{"id":14213,"date":"2021-08-25T23:27:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T23:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=14213"},"modified":"2021-08-25T23:27:19","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T23:27:19","slug":"the-most-common-housekeeping-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/the-most-common-housekeeping-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Common Housekeeping Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a lot to know when it comes to running a household. Between washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning and maintaining appliances, and a thousand other things that need to get done, it\u2019s easy to just rush through things without considering if there\u2019s a better way.\n</p><p>But a lot of the time there is a better way to do something, and making those adjustments can save you a significant amount of time, money, and effort! So in the spirit of being open-minded about alternative methods for doing household chores, today we\u2019ll be exploring some of the most common housekeeping \u201cmistakes\u201d along with easy ways to correct them.\n</p><h4>1. You Don\u2019t Load Utensils Into Your Dishwasher Correctly\n</h4><p><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14217 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"499\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>There are a lot of opinions out there about the best way to load utensils into your dishwasher. It doesn\u2019t make much of a difference for spoons and forks, but you should definitely load your knives into the caddy with the blade pointing down to ensure no one hurts themselves when they go to empty the dishwasher.\n</p><p>The main issue you can run into with spoons is that they can end up \u201cspooning\u201d each other in the caddy may not get washed thoroughly. You can avoid this by putting some of the spoons in with the handle pointing up and some pointing down (or you could put a mix of forks and spoons in the same slot.)\n</p><p>The last thing worth noting about loading the utensil caddy is that distribution is important! Make sure you\u2019re evenly distributing your utensils across the caddy, and not loading up a few sections while leaving others empty.\n</p><h4>2. You Don\u2019t Replace Your Sponges Often Enough\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14218 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"497\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>You use your sponge to keep your kitchen clean, but when was the last time you cleaned the sponge itself? Experts recommend cleaning your sponge every 3-4 days in one of two ways.\n</p><p>First, you can soak it with water and then microwave it for two minutes. The second option is to put it in your dishwasher and run it through a full wash and dry cycle.\n</p><p>And not only should you be keeping your dish sponge clean, but you should replace it regularly as well. Aim to replace your dish sponges every few weeks.\n</p><h4>3. You Wash Your Garlic Press In The Dishwasher\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14219 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-3.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>My garlic press is one of my favorite time-saving kitchen gadgets. The only problem I have with it is that all those nooks and crannies in the press can be tricky to clean, especially because dishwashers aren\u2019t very helpful in cleaning out all those tiny holes!\n</p><h4>4. You Don\u2019t Clean Your Reusable Grocery Bags\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14220 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-4.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"499\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-4.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Using reusable grocery bags is an easy way to help protect the environment, and the only thing you need to worry about is keeping them clean. A lot of cloth bags are actually machine washable, so you can just toss those in with your laundry.\n</p><p>If you have reusable bags made of vinyl or plastic, you can clean those by wiping them down inside and out with hydrogen peroxide. (And for more peroxide tips, check out my eBook Hydrogen Peroxide Magic available in my shop, or download it free as an OGT Plus member.)\n</p><h4>5. You Use Too Much Laundry Detergent\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14221 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-5.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>It\u2019s easy to fall into a pattern of \u201coverdosing\u201d on store-bought laundry detergent, but using more detergent doesn\u2019t necessarily get your clothes cleaner. You need to add a bit more detergent when washing a large load, but in most cases, adding more detergent will just make it harder for your washer to rinse it all out.\n</p><p>Over time, detergent residue can build up on your clothes and make them increasingly difficult to clean. So next time you measure out laundry detergent, make sure you\u2019re following the instructions on the back of your detergent bottle (or try a natural DIY laundry detergent!)\n</p><h4>6. You Don\u2019t Replace Your Air Filter\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14222 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-6.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-6.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Ignoring the air filter in your HVAC system can eventually defeat the purpose of having one in the first place! The filter serves as a wall of defense between the dust and dirt getting sucked into the system and the that gets pushed out of it into your home.\n</p><p>As dust and dirt build-up on the filter, it won\u2019t work as effectively and eventually won\u2019t do much at all. Check your HVAC system\u2019s user manual (or look it up online) to find out what size filter it uses and how often you should be replacing it.\n</p><h4>7. You Don\u2019t Test Your Smoke Detectors Regularly\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14223 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-7.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>A smoke alarm could save your life in the event of a fire, but it won\u2019t do you much good if it isn\u2019t working correctly! You should test your smoke detector once a month or so by pushing the \u201ctest\u201d button to make sure it\u2019s working correctly.\n</p><p>If your smoke detector is battery-powered or has a backup battery, you should replace the batteries twice a year (or any time the detector starts to beep intermittently.)\n</p><h4>8. You Use The Wrong Type Of Plunger\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14224 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-8.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-8.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>There are two types of plungers\u2014one is designed to help clear clogged toilets, and the other is designed for sink drains. Are you using the right kind of plunger for the right drain?\n</p><p>Sink plungers have a cup-shaped half sphere designed to cover drains in relatively flat surfaces like the bottom of a sink or tub. This type of plunger doesn\u2019t work well in toilets because it won\u2019t form a very good seal around the drain.\n</p><p>Toilet plungers have more of a mushroom shape, and the lower part (or the \u201cstem) that extends down helps forms a tight seal that allows for proper plunging. But if you\u2019re shopping for a toilet plunger, be aware that the lower part may be pushed up into the upper part of the plunger so that it resembles a sink plunger.\n</p><p>To make sure you\u2019re buying the right type of plunger, look into the cup to see if it\u2019s hollow (meaning it\u2019s a sink plunger) or has an extension that you can pull out (meaning it\u2019s a toilet plunger).\n</p><h4>9. You Store Your Iron With Water In It\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14225 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-9.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-9.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>I didn\u2019t know this until recently, but apparently, you should empty the water out of your clothes iron after each use. Storing your iron with water in it can lead to mineral buildup that can eventually damage the iron\u2019s internal parts.\n</p><p>After using your iron, take an extra couple of seconds to dump out the water before putting it away. It\u2019s also a good idea to use distilled water when filling your iron to help avoid mineral issues entirely.\n</p><h4>10. You Lift The Lid On Your Slow Cooker\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-14226 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/08%5C/housekeeping-mistake-10.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"745\"' height='\"931\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake-10.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>It\u2019s tempting to lift the lid on your slow cooker to check how your food is coming along, but you should resist the urge as much as possible! Slow cookers rely on the heat trapped inside of the pot to cook your food.\n</p><p>Opening the lid allows a significant amount of that heat to escape, meaning the more you peek inside, the longer your food will take to cook!\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>There\u2019s a lot to know when it comes to running a household. Between washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning and maintaining appliances, and a thousand other things that need to get done, it\u2019s easy to just rush through things without considering if there\u2019s a better way. But a lot of the time there is a better\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learning how to correct these 10 mistakes will make you feel like a housekeeping pro in no time!","_seopress_robots_index":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[54,43,85,130,30,149],"class_list":{"0":"post-14213","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tie-life-style","8":"tag-clean-hack","9":"tag-cleaning-house","10":"tag-cleaning-mistake","11":"tag-house-keeping","12":"tag-household-hacks","13":"tag-household-problems"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/housekeeping-mistake.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14213"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14213\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14213"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14213"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inovatestory.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p>