Many people strive for a clean home, but if yours constantly attracts dust and dirt, there are a few things you may be doing that contribute to the buildup. While habits like not making your bed or wearing shoes inside may seem harmless in the moment, they can cause your home to accumulate dust, dirt, dander, and other unwanted grime. To make your cleaning efforts more effective, try to break these habits, which experts say are actually making your home dirtier.
Wearing Shoes Inside
Throughout the day, your shoes accumulate a lot of germs and bacteria, which are then tracked into your home. “By leaving the shoes at the front door, you’re minimizing the spread of this bacteria as well as all of the dirt, grime, and other debris that can get stuck on the bottom of shoes and get deposited throughout the house,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
Not Closing the Toilet Seat When You Flush
Keep your toilet closed when you flush to avoid bacteria from accumulating on other bathroom surfaces. “Whenever you flush a toilet with the seat open, microscopic particles that contain bacteria are propelled into the air due to the force of the water being flushed,” says Mock. “These particles can settle onto nearby surfaces and can contaminate those close-by items, such as towels or toothbrushes.”
Vacuuming When the Bag Is Full
Vacuuming with a full bag renders this task moot. “When you vacuum with a full bag, there’s no more room for the tool to collect crumbs and other dirt,” says Mock. “It essentially spits all the dust and grime back into the air, significantly reducing the vacuum’s efficiency.” Additionally, not changing the bag can put a strain on your vacuum, negatively impacting its lifespan.
Not Cleaning Kitchen or Bath Towels
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Not regularly washing kitchen and bath towels allows bacteria to accumulate. “If you use these towels on your body or dry dishware, they can transfer contaminants onto your skin or dishes, ultimately defeating the purpose of cleanliness,” says Mock.
Leaving Windows Open
It’s always refreshing to open windows and bring in some outdoor air into the living space, but leaving them open consistently for long periods of time can allow dust, pollen, and other outdoor pollutants to enter the home, says Mock. The debris can accumulate on the surfaces in your home and even possibly set off some seasonal allergy symptoms.
Not Cleaning Your Pet When They Come Inside
Pets can get messy during their outdoor walks and bathroom time. Keep dirt from being tracked into your home by cleaning them off when they come back inside. “Pet fur and paws can be muddy, buggy, wet, and smelly, so not cleaning your pet runs the risk of a messy home, but also one that’s more vulnerable to germs,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.
Having Too Many Junk Drawers
It’s easy to let miscellaneous items like paper, pencils, and other supplies accumulate in drawers, but try not to let this become a habit. “Having junk drawers that are full of miscellaneous items makes for an ideal environment for dust to accumulate and settle,” says Mock. “The disorganization of the drawers also makes the areas appear dirty and can be difficult to clean, organize, or find what you may need between all of them.”
Leaving Dirty Laundry on the Ground
When you run out of room in your hamper, avoid just tossing your dirty clothes onto the ground. “Leaving dirty laundry on the floor can harbor dust and unpleasant odors,” says Mock. “If you leave any wet clothing in the pile, the moisture of the fabric can lead to a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew.”
Not Cleaning Your Air Vents
Though they are often out of sight out of mind, air vents should be cleaned every few months to keep dust and grime from accumulating on their surfaces. “Not cleaning air vents often enough can have a negative impact on the overall air quality of your home and also create more dust on your home’s surfaces,” says Cohoon. “If left for prolonged periods, air vents can also become blocked and wreak havoc on HVAC systems, causing a much bigger issue than dust.”
Leaving Your Bed Unmade
Not only does making your bed in the morning make your room look tidier, it can also keep your sleeping space from building up with dust and other dander. “Not making the bed can allow dust to settle and build up on sheets, which can affect the overall cleanliness of the sleeping area,” says Mock.
Cleaning With Dirty Tools
After cleaning your home, be sure to also do a deep clean of the tools you use. “When you clean with dirty or worn-out tools like sponges, mops, or cloths, that dirt is just going to continue to spread all of the grime and built-up bacteria, rather than removing it,” says Mock. “This makes your cleaning efforts ineffective and a waste of time.”
Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
While leaving wet clothes in the washer for one night is fine (even Martha agrees), leaving them in there for too long can create an unpleasant, musty odor. “Because of the dampness, it can also make for the perfect environment for potential mold and mildew growth, which can ruin the clothing items,” says Mock.
Letting Closets Build Up With Mess
If your closet is often a home for items that don’t have a home, you may want to consider creating a more efficient system. “An overcrowded closet can trap in dust and make for hidden dark spots that little critters are drawn to,” says Mock. Letting miscellaneous items pile up can make cleaning and trying to find what you need more difficult.
Leaving Clothes on the Drying Rack
Leaving clothes on the drying rack for an extended period of time (even if they’re clean and dry) allows dust to settle onto the fabric, which then undermines the effectiveness of having washed your clothes, says Mock.
