4 Common Cleaning Mistakes That Can Wreak Havoc on Your Home

Flushing Supposedly "Flushable" Wipes

There are many types of cleaning wipes and baby wipes that claim to be "flushable," but they may not break down fast enough. Especially if your house has an old or delicate plumbing system, these wipes can build up and cause a clog.

To save yourself from having to deal with a clog—or even worse, flooding— get in the habit of throwing away used cleaning wipes, or switch to a cleaning spray and reusable cloth.

Cleaning Marble Countertops with Vinegar

White vinegar can be used to clean almost everything around the house, except for these items. At the top of the list: natural stone surfaces. Vinegar is acidic, and over time, it can cause etching on your marble or granite countertop. Instead, clean marble regularly with dish soap and warm water, following these steps.

Overusing Germy Kitchen Sponges

Fact: Kitchen sponges are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. And studies have shown that microwaving them doesn’t effectively disinfect them. To avoid spreading germs all over your kitchen countertop, dishes, and cookware (yuck!), replace your kitchen sponge at least once a week, or switch to a dish brush.

Spritzing Cleaning Product Directly onto Surfaces

If you spray cleaning product directly onto unsealed wood furniture, it can leave a buildup of residue and may even cause discoloration. For mirrors, cleaning spray can seep into the backing and leave water spots. The solution: just get in the habit of spritzing a cleaning cloth first, and then wipe down the surface.