9 spring cleaning mistakes you make every year!

As the sun begins to rise and temperatures start to soar, it’s a firm reminder that our homes are in need of a thorough spring clean. But do you really know how to most effectively remove dust, which cleaning tool we never use and how often you should remove your vacuum bag?

Hassle.com, the UK and Ireland’s leading marketplace for booking a local and trusted cleaner online, has listed the 9 most common cleaning mistakes we’re all making and provided tips on how we can tackle them and nail your spring clean!

Dusting with a wet wipe

Undoubtedly the least attractive chore of them all. The moisture from your cloth will attract dust, we recommend using a dry anti static wipe. Additionally, polish your surfaces with a mixture of water and a drop of fabric softener which will impregnate your surfaces and slow down any returns of dust build-up.

Removing the vacuum bag only when it’s full

Logic would tell you to replace a vacuum bag as it becomes full, right? Instead, it should actually be replaced when it is two thirds of the way full – essentially every 6 – 8 weeks. Even when the bag is only part full, dust and sand residue will reduce suction power. Added to that any food left in the bag will decompose in the warm environment, going mouldy and creating a bitter smell.

Cleaning windows on a sunny day

If bright sunshine inspires you to clean your windows, take pause. The heat of the sun will cause your cleaning solution to dry too quickly and leave lasting streak marks. Instead, go for a cloudy day and use a combination of white vinegar and newspaper for a sparkling finish.

Thinking the washing machine cleans itself with every run

After every wash the drum is sparkling, but looks can be deceiving. Moisture evaporates slowly changing the drum into a germ incubator. To avoid spread of bacteria and smell, pop 50g of baking soda into the drum and fill up the detergent drawer with 50ml of white vinegar. Place on an empty wash at 60 degrees.

Not disinfecting your mop

Despite having an average of 10 million germs, the sponge is not the dirtiest cleaning tool. Instead, the mop is most guilty as it can accumulate up to 1 billion bacteria per ten square feet from room to room. After every use, wash the removable fibre head at 60 degrees and replace every two months.

Scrubbing carpet stains

Hard scrubbing your carpet will instead spread the stain and damage your carpet as fibres begin to untwist and come apart. Instead, spread a little baking soda over the affected area and begin to press down gently with some kitchen roll. Let the mixture dry before vacuuming any residue.

Cleaning your mattress with chemicals

Pause for a moment. Do you really want to be inhaling strong and odorous chemicals as you sleep at night?  Instead, remove all the bedding from your mattress and sprinkle with baking soda. Leave to settle for 3-4 hours and vacuum up any excess. Fresh again!

Placing smelly shoes outside to stop the odor

This will have little or no impact at all. Instead, you simply take a tea bag after using them for tea, dry them out and place them near the toes on the sole of the shoe. This method is particularly effective on gym and sport shoes as it absorbs moisture therefore eliminating any bad smells.

Using thick chemicals to unclog your drains

People often rely on expensive harsh chemicals to unclog their pipes and drains, but there is more affordable and healthy way to tackle this issue. Simply sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda down your clogged drain, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Cover with a cloth for 5 minutes before flushing with hot water.