When it comes to keeping our homes clean, there are a lot of things we could all probably stand to clean more often, like throw blankets, filters, and other items that suffer from being out of sight and out of mind. But in today’s post, we’ll be exploring the flip side of that coin, because as surprising as it may sound, there are also things around the house that you could be cleaning too often!
Can things really be too clean? The answer to that question is more complicated than you’d think. Technically, the cleanliness itself isn’t the issue—it’s the act of cleaning than can cause harm. Washing, wiping, scrubbing, and spraying can shorten the lifespan of your stuff if you’re accidentally overdoing it, and we all want our stuff to last as long as possible, right?
That’s why today I’ll be sharing 7 things that people commonly clean too much or too often. I’ll explain why it’s harmful, and let you know how often you should be cleaning each item so they can have a good, long life!
7 Things You Might Clean Too Often
1. Bathroom Mirror
Bathroom mirrors are subjected to a lot of humidity, both from general steaminess and frequent cleanings. If your mirror is exposed to too much humidity, the moisture can get behind the mirror and damage the backing. So it’s wise to clean your bathroom mirror on an as-needed basis to avoid doing moisture damage!
2. Carpet
If you use foamy carpet cleaners frequently to spot clean spills and stains, you may be doing more harm than good. The problem is that it’s really hard to rinse all of the soap and suds out of your carpet, and they can leave behind soapy residue that ends up attracting more dirt over time.
Instead, use less aggressive carpet cleaning products only as needed. And make sure to blot the area thoroughly with a clean, wet cloth to remove the cleaner residue! For simple carpet cleaning tips, read the post below.
Related: Here’s How To Remove The Most Dreaded Carpet Stains
3. Wood Furniture
It’s important to use special wood cleaners to keep your furniture looking nice. However, using those cleaners too often could leave behind an oily buildup that attracts dust and dirt. Instead, use special wood cleaners just once or twice a month, and for everyday cleaning, just wipe wood furniture down with a damp microfiber cloth.
Related: How To Make A Cheap, All-Natural Dusting Spray
4. Jeans
With as tricky as it is to find the perfect pair of jeans, it only makes sense to make them last as long as possible, and the best way to do that is by washing them infrequently. Some say once a month is fine, but makers of raw denim recommend waiting up to six months between washes.
To keep your jeans fresh between washes, you can stick them in your freezer overnight to kill bacteria. You can also make a simple “freshening” spray with 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup of water, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake the ingredients up in a small spray bottle, and spritz your jeans every few wears to keep them smelling fresh.
5. Bras
Bras are another clothing item that wear out quickly when washed frequently, so try to wear a bra 3-4 times before washing it to help extend its life. And when you do wash it, always zip it into a mesh laundry bag first, and wash on the gentlest possible cycle. And don’t forget—hang dry only!
Related: This Brand Makes The Most Comfortable Bras Ever
6. Your Hair
Shampooing hair doesn’t just remove excess oil from your hair and scalp—it removes all the oil! Your hair and scalp produce oils for a reason, and stripping them out by shampooing every day can really take a toll on your hair.
The only reason to shampoo your hair every day is if you have very fine hair, exercise a lot, or have very oily hair. Everyone else is better off washing their hair just 2-3 times per week. (And those with very thick or very curly hair may want to shampoo even less frequently!)
7. Your Car
Keeping the outside of your car clean is important, but it’s easy to overdo it. Every time you wash your car, you wash away some of the waxy outer layer that helps protect your car’s paint job, and once it’s gone, your paint job is even more vulnerable. It can even result in “spiderwebbing,” or small, web-like cracks in your paint.
Instead, scale back to washing your car once or twice a month. And make sure to get your car waxed (either at home or by a professional) at least once a year to keep your paint job protected.
What’s your best tip for making something last as long as possible?
