Let’s face it — no one likes housework very much. And even if we think we’re doing a pretty good job, it’s likely that we’re making big mistakes without even realizing it. Using way too much soap or hurrying through vacuuming or organizing closets like a game of Tetris — those little oversights add up. But don’t stress, it’s not about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Here are 11 day-to-day chores people secretly do wrong and a few hacks you can apply to make your life a whole lot easier.
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Washing Dishes by Hand
Think your dishes are spotless? Not quite. The average person applies far too much soap and hot water which is wasted energy and leaves soap on the dishes. Also, wiping every surface like you’re in a rush isn’t ideal for greased pans or stuck-on foods. Use warm, not boiling, water and rinse your dishes well before you wash them.
Loading the Dishwasher
Well, let’s face it, most of us just stick dishes in where we can. But pushing everything up in one pile obstructs the spray guns, leaving your dishes and glasses with those gross crusty bits on them. Bowls and plates should be facing the machine’s center, and cutlery? Forks and knives face up and spoons down.
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Vacuuming Carpets
If you vacuum like you’re rushing through a list of chores, slow down. Quick strokes do not pick up all the dirt, particularly the dirt buried deep in the fibers. Go over each part slowly and vacuum in crisscross patterns. It takes a little longer – but it’s worth it when your floors are finally sparkling.
Dusting
It is a beginner’s error to start at the coffee table and work up. Once you get to the higher parts, all the dust just pours down on the things you just scrubbed. Start high (think ceiling fans and high shelves) and work your way down. And leave out those fluffy dusters. Better to use a microfiber towel.
Doing Laundry
The reality is that most of us either overload the washer or use way too much detergent. When you overfill, you are not washing clothes the right way, and extra detergent makes a sticky residue that attracts dirt. Don’t go over medium loads and don’t use as much detergent — half of what you believe you need is usually enough. Your laundry (and washer) will be happy.
Mopping Floors
Think your floors are shiny once you wipe them with a mop? Think again. Using dirty water or a filthy mop simply spreads the mess. Replace the water frequently and rinse your mop well at the end of each session. Remember to sweep or vacuum before mopping too—otherwise you’re just spreading crumbs.
Cleaning Windows
You might think sunny weather makes window cleaning easy, but it’s not. The cleaner evaporates too quickly in the sun and streaks over the glass. Rather, wipe windows on a cloudy day, and don’t forget to dry-clean at the end. Extra: Use a microfiber towel instead of paper towels to reduce lint.
Taking Out the Trash
When was the last time you cleaned your garbage can? Bad odors and germs accumulate rapidly. Rinse it off with soap and water, maybe spritz some disinfectant spray every week or so. It’s a little thing that means a lot.
Scrubbing Toilets
Do you ever scrub the bowl down and flush straight away? Bad move. It takes toilet cleaner a couple of minutes to dissolve stains and kill germs. Squirt it, let it dry while you wash something else – then scrub. It’s a little extra effort, but your toilet will look much better for it.
Organizing Closets
Tossing clothes into your closet and closing the door is not sorting — it’s hiding the issue. If you can spare the time, divide things up by type of clothes or season. And if you haven’t worn it in years, it is probably time to donate it. A neat closet saves you time each morning.
Defrosting the Freezer
You aren’t the first person to attack a freezer ice with a knife or screwdriver. But it’s a terrible idea. You can punch holes in the walls and ruin your freezer. Rather, disconnect it, open the door, and let the ice melt itself. Towels help soak up the water, and you’ll not have to pay a repair bill.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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