Household chores aren’t something anyone looks forward to, but we all know they need to be done. While it always feels good once your home is finally clean, the effort it takes to get there seems like too much. (Especially after a long day at work.) The goal in life should be “work smarter, not harder”. So, for the sake of getting the best ‘bang for your buck’ in terms of time and effort, here are some easy cleaning mistakes most people don’t even realize they’re doing wrong.

Washing knives in the dishwasher
Dishwashers are a modern luxury most of us get to enjoy, however, there are some things they shouldn’t be used for. Sharp knives are important for cooking and safety while cooking. A dull knife is more likely to slide off of whatever you’re cutting, rather than cut through it. Chefs don’t put their expensive knives in the dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent, which contains alkaline compounds, can dull the edges of your knives. So if you want your knives to stay sharp, hand wash them only!
Cleaning glass shower doors with chemicals
It is unfortunate that a space we want to use to get clean, gets dirty. All grocery stores have chemical based products that promise to keep your shower sanitary, but big surprise, chemicals are, more often than not, bad for you! To keep yourself, your kids, and your pets safe, try cleaning your shower with white vinegar. Gets rid of soap scum just as well and is generally cheaper than traditional products!

Duvet Covers
Duvet covers can be tricky. I remember walking into the bedroom one day and saw my fiance struggling to get the comforter insert into the cover. He looked at me and seemed appalled by my laughter and asked for my help. There is actually a much easier way than just shoving it in there and hoping for the best. Most Duvet covers have ties or buttons in the corners (If yours doesn’t, use safety pins). The trick is to flip the duvet cover inside-out. Once you have the corners secured on one side, pull it through so it is no longer inside-out. Secure the other end and zip it up! Takes me less than a minute to get my king size one all ready to go!
Overloading the washing machine
While it may be tempting to do one giant load of laundry, overfilling it actually does more harm than good. Not only does it add extra stress to your washing machine, your clothes doesn’t get as clean! The space at the top of the washing machine is essential for getting detergent and water to all your clothes. If your clothes as no way to move, it won’t be able to get all the soapy goodness mixed around in the fibers! If you’re in a pinch, just was essential items first and do a second load when you have the time.

Cleaning windows on a hot day
Cleaning windows on a nice sunny day may seem like a good idea. You can see the dirt easier, right? Well that is true, doing so causes the windows to dry too quickly, causing streaks along the way. Wash your windows on a cloudy day instead!
