Fortunately, there are certain designer-approved decorating tips you can use to avoid these typical blunders, such as the four-to-six-inch curtain rule and the rug size guidance. These easy methods of trade might assist you in creating a genuinely elevated and unforgettable space.

But first, a disclaimer: as with anything, rules are meant to be broken – particularly when it comes to creating a space that’s personal and unique. As you read on for the common decorating mistakes designers always notice, and what to do instead, treat it as friendly advice versus concrete dogma. And ultimately, design the home that you love (we’re pretty into that idea).

Over-Decorating

There’s an understandable temptation, especially in small spaces, to keep all the furniture and decor you’ve ever owned. This can result in an over-decorated space that feels too cramped and cluttered. Instead, it’s best to edit and pare back — saying goodbye to some pieces will ultimately result in a space that feels calmer, cozier, and more inviting.

Lining the Walls with Furniture

A common design mistake we see often is placing all of the furniture along the walls, leaving the center of the room bare and empty. While it might seem counterintuitive, floating some of the furniture off the walls (particularly pieces like sofas and accent chairs) will actually give the illusion of a larger, more layered, space.

Going All-In on One Design Style

Contrast is critical when trying to create a well appointed, visually arresting space. When a space feels like too much of any one thing — whether it’s all farmhouse, all classic, or all mid-century modern — it can feel boring. Contrast doesn’t just refer to mixing styles, but juxtaposing different colors, shapes, sizes, textures, patterns, finishes, eras, and more. For example, pairing a vintage-inspired round table with a luxe hide rug and a modern, geometric chandelier — the thoughtful mixing and matching makes it sing.

Catalog Cookie-Cutter

If everything in your home came from the same brand and feels lifted straight out of a catalog, that’s a designer no-no. The most interesting spaces include a curation of different elements —purchased, inherited, discovered, and thrifted. Weave in pieces from different brands, artifacts found locally and while traveling, and special elements that are personal to you, like an heirloom ginger jar from your grandmother or vintage sketches you found on a favorite trip. (Shameless plug: if you need help sourcing from different places and blending in your history, we know some Havenly designers who can help!)

Overhead Lighting Only

Relying only on overhead lighting can create a harsh and sterile atmosphere. A designer rule of thumb is layering in at least two to four additional lighting sources in every space, especially in living rooms, where you’ll be both lounging and hosting. Mix table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Hanging Artwork Too High (or Too Low)

We often find that artwork is hung too high (or sometimes too low), especially when positioned over a piece of furniture, like a sofa or sideboard. The common tendency is to leave a large amount of space between the artwork and the furniture, which makes the piece look like it’s floating, rather than a part of a cohesive vignette. Fortunately, there’s an easy rule of thumb for this: art should typically hang at eye level (of course, there are exceptions to every rule). When in doubt, mind the gap.

Buying a Rug That’s Too Small

We get it — it’s so tempting to save money and opt for a smaller rug, but in our opinion, this is not the area to skimp. When rugs are too small for a space, the room automatically feels unfinished and bare. It’s better to shop at a more wallet-friendly brand and purchase a rug that’s the appropriate size for your room and your layout, rather than investing in a smaller (but high-end) piece. The go-to designer rule is to make sure at least the front legs of all your furniture sit easily on the rug.

Buying Matchy-Matchy Furniture

To avoid that furniture superstore vibe, steer clear of matching coffee and accent table sets, or a matching bed-dresser-nightstand combo. Rather, create contrast (remember that tip?) with your furniture by mixing textures, tones, and silhouettes.

Skipping (or Cropping) Curtains

One of the most common small space design mistakes we see involves curtains, or lack thereof. We get it — if you’re tight on space, the last thing you want to do is block out natural light or city views. But curtains are like mascara for a designer — they make a space feel put together and complete. At Havenly, our rule of thumb is to always hang them wide and high: hang the curtain rod four to six inches above the window frame, and extend it outwards so that the curtains are just dusting the sides of the frame. That way, you’re not blocking any precious light. Second, curtains should touch the floor — no ankle crops here. Floor length curtains help create more visual height (particularly in a small space), and draw the eye upward.

Cliche Art

In general, we recommend avoiding generic printed quotes, particularly on wood blocks, that read “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Keep Calm…” You get it. Instead, fill your home with art that holds some meaning to you — whether purchased while traveling, discovered at a local flea market, passed down from a loved one, or simply a scene that makes you feel something. Of course, if the aforementioned word art does that for you, then by all means, go for it! (And we mean that.)

All Neutrals & No Warmth

Yes, there’s something serene and sophisticated about a neutral space, but an all-white palette can easily feel flat and unimaginative. If you like the timeless tranquility of neutrals, make sure to add much-needed warmth through contrasting shades of sand, beige, camel, and the like.

Decorating with Faux Flowers

You know the ones we’re talking about — the very stiff and artificial plastic florals commonly found at Hobby Lobby. While there are a lot of elegant and realistic options on the market these days, as designers, we are typically inclined to pass. Bringing in fresh flowers has always been a surefire way to connect a space to the natural world, so consider sticking to the real deal. That said, if longevity is your goal, then consider dried stems for a Modern Cottage-inspired aesthetic. Afloral has so many delicate and intriguing options!

Only Adding One Accent Color

Avoid leaning into one dominant color pop when decorating your space, like buying teal pillows, curtains, and artwork. When designers consider palettes, they artfully weave together a variety of hues. Mixing warm and cool tones, or even multiple shades of a single color, creates a more balanced and intriguing space.

Holding Onto Dated Furniture

Don’t get us wrong — college-era furniture definitely comes in handy once you graduate and start decorating your first space. We all need to start somewhere, both financially and design-wise. But it’s more about knowing when to retire pieces like futons, bean bag chairs, movie posters, and the like. Once you’re financially able, consider upgrading the futon to a more sophisticated daybed, swapping out the posters for artwork that inspires you, and investing in a proper dresser. It’s amazing how switching out a few old pieces can immediately breath new life into a space.

Playing it Safe

At the end of the day, well-designed spaces — the ones that make you think, Wow, now that’s a home — often involve a little bit of risk-taking. Whether it’s the addition of bold colors or patterns, a statement piece of furniture (we’re into curves these days), or tackling a new paint trend, our best advice is to never take design too seriously. Have fun, play around, try something new. The risk is often worth the reward.

If you want a pest-free kitchen, the name of the game is CLEAN. You’ll be more successful in deterring bugs if you keep crumbs and food waste to a minimum. So, to keep insects out of your kitchen, don’t make these careless mistakes.

Dishwasher not being used on a regular basis

Even if you rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, there is bound to be food residue left behind that will be a beacon to bugs. Sure, dishwashers are well sealed to keep water from coming out, but it’s no problem for little six-legged critters to find their way in.

Leaving Out Leftovers

Put away any leftover food as soon as the meal is over. If you don’t, you’re just inviting bugs to set up camp.

Leaving Dishes in the Sink

A sink of dirty dishes is like a smorgasbord for bugs. Don’t put off doing the dishes. Wash all your plates, pots, and pans immediately after each meal if you want to avoid attracting an army of insects to the kitchen.

Using Cardboard Boxes for Storage

Cardboard boxes are good for deliveries, but they’re not the kind of thing you should rely on for storage purposes. Because they’re corrugated, they provide lots of lovely little spaces where cockroaches and other insects can lay their eggs. When those eggs hatch in your home, you’ve got a heap of trouble—and plenty more bugs! Put cardboard boxes in the recycling bin as soon as you finish unloading them.

Leaving Crumbs on the Table

After clearing all the dishes and loading them into the dishwasher, thoroughly wipe down the tables. Any crumbs left on the table could be a feeding source for a variety of bugs.

Not Sealing Food Tightly

Open containers of cereals, crackers, pasta, rice, and even bagged flour and sugar are major bug-attractors. At the very least, roll the interior bag down a few folds before clipping it closed with a clothespin or chip clip. It’s best to keep loose grains, flour, and sugars in airtight canisters or containers, or at the very least to seal an opened bag in a large zip-lock.

Not Taking Out the Trash

Just as you shouldn’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, you should not let the trash can get too full. It’s best to seal it tightly and take it out at the end of every day.

Not Sweeping Regularly

Crumbs and stray pieces of food are bound to go wayward during meal prep, and some of them will inevitably end up on the floor. After you wipe down the counters, do a quick sweep of the kitchen floor at the end of the day. That will go a long way toward reducing the food supply for any unwanted critters.

Not Wiping Down Bottles

If you don’t wipe down bottles, particularly syrup bottles, before you put them back into the pantry, you’re making a big mistake. Any sticky residue left behind on bottles and containers can be a food source for bugs.

Ignoring Your Appliances

Don’t leave for work before emptying out the grounds from your coffee maker. While you wouldn’t think old coffee grounds would be a desirable food source, plenty of bugs would be happy to take up residence in there and chow down.

Not Rinsing Recyclables

Those last few sugary drops left in a soda bottle can make a scrumptious meal for insects. Do yourself a favor and rinse your recyclables out before putting them in the recycling bin. Not only will you discourage bugs, but you’ll tamp down odors too.

Washing your windows on sunny days

It may seem like a hot, sunny day is the perfect day to clean your windows — after all, the natural sunlight streaming in means you’ll spot every little particle of dirt and streak, right? Plus, with all that heat shining down on your windows, they’ll probably dry off much faster, which will just streamline the process for you. Well, a word of caution before you gather all your cleaning supplies: A sunny day is actually the worst possible time to clean your windows, according to Realtor. And, it’s precisely because of how that shining sun interacts with all your cleaning products.

Namely, the sun streaming in through all your windows actually dries the liquid you’re using to clean the windows a bit too quickly, before you really have a chance to thoroughly remove all the dirt and grime and clean away any streaks. As a result, you won’t get the same sparkling clean you would on other days — you may find that even the most skilled cleaner leaves behind a bit of a film on the glass, or a few streaks, when trying to clean on a sunny day. If you live in an area where the cloudy days are limited, consider doing your window cleaning either in the late afternoon or in the early morning when the sun is a bit more mild, as Seattle Window Washers recommends.

Not cleaning off dirt and dust first

This step will obviously depend on the state of your windows — if you regularly clean them and are really just making sure they truly sparkle, you might be able to skip this step. However, if your windows are looking particularly dirty, or if you haven’t cleaned them in a while, you’ll want to ensure you clean off some of the dust and dirt particles first, before you actually start the real cleaning with your solution of choice, as Realtor recommends.

Especially with dust, once it gets damp, you’ll just be pushing it around the window. And with dirt or larger particles, you could potentially scratch your windows, or even just make them messier by spreading the residue over your window, if you don’t clean off some of the major mess as a preliminary step. Before you lather up and get every square inch of your window sparkling clean, give your dirty window a once-over to remove any visible grime. It’ll make the cleaning process a whole lot easier, and according to Golden Maid Services, may even help prevent streaking.

Not investing in the right tools

You may have seen the elegant, smooth movements of professional window washers as they squeegee the surface of an exterior window during a commercial building clean. There’s a reason for all the items they use: They select the tools that will help them get the job done best. You may not have a full scaffolding set-up to clean every single one of your windows, but taking the time to select the right tools will help you avoid some major window washing mistakes.

For the cleaning process, you’ll likely need a sponge of some sorts, as well as a squeegee to swipe away all that water. And for drying, as Fantastic Services suggests, you’ll want to avoid using things like paper towels, as they can leave residue on your windows. Some swear by newspaper, but as Clean and Clear explains, that can actually leave ink residue or potentially stain the frame around your windows — not an ideal choice. Instead, invest in some soft microfiber cloths — they’ll ensure your windows are sparkling clean, and are a versatile cleaning tool that can be used elsewhere in your home as well. An extra tip? Don’t toss the microfiber cloths in the wash with fabric softener — it can cause them to shed tiny textile fibers on your window, which can ruin your otherwise flawless cleaning job.

Using hard water

You may have heard of hard water and soft water before in passing, and known that showering in hard water can potentially impact your hair or skin, as Real Simple explains. However, did you know that hard water can also have a damaging effect on your windows? When looking at a bucket of sudsy water, you may not be able to tell whether you’re using hard or soft water, but you’ll definitely be able to spot the difference when the cleaning has actually been completed.

As Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement states, over time, you might see mineral deposits that linger on your windows as a result of using hard water to clean. Sure, you may not spot them immediately after washing your windows, but over time with regular window washing, that layer of mineral deposits will prevent your windows from remaining as sparkling clean as you likely want them to be.

Luckily, there’s an easy fix for this mistake — just ensure you’re not using hard water for this particular chore! You may consider installing a water softener, or for an even easier solution, just use distilled water for cleaning. It’s not quite as easy as just grabbing a bucket from the tap, but you won’t have those pesky mineral deposits to deal with.

Using the wrong cleaning solution (or wrong concentration)

The process of cleaning your windows may seem easy, but it’ll only be as effective as your cleaning solution — and it’s a bit of a delicate balance. As Clean and Clear says, you don’t want to make the mistake of using too little of your cleaner to get the job done. Yes, you can do a lot with a little elbow grease when it comes to making your windows really shine, but starting with enough cleaning solution is key.

However, as Seattle Window Washers explains, you also don’t want to make the mistake of just tossing the most intense, concentrated cleaning solutions onto your window in the hopes that the powerful products will make the cleaning process effortless; these type of harsh cleaners can actually potentially damage the glass surface of our windows or even cause more dust to form. Additionally, depending on the windows you’re cleaning and what’s surrounding them, some more concentrated, chemical-based cleaning products could potentially damage your window frame, as Fantastic Services explains.

In summary, you’ll want to find a cleaning solution that is appropriate for windows, and use enough of it to really get the job done.

Not swapping out your cleaning liquid enough

If you’re simply using the same bucket of sudsy water to clean every window in your home, we’ve got some news for you: You’re probably not getting the level of clean that you want, as you’re just wiping down windows with slightly dirty water, even if it’s filled with bubbles and looks squeaky clean at first glance. As Clean Conscience says, when you’re using the same cloths or rags to clean multiple surfaces, you’re essentially putting more dirt onto your widows instead of removing it.

Now, we’re not saying you have to use a fresh bucket of water for every single window — that would be insanely time-consuming and wasteful. However, especially if you’re dealing with particularly dirty windows, you do want to swap out your cleaning solution throughout so that you know you’re not just undoing all your hard work by cleaning your windows with murky water. A good rule of thumb from Today is to get fresh materials, whether that’s a clean rag or cloth or a new bucket of water, when you start to see residue being left behind on the windows you’re trying to clean.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

There are many different home cleaning agents you can likely find stored away in your house, including the more popular vinegar and baking soda, in addition to less-common products such as cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide. Most people limit the use of hydrogen peroxide to first aid purposes, such as cleaning cuts and preventing infection. However, according to Hello Homestead, it has many other practical uses, including getting rid of harmful bacteria on the surfaces of your home, killing mold and mildew, and removing tough stains in laundry. This chemical compound is generally sold as a liquid and can be found in the first aid section of grocery stores and pharmacies.

The best part about hydrogen peroxide is that it’s perfectly safe to use around kids, pets, and food. It is similar to bleach in the way it disinfects yet not nearly as harmful, as per Healthline.

Here are some things you need to take care of avoiding when using this product in their daily housekeeping tasks.

Not using hydrogen peroxide in the laundry room

If you haven’t been using hydrogen peroxide in your laundry room to treat stains and brighten your whites, this is the first mistake you’re making. Hydrogen peroxide is incredibly potent at getting rid of some of those set-in stains, especially from plant and protein sources, as per The Spruce. The chemical makeup of this product works similarly to bleach in the way it tackles stains but without the potential to damage your clothes and linens. However, it’s always important to test the reaction of the hydrogen peroxide on any colored fabrics you own to make sure no bleeding of color takes place. The best way to treat stains on your clothing is to soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and pat it onto the affected area. Alternatively, you can pour the liquid straight onto the stain and let it sit for several minutes. You can wash as per your typical routine after that.

In the same way, you would use bleach in your wash cycle to brighten white clothing, linens, and towels, you can do the same with hydrogen peroxide. The good news is that hydrogen peroxide isn’t dangerous to the environment or the respiratory system when inhaled. Better Home & Gardens recommends adding 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a machine full of whites for an extra shine when they come out.

Not using hydrogen peroxide to clean your grout

When it comes to cleaning the grout in your tiled floors or bathroom, hydrogen peroxide many not be the product that first comes to mind. However, it should as it is non-toxic and serves to clean stains on this overlooked part of your tiled floors and surfaces. The chemical compound coupled with baking soda and dish soap is the perfect combination for getting rid of that scum and grime that gets stuck in grout while also removing mildew and disinfecting the surface area, as per Bob Vila. The website recommends mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl or bottle to use as the main grime-fighting product. 1 teaspoon of dish soap gives the mixture an extra kick. This tried and true combo will cut through the stuck-on dirt and brighten the white of the grout.

You’ll want to spread the mixture along the grout lines and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it away. You likely won’t need a brush to scrub the grout unless the area is exceptionally dirty. In the case of needing to scrub, repeat the process of applying the product, scrubbing the grout, and wiping the residue away until the grout is clean enough to your standards. Splashing the area with water afterwards will ensure complete removal of the cleaning product.

Mixing hydrogen peroxide with other cleaning agents

One of the biggest no-nos when it comes to incorporating hydrogen peroxide into your house cleaning arsenal is to mix it with certain other chemical compounds, such as vinegar. Doing so creates a dangerous compound known as peracetic acid, which is highly corrosive, as per Kitchn. This acid can damage the sensitive areas around your eyes and nose when it comes into contact with your skin and can also harm your respiratory system when inhaled. If you come across cleaning tips that incorporate both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, note that this means the two products are both being used to clean a specific surface but are never mixed directly together. You should let one product dry completely before following up with the other.

Another potentially fatal combo is mixing hydrogen peroxide with bleach, according to Chemical & Engineering News. The result of mixing these two compounds is the release of oxygen gas, which is highly flammable and can cause an incredibly dangerous explosion in the right environment and under specific pressures. As a general rule, make sure to always research whether hydrogen peroxide can be mixed with another cleaning chemical agent before doing so. Better yet, avoid mixing cleaning chemicals at all to truly avoid any dangerous incidents.

Not storing hydrogen peroxide properly

Did you know that the only difference between hydrogen peroxide and water is that the former has one extra oxygen molecule in its chemical make-up? This means that hydrogen peroxide can very easily decompose into plain old water, as per ReAgent. This typically happens when hydrogen peroxide isn’t stored properly. It should stay in the dark-hued bottle you bought it in to avoid exposure to UV rays, which speeds up the chemical decomposition. It should also be placed in a dry and cool location in your home to avoid the harmful effects of moisture and heat on its delicate chemical balance. You’ll know if your hydrogen peroxide has yet to decompose as it will fizz when you use it to clean.

The bad news is that hydrogen peroxide will decompose naturally over time regardless of the steps you take to prevent it. However, you can get a good six months of use out of a single bottle of the chemical compound once opened before needing to head to the store to stock up on more. Remember to also keep your hydrogen peroxide in a location far from fire hazards. While it is technically non-flammable, it can experience spontaneous combustion when in the vicinity of flammable hazards due its oxidizing tendencies, reports Forest Products Laboratory.

Not using hydrogen peroxide as a general disinfectant

You may already know that hydrogen peroxide works wonders to disinfect cuts and scrapes, but did you know just how effective it is at sanitizing most of the surfaces and items in your home? With a bottle of hydrogen peroxide always on hand, you’ll have the perfect product to tackle anything from the kitchen sink to bathroom fixtures and even your weekly produce, as per The Healthy. To avoid pouring your hydrogen peroxide out of its original, darkened bottle to use it in a spray bottle, simply screw the spritzer module onto the bottle of hydrogen peroxide itself. This will prevent it from decomposing too quickly in a normal spray bottle.

You can use your handy hydrogen peroxide spray bottle to spritz and wipe down countertops, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and appliances — but don’t stop here. Give your kids’ plastic toys a bath with hydrogen peroxide to get rid of any lingering dirt and bacteria. You can also soak toothbrushes, retainers, and mouth guards in 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide for a thorough sanitization. If you want to use hydrogen peroxide to clean food, such as fruits and vegetables, make sure to purchase a special food-grade version with a low chemical concentration to avoid potential ingestion issues and make sure to rinse well. Other items that you can disinfect with hydrogen peroxide include sponges and garage cans.

We asked dentists to reveal the dental mistakes that make them cringe, from rushing your toothbrushing to overusing whitening products.

Teeth-cleaning mistakes

You know the drill when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy: Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene. This helps to prevent plaque, a sticky white film that forms on teeth and can contain bacteria. Plaque build-up can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Although you may be an avid tooth brusher and flosser, there are still errors you’re probably making with your oral care.

Keep your teeth clean and healthy by avoiding these some common teeth-cleaning mistakes that make dentists cringe.

You only brush once a day

Brushing your teeth only once a day is a habit that dentists aren’t that happy about. It can leave plaque at the gum line causing inflammation, says Michael Kleinman, DMD, a dentist in Souderton, Pennsylvania. “When it gets advanced, the tissue starts to peel away from the root of the tooth, the gum and bone get infected and you can lose teeth.” Avoid this by brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, the ADA recommends. 

You use the wrong toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are okay if you have good brushing technique, but if you don’t, you may not get the job done correctly, Dr. Pressner says. “A power toothbrush can be more effective at removing plaque but you have to use it gently,” he says. “You can do more harm than good if you use a power toothbrush too aggressively,” he warns. Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is best for you. 

You ignore your gums

If you don’t gently brush your gums too, you may increase your risk for tooth loss, Dr. Kleinman explains. Inflammation along your gumline can trigger the process that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. (The keyword here is gentle—too much pressure may damage your gums.)

You rarely replace your toothbrush

Your dentist gives you a free toothbrush in your goody bag for a reason. The ADA suggests changing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. If your toothbrush’s bristles are frayed and broken, it’s time to throw it out. It’s also important to trash your old toothbrush after a cold, flu, stomach bug, or sore throat, Pressner says. Germs can lurk in-between the bristles and may make you sick again

You skip the floss

Failure to floss daily can be a problem. If you don’t floss daily, plaque sets up camp between your teeth, setting the stage for cavities and gum disease, Dr. Pressner says. When you floss daily, don’t snap too hard as this can create gashes in your gums and cause bleeding, and may contribute to gum recession and gum disease. “Water flossers are great if use them horizontally to flush out any loose debris between your teeth instead of top to bottom, which can jam food into the pocket,” he says. 

You rush through your brush

Most people spend 45 seconds brushing their teeth. This is more than a minute shy of the suggested length of time. “It is recommended to brush twice daily for two minutes,” says Fatina Shtivelman, DDS, a pediatric dentist in New York City. This can be particularly challenging for kids, she adds. There are toothbrushes that can help children brush longer such as the new Firefly Lion King Ready Go Power Toothbrush with a light-up timer that flashes for 60 seconds for each row of teeth, she says.

You brush too hard

While not brushing hard enough can increase the risk of decay, pressing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away gum tissue, Dr. Pressner warns, and “gum tissue doesn’t go back.” This is both a cosmetic issue—a receding gumline can mar an otherwise perfect smile—but also a health issue, because it can increase the root’s vulnerability to damage and sensitivity to temperature. “Once you abrade gum tissue, your root is softer than the enamel so you can do damage more quickly.” The only way to reverse this is with bonding or highly invasive gum grafting procedures, he says. With bonding, your dentist attaches materials directly to your tooth, which protects the exposed root, he says. During gum grafting, gum tissue is taken from another part of your gum and attached to an area where it is receding, the ADA explains.

You only brush before you come to the dentist

Everyone has probably been guilty of this at least once, but you can’t fool your dentist, says Dr. Shtivelman. “When the gums are inflamed with plaque, the dentist knows the patient is not brushing properly. 

You don’t brush at night

Nighttime is the most important time to brush after your morning brush. “You are eating all day long, so if you’re not brushing at night, this can lead to future dental problems,” Dr. Shtivelman says. 

You choose the wrong rinse

Mouthwashes or rinses can provide oral health benefits including reducing plaque and preventing decay and gum disease. Some contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth, Dr. Pressner says. “If your mouth is dry, you can’t produce saliva and saliva protects teeth from cavities.” 

Not using a degreaser on your tub

Elbow grease isn’t the only thing you need to erase that ring around your tub.

“Soap traps grease little by little, so every time you use soap, some residue is left behind,” explains Abe Navas, general manager of Dallas-based Emily’s Maids. Your best bet for removing it is a degreaser—like the kind you use in the kitchen, he says.

Using lemon-based products on your toilet

Those lemon-scented cleaners may make your house smell good, but using them to clean your toilet will only cause problems in the long run.

“Acid wears down the rubber used in toilets and other parts of your bathroom, like your sink, so avoid them at all costs,” says Navas.

Mixing acidic products with bleach

Bleach can be an effective cleaner on its own—but mix it with vinegar or other acidic products could be a dangerous combination.

“Acidic products may interfere with some widely-used products in bathrooms,” including bleach, says Navas. Combined, the two substances can create toxic chlorine gas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Using a chemical-based drain cleaner

You’ll want to think twice before grabbing any drain cleaner off the shelf of your local home supply store.

Chemical drain cleaners “can cause damage and corrosion in your pipes,” explains Tim Compton, service manager at Compton Plumbing Services. Instead, he recommends using boiling water or snaking your drain to remove any foreign material.

Using in-tank toilet cleaners

You may think it will say you time, but that in-tank toilet cleaner might cause more problems than it offers effective solutions.

“Over time, these in-tank detergent dispensers that turn your toilet water blue are very hard on the plastic and rubber parts inside your toilet tank, causing them to weaken,” says Paul Abrams of Roto-Rooter, who notes that they will also stiffen the tank’s flapper, preventing it from forming a strong seal and potentially setting you up for a leaking tank.

Cleaning the bathroom at room temperature

A chilly bathroom isn’t fun for your feet—and it’s making your cleaning routine less effective, too.

“Certain cleaners, like alkaline cleaners, function better at warmer temperatures since heat helps reduce the oil viscosity and increases the activity of the surfactants,” explains Mike Soto, owner of Madison Water Experts. That’s why he recommends filling the sink and tub with hot water before you begin cleaning to warm the room up.

Forgetting to dust before cleaning

If you’re not dusting before you clean, you’re only adding work to your plate.

“All you will be doing is moving dust from one place to another,” Soto says. “There is also the chance that the bacteria you were hoping to scrub away will remain in the dust.”

Wiping surfaces right after spraying them

You’re better off letting those cleaning products rest for a few minutes instead of wiping them up immediately.

“If you immediately clean up what you just sprayed then it won’t always be able to get rid of the bacteria effectively,” says Soto, who notes that some products are only effective after being left on for a period of time.

Using the same sponge on every surface

Keeping your bathroom squeaky clean means more than just using separate products for separate areas—it also means using separate sponges.

“Rubbing shower, sink, toilet, and mirrors with the same sponge lead to cross-contamination, i.e. transferring bacteria and grime from one surface to another,” explains Dean Davies, cleaning supervisor for Fantastic Services, a cleaning company that specializes in antiviral sanitization.

Putting your toilet brush away wet

If you’re putting your toilet brush away before it has a chance to dry, you’re creating a veritable petri dish in its holder, says Sean Parry, a cleaning expert at Neat Services.

Instead, Parry says: “Simply lay it across the bowl to dry completely before putting it back.” He also recommends giving it a good soak in antibacterial cleaning solution from time to time.

Using an abrasive cleanser or sponge on stainless steel or ceramic surfaces

Harsh scrubbing cleansers can wreak havoc on more delicate bathroom surfaces. “Using a cleaner that is too abrasive on stainless steel, your shower, or the tub floor [causes] damage to the finish,” explains Maid Right franchisee Justin Rowling.

Using toilet bowl cleaner in your shower

So, what’s the problem with using toilet-bowl cleaner as an all-purpose solution? “This is known to ruin natural stone and leaves a trail where the caustic liquid was applied,’ says Roman Peysakhovich, co-founder of commercial cleaning company, One Desk.

Leaving lime scale and bleach products on for longer than indicated

While you don’t want to wipe up most cleaning products too early, leaving certain ones on for too long can cause just as much damage.

“This will always cause damage to your faucets and taps,” explains Peysakhovich, so make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle to keep them from wearing down those surfaces.

Turning your exhaust fan on after cleaning

Turning your exhaust fan after a shower is a great way to reduce the development of mold and mildew in your bathroom. Turning it on after you clean, however, is just putting more work on your plate.

“This causes dust to surface on a freshly cleaned surface,” explains Peysakhovich. To get the space extra spotless, make sure you clean your exhaust filter and vent regularly—ideally before you start cleaning the rest of the room.

1. You don’t remove clogs

Do a quick visual check for clogs to the hose and wand after every time you use your vacuum cleaner. Unclogging your hoses not only improves suction power, but it can help the vacuum run more efficiently and last longer. If you can’t reach the jammed debris with your hand, use a mop handle or a gardening stake to push it through. An easy test: After detaching the hose and wand, try sliding a nickel through them. If it gets stuck, you know it’s clogged.

2. Not wrapping the cord up

It’s easy to get lazy and leave the cord out to get stepped on by family and pets. But by wrapping the cord back up after vacuuming, you can prevent damage to it while also avoiding potential hazards including electrocution for family pets or inquisitive crawlers who like to chew. If you don’t have time to wrap up the cord, at the very least, you should always unplug it.

3. You’re not detangling brushes

Most vacuum cleaners have rotating brushes at the intake port that kick dust and dirt loose from the carpet so they can get sucked up by the air stream. But when hair, pet fur, or loose strings gets trapped in the brushes, they can’t work as effectively. Using a small pair of scissors, gently cut through the debris to free up the brushes, then use a comb to smooth them out.

4. Not replacing the bag or emptying the canister

Whether your vacuum uses a bag, canister, or cup, an overfilled unit will run less efficiently and not last as long. While it’s easy to tell when a bagless unit is full, it can be harder to tell when a vacuum bag needs replacing. If you notice a drop in suction, it could be a sign it’s full from lightweight, fluffy material such as pet hair. For maximum performance and to make your vacuum last longer, replace the bag or emptying the canister or cup when it is half to two-thirds full.

5. You’re not changing out or cleaning the filters

Each vacuum is different, but your manual should indicate how often filters need to be replaced or cleaned. Many vacuum models come with an accordion-shaped paper filter and a sponge-like ring filter. For units with washable filters, be sure to follow the washing guidelines from the manual. Of course, the frequency will vary depending on how often you vacuum and how messy your floors are. If the filter looks dirty, it’s time to switch it out or clean it.

6. You’re not replacing the drive belt

This belt wraps around the beater brush allowing it to turn. If it’s not working correctly, the beater brush won’t loosen dirt and debris from the carpet fibres. By flipping the power-head over, you can glance at the belt, looking for tears or cracks. If the belt looks loose, that’s another sign it’s time for a new belt.

7. Storing attachments separately

Attachments usually come with a storage spot, either on the vacuum itself or in a separate box or bag, yet it’s easy to get lazy. Sometimes, we leave a dusting brush or an upholstery tool on the side table instead of walking it down to the hall closet. Not that big of a deal, right? Until it gets lost or stolen by your puppy for her new chew toy. By storing the attachments together with the vacuum cleaner in a safe spot, parts are less likely to be damaged or get lost.

8. Not pre-cleaning the areas

To stretch out the life of your vacuum cleaner, give the room a once-over. Move backpacks, socks, or clothing with drawstrings to prevent them from catching in the belt. While you can turn off the vacuum and pull them out, over time it could loosen the belt and shorten the life of your vacuum cleaner. Next, check for fallen food items like chips or cookies or small toys like LEGO. Scoop them before vacuuming the area.

9. Not stopping when there’s smoke

This might seem really obvious, but sometimes we get into turbo-mode—pushing the vacuum beyond its limits. Then even when we smell smoke, we optimistically assume we can fit in just one more room before problem-solving. But prevention is key. “When stress to the motor is present, the motor heats up and usually burns the belt, causing smoke,” suggests Do It Yourself. They advise cutting the burnt belt off with scissors, then replacing it before continuing to vacuum.

10. Using it too often

Think about what’s making your floors dirty in the first place, then try to circumvent it so you can use your vacuum cleaner less frequently. Try storing your shoes in a bin by the front door—here’s why you should take your shoes off the minute you enter the house. Other tricks: Instead of taking snacks to your TV-room, eat at your kitchen table so you don’t get crumbs everywhere and brush pets outdoors on a regular basis to decrease the amount of pet hair on your floors and furniture.

Ignoring the Bathroom Fan

Don’t forget about this often-overlooked feature: an appropriately sized bathroom exhaust fan. Without proper ventilation, humidity gets trapped in the enclosed space. Over time, this moist environment becomes the perfect home for mold and mildew, and allows paint, grout, and metal to deteriorate. Whether you already have a fan or add one in your renovation, make sure to vacuum the vent clean of construction dust and debris before switching the fan on in your updated space.

Lacking a Clear Plan

Planning is everything! Instead of discovering your bathroom’s specific needs after you’ve already ripped out the toilet, make a plan that takes into account precise measurements, anticipated cost, all materials, and your own personal taste. Map out your plan for any family members or contractors who will be helping you with the remodel.

Improper Spacing

If your plan for your bathroom renovation focuses on looks rather than function, that’s a big problem. Leave the decorating for later and think about the layout and spacing first. If you’re breaking down walls and moving plumbing fixtures, you’ll not only want to make sure the new layout satisfies building codes for minimal spacing guidelines, but also be certain that the placement of fixtures and furnishings allows for comfortable everyday use.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

Bathrooms undergo some serious stress—from high moisture levels to quick temperature shifts. To prevent warped or mildewed floors, walls, or vanities, you’ll want to choose materials designed specifically for the bathroom. When you’re spending lots of money to redo your space, it’s important to know that your wallpaper can survive high humidity and your wood vanity will stand the test of time.

Being Unrealistic About a Budget

Be honest about the budget. If you have only a limited amount of money to work with, stick to what you can afford. If you overspend, you’ll have to cut corners somewhere and won’t be pleased with the results. Extra costs do arise, however, so err on the safe side by budgeting an extra 15 to 20 percent for surprise expenditures.

Overlooking Small Mistakes

Small glitches in a new tile job or a gap in a bathroom vanity might seem minor, but even the smallest errors will become eyesores down the line. As your renovation progresses, always fix mistakes, even the smallest ones. Don’t persuade yourself to overlook work that’s been done wrong—if you notice it now, you’ll see it every time you use the space.

Losing Focus Toward the End

Any renovation is exciting in the beginning, but hard work and long hours cause most people to lose a little steam. If you’re so eager to see the completed room that you start rushing, you can burn out. Instead, move at a steady pace at the beginning, then slow down at the end to be sure everything is done correctly. Patience definitely pays off.

The height of the rise, that is, the distance from the waist of the jeans to the seam between the legs, greatly affects how the item will look on the person. It is worth considering the peculiarities of the body, the length of the torso, etc. For example, even jeans with a high waist may have the insufficient height for a tall woman with a long torso. In this case, they will bulge in the wrong way between the legs, so that is why it’s better to look for another pair.

Double denim in one color

Total-denim style outfits are trendy again and that’s why you can wear denim shirts and jackets with jeans. You don’t necessarily need to select the top and the bottom part according to their color. On the contrary, different hues will create a contrast and make your look brighter and more complex.

Straight-cut jeans in the wrong length

Straight-cut jeans are a universal wardrobe item. They are back to being trendy again and are extremely popular nowadays. The classic model of these jeans should reach the ankle. Pant legs that are too long can visually make legs appear massive, and even fat.

Unkempt cuffs

Cuffs in jeans are good when you have no chance to tailor pant legs that are too long or when you want to diversify their look. However, cuffs should be done neat and straight. It’s even recommended to place a thumb on the hem to be able to measure the equal distance for cuffs on both pant legs.

Narrow boots

First of all, it’s better to opt for skinny jeans or jeggings when tucking them into the boots. More loose models can create unbecoming folds on the knees. Second, you should opt for boots with a wide, slightly folded bootleg.

Mid-waist jeans pulled over to the waist

High-rise jeans have been trendy for several years already — these models look stylish and are comfortable to wear. However, if you have a favorite pair of jeans with a mid-rise, you can don them too. But make sure to not pull them up to your navel and tighten them with a belt for a better fit. Even half an inch of this will create unbecoming folds between the legs.

Pants tucked into ankle boots

Trouser legs should not overlap the tops of ankle boots or short boots. This ensemble will look better if the jeans end 0.4-0.8 in above the bootleg of your footwear.

Skinny jeans that are too long

Today, when cropped jeans are trendy, skinny jeans with a folded ankle part look a bit outdated and should be tailor-cut or cuffed.

Flared jeans in the wrong length

The ideal length of flared jeans is 0.5 inches above the floor. Shorter trouser legs can make your legs look fuller. While very long trousers legs will drag along the floor, get dirty, and appear unpresentable.

Unbecoming back pockets

The shape and location of back pockets can change the body shape beyond recognition. Thus, wide-set pockets will visually make the hips wider. Highly sewn pockets will lengthen the legs, and the body shape will appear fuller.

Low-rise jeans together with a cropped top

It is advisable to combine a cropped top with high-waisted jeans, otherwise, you risk having a cheeky look. Even if you have a perfectly flat stomach, you need to understand where and when it is appropriate to show it.

A cut that doesn’t fit your body shape

You shouldn’t be blindly following trends, but instead taking into account the specifics of your body shape. For example, trendy flared jeans should be chosen so that the trouser leg starts to flare at the knee area. If the flare is too wide and starts from the hip, it can play a bad joke on shorter, curvy girls, while they will look great on tall and slim ones.

By Michelle Ullman

Not Changing Air-Conditioning Filters

If you rarely—or even worse, never—change the filters in your HVAC system, you’re lowering its efficiency while raising your energy costs. To keep your air clean and your energy bills low, change your filters seasonally. Switch them out more often if you live in an especially dusty area, smoke, have pets, or suffer from allergies.

Not Taking Care of the Small Stuff While It’s Still Small

Putting off home repairs is a very common—and very risky—mistake. That slow leak or cracked fixture might seem like a minor inconvenience that has little bearing on your daily life, but left unattended, that damage could escalate into an emergency situation. What might have been an inexpensive fix in the beginning could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Using Old-School Light Bulbs

If you’re still holding on to your incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to let them go. While CFL and LED bulbs might cost more up front, they ultimately save you big through longer life and superior efficiency.

Hanging On to Inefficient Appliances

Are you still using a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, or refrigerator from the last century? If so, you’re passing up the considerable energy savings to be found with today’s high-efficiency major appliances.

Paying for Services You Don’t Need

Hiring out services such as pool or yard maintenance, housecleaning, small repairs, or minor home remodeling projects does save you time, but it costs money that might have been better spent (or saved) elsewhere in your budget. Instead of engaging a professional, have your teenage son or daughter handle pool or yard care, and consider tackling small DIY and maintenance tasks yourself.

Buying Extended Warranties

If you’re buying a new major home appliance, the salesperson will probably pressure you to purchase an extended warranty. Although this may sound like a money-wise choice, the truth is that many consumer advocates advise against them.

Not buying enough insurance coverage

Having the right insurance — including medical, automobile, homeowners, long-term care, life and disability — is key to good financial planning. While it can be difficult to figure out the kinds of insurance and the amount of coverage you may need, not having the right balance of insurance can be disastrous if you’re hit with an unexpected expense.

It’s a good idea to review your insurance coverage each year and determine which policies you may or may not need based on any major life events you’ve experienced. For example, if you’ve purchased a newer, more expensive car, it’s time to reevaluate your auto insurance. If you’ve recently gotten married or added a baby to your household, it may be time to take a look at your health insurance. If you’ve completed a major, value-adding home remodel, it’s probably a good idea to increase your homeowner’s insurance. It’s not enough to have just any old insurance coverage in place; you need to make sure the insurance you’ve bought will cover the full value of your growing assets.

Lacking an investment strategy, or not sticking to one

 If you invest in stocks or mutual funds as part of your savings plan, it’s important to have a strategy for that money. Too many people let their emotions get in the way and end up buying or selling on impulse. Another common misstep is spending too much time and effort trying to time the market, hunting for the “big payoff” or chasing the investment of the month (or week or day). Instead, you need to decide on a strategy and stick to your plan.

Neglecting to Save for Emergencies

Nobody can foresee when household emergencies will strike—whether it’s a hole in the roof, a rusted-out water heater, or a doomed central heating system. But these malfunctions are all part of homeownership and it’s best to be prepared when they do occur. If you don’t set aside a portion of your savings for these types of home emergencies, you’ll end up having to pay for repairs on credit and get hit with a double whammy: the cost of the repair and the interest on your credit card.

Planting High-Maintenance Landscaping

While every home’s curb appeal can benefit from attractive landscaping, it’s best to pass up on extravagant or delicate plantings that will require a professional’s expensive care. Instead, choose hardy greenery that will thrive with minimal maintenance, and liven up the yard with attractive and affordable annuals planted in pots and window boxes.