention to cleaning other parts of your stove. Make sure you learn how to clean drip pans and grills. soak and scrub all these parts well.

Reassemble and Test Your Burners

After you’ve washed and rinsed your burners, pat them dry with a towel and set them aside. Let them air dry until they’re entirely free of water. Once the burners are dry, reassemble them. Reassemble the drip pans, grills, burner heads, and caps. 

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Before turning on your stove, inspect all of them to make sure they aren’t dripping water. On electronic ignition stoves, take care not to bend or damage the ignition electrode as you install the heads.

Relight the Pilot Lights

After you’ve reassembled your burners, relight the pilot lights by pressing down gently on each knob. Open each gas valve slowly and light the burners. If there’s no flame, ensure that the knobs are turned to the pilot setting. 

As you do this, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot flames. Test the burners to ensure they operate correctly as unusual flame color and shape may indicate that the burner heads are not completely dry.

FAQs on How to Clean the Burners on a Gas Stove

How do you clean the grates and burners on a gas stove?

If the grates contain dirt, grime, or grease, mix three parts of baking soda into one part of water. Coat the grates in the mixture and wait for 20 minutes. Wipe down the burners with a soft cloth and if you have burners coated in baking soda paste, rinse first to avoid damaging the finish.

How do you deep clean a gas stovetop?

You can use a soft bristle brush and a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle with baking soda paste when deep cleaning your gas stove top. If you notice sputtering, shut off the burner and clean out any food build-up left in the gas line before turning the gas back on.

Final Thought on How to Clean the Burners on a Gas Stove

Cleaning your gas stove burner shouldn’t be an uphill task. Take your time and be thorough with your cleaning process. Make sure everything is properly rinsed before drying. This way, you’ll have clean stove top burners that are ready to fire up your next meal. 

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Cleaning is a never-ending task. It’s something everyone has to do, and no one wants to do, especially when we think about the time it takes and how much effort it requires. We all have bad habits when it comes to cleaning our homes, but these mistakes can cause damage not only to your home but also to your health. 

You need proper tools and methods to get the job done right. With this guide, you will learn about bad cleaning habits to stop doing to live in a cleaner environment.

1. Using Dirty Cleaning Tools

When it comes to bad cleaning habits, cleaning tools are the first culprit. How can you expect the best results when using dirty cleaning tools to clean your home? If your washing machine has some odor from built-up bacteria from some detergent residue, it will make your clothes stink. 

If your vacuum bag is filled with dust, it won’t do a good job sucking up anymore. A dirty mop and a dirty sponge will push around more soil and bacteria. So, take your time to thoroughly clean tools by emptying completely and washing them in hot water after every use. Also, use enough disinfectant to kill the germs. Replacing new tools is also a good idea.

2. Leaving Wet Towels and Shower Curtains Bunched Up

If you’re tired of spending too much time in your laundry room scrubbing mold and mildew on your bathroom surfaces, don’t worry. You can easily break these bad habits and have more time to focus on other tasks. Avoid leaving wet shower curtains bunched up and wet tower curtains in a heap on the floor.

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Always hang up your non-slip shower mat after each use. By hanging the shower curtain, it will dry more quickly and discourage mold and mildew growth. By hanging wet towels to dry, you’ll be able to re-use them without having to wash out the mildew smell.

3. Leaving Dirty Dishes on the Sink

Your dirty dishes are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that you don’t want in your kitchen. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is a jackpot for hungry insects. Rinse off your plates before stacking them in the sink. Load the dishwasher every time it’s full, so you won’t have to worry about leaving food scraps from last night’s dinner sitting out on the counter overnight. 

You can also break this bad cleaning habit by training everyone in your household to either put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash them immediately. After washing your dishes, wash out your sink with hot soapy water, spray with Vital Oxide, and let it dry.

4. Using Disinfectant Wipes

Don’t use disinfectant wipes on surfaces that food touches. This includes countertops and cutting boards. Wipes are less harsh, but they don’t do a great job of killing bacteria. 

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If you want to keep your kitchen clean with disinfecting wipes, it’s important to understand that you can’t swipe on everything and expect your home to be germ-free. Make sure you buy wipes that can kill viruses and bacteria. Also, ensure that you’re using these disinfectant wipes the right way; otherwise, you risk cross-contamination. For better hygiene learn how to make disinfectant wipes for home use.

5. Allowing Paper Clutter to Accumulate

Even with the emerging technology, including online billing and banking, there’s still a mountain of papers that ends up in our homes. These include magazines, newspapers, flyers, school papers, and projects. These papers tend to pile up. However, this is one of the easiest bad cleaning habits to break.

Instead of letting the paper pile up, designate a place in your kitchen for all this paper clutter. Also, keep a shredder and recycling bin nearby and sort it at least once a week. For children’s school papers and projects, opt for a designated storage bin, select a few to save space, frame a few, and hang them up. Learn how to declutter your room properly and you’ll never have trouble with cleaning.

6. Ignoring Product Directions

This is especially true for general cleaning supplies like dishwashing soap, general cleaners, and fabric softeners. Product directions are there for a reason. Ignoring it is a surefire way to make cleaning fail. Also, not following product directions might render the product useless if the solution is wrong. 

The manufacturers will have recommendations on using the product, how much you need, and where it should be used. Application methods are also different, so it’s always important to read the label. This also applies to cleaning tools; follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent injuries.

7. Wearing Outside Shoes in the House

This is especially important when you have wooden flooring because this can cause scratches on the surface. It’s highly recommended to remove your footwear before entering the house. This way, you can keep your floors looking new longer. 

If needed, apply an environmentally friendly wood polish to clean and protect the wood from damage caused by extreme weather elements. Whether your entryway is through the mudroom or the front door, make this cleaning habit simple by providing a bench and a chair for shoe removal. Get a shoe tray closed for wet or muddy shoes. Plus, provide a bin to collect each family member’s footwear.

8. Using Harsh Cleaners

Using too much cleaner can be a bad cleaning habit; using a harsh cleaner can damage your floors. Using harsh chemicals can strip the finish of wood floors, leaving them dull looking and requiring you to refinish them. For example, chlorine bleach is good in disinfecting, but that doesn’t mean it’s good on all surfaces.

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Chlorine bleach is not a good dirt and grime remover, and the fumes can be toxic. It’s important to use gentle cleaning products to produce the best results. One of the safest and widely used home cleaning products is cleaning vinegar

9. Not Completing Tasks

Yes, we all get distracted while cleaning, but always try to finish a task once you’ve started it. For example, if you’re dusting the living room, don’t stop for a social media break until you’ve dusted the entire room.

If you have a few minutes to clean, start by removing the clutter and putting items in their proper place. Then if you’re interrupted, you can come back later to do the deeper cleaning.

10. Waiting Until the Cleaning Task is Overwhelming

If you have a huge cleanup job ahead of you, don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. Break the task into small pieces that are easier to manage. Don’t wait for the task to become overwhelming. Putting off cleaning and waiting until the task becomes overwhelming is one of the worst cleaning habits to break.

But if you do a bit of cleaning each day, like load, empty the dishwasher before the dishes pile, vacuum one or two rooms, and complete your load of laundry, then cleaning the entire house will not be as overwhelming.

11. Relying too Much on Bleach

Of course, bleach has been a household staple long cleaning and disinfecting agent. But it turns out that bleach isn’t as good a cleaner as once thought. Bleach is intensely harsh and can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin. 

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The fumes are also toxic. A better alternative is baking soda or vinegar. If you still doubt how harmful bleach is, these reasons should motivate you to skip the bleach next time you begin your spring clean.

12. Leaving Your Bed Unmade

This might not be a big deal in the colder months when you’re bundling up under your covers and keeping your home well heated. But in the summertime, leaving bed linen unwashed can pose a real threat to your health. Experts recommend changing sheets every two weeks for best cleaning results.

Even if the rest of your bedroom looks neat and clean, the unmade bed can make it look messy. Making your bed each morning will keep the rest of the room and the entire house organized. You can as well make this task simple by selecting bedding that is easy to spread up neatly.

13. Storing Cleaning Products Incorrectly

Do you spend a lot of time trying to find your cleaners and tools? Well, this bad cleaning habit is quite easy to break. Gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need for each area of your home and store them close to that area. Place them in a plastic carryall for bathroom cleaners and stash them on a shelf or under the sink. 

You can also create two baskets of supplies if you have upstairs and downstairs bathrooms. Keep your dusting and furniture cleaning products in the kitchen. And all your laundry products should be kept in the laundry room. Make it easy to get started, and this will likely lead you to clean more often.

14. Hoarding Food in the Refrigerator

It’s a common bad habit to keep too much food in the fridge. Resist this temptation as your refrigerator does not have an infinite capacity and cannot store half-empty containers of milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt that will not be used up within a few days.

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If you and your family hate leftovers, then don’t stash them in the refrigerator. Go ahead and toss it instead of storing it because improperly stored food promotes mold and bacteria growth, making cleaning the refrigerator daunting. 

FAQs on Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

Can cleaning make you sick?

Yes and no. Cleaning will not make you sick, but it can make you sick if you use improper cleaning methods. Plus, using harsh chemicals that can cause mild irritation and affect your health negatively.

Is it ok to clean regularly?

If you maintain a cleaning routine, it will be easier to break these bad habits. Cleaning should not harm your health or make you feel worse.

Final Thought on Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

Whether it’s the cleaning and our lives in general, we all have these bad habits. We like cutting corners when cleaning. Everyone wants to make their chores easier and get them done faster. However, taking these shortcuts can have a lot of negative impacts on your life. 

That’s why it’s important to break bad cleaning habits. They might be tolerable or even bring some benefits, but they shouldn’t be part of your life if you want to live a healthy and cleaner lifestyle.

The post 14 Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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