cleaning isn’t most people’s idea of a good time. But when your space is cluttered, your brain feels cluttered too. The good news? A few simple tweaks to your cleaning routine can make the whole process way less painful—and maybe even a little satisfying.
We talked to the pros to uncover the most common cleaning mistakes and how to fix them. Spoiler: You don’t need a million products or a Pinterest-perfect home to keep things tidy.
Winging It Without a Plan
Ever stood in the middle of your living room, overwhelmed, wondering where to even start? Yeah, us too. Rosa Picosa, cleaning expert and content creator, says this is mistake #1.
"Cleaning without a plan is like grocery shopping when you’re starving—you end up with a cart full of random stuff and no real meals," she says. Instead, break tasks into categories: trash, laundry, dusting, vacuuming. Set a timer for 15 minutes per task, then take a breather. Small, focused bursts keep you from burning out before you even finish the bathroom.
Cleaning Backwards (Literally)
Here’s a universal truth: Dust falls down, not up. Yet so many of us scrub floors first, only to knock crumbs and debris back onto them later. Vanessa Bossart, founder of GreenTerra Cleaning, says this is a rookie move.
"Always clean top to bottom," she says. "Start with ceiling corners, shelves, and fans, then work your way down to counters and floors." That way, all the dust lands where it’s supposed to—on the ground, ready to be vacuumed away.
Buying Into the Hype (AKA Product Overload)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever impulse-bought a cleaning product because TikTok told you to. Guilty. But Picosa warns that more isn’t always better.
"Too many products can leave residue, create buildup, and just add clutter," she says. Instead of chasing trends, find one solid multi-purpose cleaner (like Fabuloso or Method) that works on most surfaces. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.
Using the Wrong Tools for the Job
Scrubbing a glass stovetop with steel wool? Wiping down your TV screen with the same rag you used on the toilet? Bossart says these are quick ways to ruin your stuff—and spread germs.
"Use soft microfiber for delicate surfaces, and never cross-contaminate," she advises. Pro tip: Color-code your cleaning cloths by room (blue for bathrooms, green for kitchen, etc.) so you never mix them up.
Trying to Do It All at Once
Newsflash: You don’t have to deep-clean your entire home in one marathon session. In fact, that’s a surefire way to hate cleaning forever.
"Break it into bite-sized chunks," Picosa suggests. "Monday: bathrooms. Tuesday: dusting. Wednesday: floors." Even 10 minutes a day keeps things manageable—and keeps you from collapsing on the couch, regretting all your life choices.
Neglecting Your Cleaning Tools
Fun fact: Your sponge is dirtier than your toilet seat. (Yikes.) Bossart says cleaning your cleaning supplies is just as important as cleaning your home.
"Wash microfiber cloths after each use, replace sponges weekly, and clean your vacuum filter regularly," she says. Dirty tools just smear grime around—defeating the whole purpose.
Comparing Your Home to Instagram
Listen, no one’s home looks like a magazine spread 24/7—not even the influencers who pretend theirs does. Picosa says the pressure to have a spotless space at all times is unrealistic and exhausting.
"Give yourself grace," she says. "A lived-in home is a happy home. Clean enough to feel relaxed, not so much that you’re stressed about keeping it perfect."
The Bottom Line
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore (pun intended). Ditch the bad habits, find a system that works for you, and remember: A little progress beats perfection every time. Now go forth and conquer that dust bunny army—you’ve got this.
