Is your house too spotless? Here's how cleaning to excess could be damaging your property
PHOTO: Yueke
**Is Your House Too Spotless? Here's How Excessive Cleaning Could Be Damaging Your Property** **Article Start** We all naturally desire a clean and tidy home, especially when we have young children or pets. However, the pursuit of a spotless environment can sometimes lead us to spend hours scrubbing every surface. But did you know there's such a thing as being too clean? Surprisingly, experts suggest that going overboard can actually damage some of your belongings. Depending on what you have in your house, you could be unknowingly shortening the lifespan of your items. Here, Nick Ross, a cleaning expert, reveals everything you don’t need to clean too often if you want them to last. Disinfecting Every Surface Since the pandemic, we've all developed the habit of wiping down every surface, from door handles to TV remotes. However, it's easy to go overboard, and disinfecting everything in sight might actually be doing more harm than good. “Overusing disinfectant sprays might actually help germs become more resistant, making the usual cleaning products less effective in the long run," says Nick. So, while these sprays are excellent for certain tasks, it's best to use them wisely and not too frequently. If you need to tackle a mess, consider using a multi-purpose spray or a good degreaser instead. Carpets Carpets are designed to last for years, but they do require some care to maintain their longevity. While vacuuming them once a week is beneficial, using a steam cleaner too often can cause problems. Excessive steam cleaning can lead to fading, patchiness, and even snagged fibers. You should steam clean a maximum of only twice a year. When vacuuming, use a medium setting on the vacuum head. Mirrors We all love a crystal-clear mirror, but overusing glass cleaner can damage the reflective coating at the back. This can result in black patches around the edges or even in the middle. Instead of cleaning too often, give your mirrors a gentle weekly wipe with the spray. How often do you clean your house? Vote in our poll to share your thoughts.