8 Things You Might Be Cleaning Too Much
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as TOO clean! Keep reading to learn about household items that you might be cleaning too much and what to do instead!
8 Things That You Might Be Cleaning TOO Much
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too much cleaning!
Some of these household items don’t really need to be cleaned every single day, or as often as you might think. And cleaning too often could damage some things.
Keep reading to find out what you can stop worrying about so much as well as tips for extending the life of your things.
1. Clothing
The more you wash your clothes, the faster they will wear out and fade. Some things, like underwear or socks, do need to be washed after every wear. Other things, like jeans or coats, can be worn multiple times between washes.
TIP: Wash jeans inside-out to help extend their life and prevent fading.
2. Wood Furniture
Most wood polishes are not intended for everyday cleaning. In fact, using polish too often (especially wax-based wood polishes) can lead to yucky film and build-up on your wooden furniture surfaces over time.
For everyday cleaning, a clean microfiber cloth is perfect for picking up dust and dirt.
3. Leather Furniture
Leather furniture also requires special care. Cleaning leather items too often can dry them out and lead to cracking or other types of damage.
For best results, spot clean leather furniture as needed with a solution of mild soap and water.
4. Glassware
Washing glass in the dishwasher too often can cause it to wear out and become scratched or cloudy over time. To extend the life of your glassware, clean it gently by hand with mild soap and water. Rinse and dry well to avoid spotting.
To be honest, I love my dishwasher and I was as much as I can in there! For cheap glassware, I put it in the dishwasher to save time. However, for my nice glassware, stemware, etc. I always wash by hand.
5. Cast-Iron Pans
Cast iron pans never need washing! Well, almost never!
After each use, wipe away any food with a paper towel. Then you can use a soft cloth to season the pan with oil. Rub the oil in until the pan is still a bit shiny, but there is no visible liquid oil remaining,
Soaking cast iron or using abrasive sponges or scrubbers can damage the surface and cause it to rust. If you must wash your pan, use warm water and a very small amount of dish soap. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel or even place the pan over low heat for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture. After washing, re-season the pan with a thin layer of oil.
6. Hands
Over the past few years, we’ve all probably started paying more attention to how often we wash and sanitize our hands. Yes, it IS important to wash hands after using the bathroom, before eating, after handling raw meat, petting the dog, etc. However, washing hands too often can dry out the skin, leaving it more susceptible to cracking and opening the door to infection. Wash your hands as needed, just don’t overdo it.
Read More: How Dirt Can Build Our Immune System
7. Pets
Let’s face it, dogs are smelly sometimes. But it’s normal!
In fact, bathing your dog too often could strip away their natural oils and cause dry skin or irritation. Many vets recommend only bathing your pet dog once or twice a month. If your dog steps in a mud puddle, perhaps just hose off their paws versus giving them a full bath.
Keep in mind that the exact frequency of bathing will vary depending on the dog’s breed and skin type, as well as what they’ve been doing.
When it comes to cats, they almost never need you to bathe them because they take care of it themselves. A cat’s tongue is designed to pick up dirt and loose hairs and keep their fur smooth and shiny.
8. Hair
Depending on your hair type, daily washing can dry it out or even cause your scalp to produce more oil! Those with thick or dry hair should wash hair every few days, or even once a week. I only wash my hair about twice a week!
Those with fine or oily hair may need to wash their hair more often. It’s also a good idea to wash your hair if you exercised or sweated a lot or if you used a lot of styling product. When sweat or product residue builds up, it can cause flaking or itching, so you definitely want to wash your hair before that happens.
How To Clean Without Overdoing It
If you are unsure how often to clean something, I recommend that you err on the side of caution and clean less often. It sounds a little funny to even say that, but you can always clean something again if needed. On the other hand, if something is damaged by over-cleaning, it can be difficult or even impossible to fix.
Another consideration is to make sure to use the right cleaning products for the surface you’re cleaning. You don’t always need harsh or abrasive cleaners, as these may be unnecessarily strong for certain surfaces, or even harmful.
Here are a few tips to clean without damaging your furniture or belongings:
- Use a mild cleaning solution – Soap and water are your best friend! A mild soap is perfect for cleaning many things, while harsh abrasive cleaners can actually damage certain surfaces. I also love a vinegar based cleaner for everyday tasks, like this homemade pine needle cleaner.
- Clean less often – There are certain high-touch items in the house that I try to clean daily, such as the refrigerator handles. However, some things actually don’t need to be cleaned every single day. Save yourself time and energy, and keep you things lasting longer by prioritizing things that actually do need cleaned and skipping the things that don’t.
- Spot clean – If there is a spill or a smudge on surfaces, such as furniture, spot clean it instead of cleaning the entire surface. This can help to prevent over-cleaning.
- Use a microfiber cloth – Microfiber cloths are gentle on surfaces and can pick up dirt and debris without scratching. I always keep them on hand!
- Dry thoroughly. After cleaning, be sure to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent moisture damage.
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