10 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid for a Smarter, Cleaner Home | St. George Cleaning Tips
Discover the 10 most common cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier instead of cleaner. Learn how to clean smarter with expert house cleaning tips from St. George’s trusted cleaning professionals.
Looking for a smarter and more effective way to clean your home in St. George, Utah? Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning or keeping up with daily chores, avoiding common cleaning mistakes can make a huge difference. Many homeowners fall into cleaning habits that waste time or spread more dirt instead of removing it.
To keep your home spotless and your cleaning routine efficient, we’ve rounded up 10 common cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them. Follow these expert house cleaning tips to create a cleaner, healthier home environment — without extra effort!
1. Cleaning From Bottom to Top
One of the biggest cleaning mistakes is starting from the bottom instead of the top. When you clean from the floor up, dust and debris from higher surfaces fall onto areas you’ve already cleaned — meaning you’ll end up doing twice the work.
Always clean from top to bottom for the best results. Start with dusting light fixtures, ceiling fans, and shelves, then move to countertops, and finish with vacuuming or mopping the floors. This top-down method ensures your cleaning is efficient and your entire home stays sparkling.
At Better Home Cleaning, our professional cleaners in St. George use the top-to-bottom method in every house cleaning to guarantee a thorough, high-quality clean every time.
2. Not Cleaning Under Furniture
It’s tempting to clean around furniture rather than taking the extra effort to move it, but dust, pet hair, and allergens often build up in these hidden spots. Cleaning under furniture at least once a month helps maintain better indoor air quality and keeps your home looking truly clean. Use a vacuum with a long attachment to reach underneath or move the furniture when possible.
3. Using Disinfecting Wipes on Dirty Surfaces
Using disinfecting wipes on dirty surfaces is a common mistake that prevents proper sanitizing. Cleaning and disinfecting are two separate steps — the first removes dirt and grime, and the second kills germs. Always wipe down the surface with soap and water first, then follow up with a disinfecting wipe for a complete clean.
4. Forgetting to Clean and Dry the Toilet Brush
Your toilet brush collects bacteria with every use, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Once a month, soak the brush in white vinegar for 30 minutes, then let it dry completely before storing.
After each use, rest the toilet brush under the seat so it can air-dry completely—this prevents trapped moisture and stops bacteria from growing.
5. Rubbing Carpet Stains
When spills happen, rubbing the stain can make it worse by pushing the mess deeper into the fibers. Instead, blot the area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel before treating it with a carpet-safe cleaner. This simple change helps protect your carpet and keeps stains from spreading.
6. Ignoring Walls
Walls collect more dust and grime than most people realize—especially in dry, dusty areas like St. George, Utah. Regularly wiping down walls keeps your home looking fresh and helps improve indoor air quality. Use a mild soapy solution to spot clean, then wipe from top to bottom to prevent streaks and uneven fading.
At Better Home Cleaning, our professional cleaners include wall touch-ups as part of our deeep cleaning or move out services to ensure every surface shines.
7. Using Bleach Frequently
While bleach is effective for killing bacteria and viruses, using it too often can damage surfaces and create strong fumes indoors. It’s best to reserve bleach for disinfecting tough messes or sanitizing bathrooms. For everyday cleaning, stick to gentle, eco-friendly cleaners such as soap and water to protect your home’s surfaces and air quality. Our team at Better Home Cleaning uses professional-grade, safe cleaning products that are tough on dirt but gentle on your home.
8. Neglecting the Shower Curtain
Showers are a common source of hidden buildup and bacteria. Fabric shower curtains should be washed monthly following the care instructions on the tag, while plastic liners can be cleaned with diluted vinegar in the bathtub. Wipe both sides thoroughly, rinse, and let them dry before hanging again.
9. Overloading the Dishwasher
An overloaded dishwasher prevents proper water flow and leaves dishes dirty even after a cycle. To get spotless results, load dishes with space between them, alternate small and large items, and angle the dirtiest parts downward for better spray coverage. If you live in St. George or nearby areas, hard water can also affect how clean your dishes get—regular cleaning of your dishwasher interior can help.
10. Forgetting to Clean Drains and Disposals
Drains and garbage disposals can quickly cause unpleasant odors throughout your home if they’re not cleaned regularly. Depending on the type of disposal you have, there are several ways to clean it. Flush kitchen drains with boiling water and use vinegar and baking soda to break up buildup. For bathroom sinks, remove and clean the drain stopper with a small brush or toothbrush. Keeping these areas clean improves both hygiene and air freshness.
Avoiding these 10 common cleaning mistakes can save you time, effort, and frustration—while helping your home stay truly clean. If you’re ready for a deeper, more professional clean, let the experts at Better Home Cleaning in St. George, Utah take care of it for you. Our experienced cleaning technicians are trained to use efficient top-to-bottom cleaning methods, eco-friendly products, and proven techniques to make your home sparkle. Whether you need regular maintenance or a detailed deep clean, we’re here to help you enjoy a healthier, fresher home without the stress. Call or request a quote today and experience the Better Home difference!
