February 29, 2024 by Mulberry Maids

a spray bottle being held Whether you mix your home cleaning solutions from a concentrate or buy them ready to go, it is likely that you are often using too much product for the job. Not only can under-diluting solutions lead to things like streaky mirrors and floors, it will also cost you more money in the long run. As the leading provider of home cleaning services in Fort Collins CO, we are very experienced in using the optimal amount of product for each cleaning situation.

Stay tuned to find out all you need to know about using the correct amount of cleanser when cleaning your home. From windows and mirrors, to floors and toilets, this guide will have you covered!

What are the ways that I am cleaning with too much product and why is it harmful?

Cleaning with too much product can be harmful in a couple of different ways. Depending on what type of cleaning solution or chemicals you are using, using excess product can be harmful to your health. The more product is being used, the more that you will breathe it in while you are cleaning. Additionally, the product will likely get on your skin, which can cause irritation.

Using an under diluted cleaning solution can also have the opposite effect on what you are cleaning. Instead of leaving a clean and streak free finished space in your home, you may be leaving behind additional residue that over time will cause excess streaking or dull surfaces.

It is always best to use the least amount of cleaning solution as possible, for both the health of yourself as the cleaner, and the surfaces that are being cleaned. If you need more scrubbing or cleaning power, you can always try to use more.

Lastly, using less cleaning product will mean less to store in your home. If you are living in a tight space, this will help to cut down on excess things that you need to store.

Below are some of the common areas where you may be using too much cleaning product.

Windows

While you can buy a pre-mixed solution for cleaning windows, they can be pretty strong. Consider buying a concentrate, and mixing it yourself in a spray bottle. Not only will this help to reduce plastic waste, it will also be cheaper, and healthier for you. If you buy a store bought concentrate, make sure to dilute it to the recommended directions, and even experiment with diluting it with extra water. The overuse of heavily concentrated window cleaners will leave streaky windows and mirrors, as the product will not fully get wiped away. Regardless of the product that is being used, it is best to wipe the windows and mirrors very quickly after spraying them, to avoid leaving excess residue behind.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area in the home where it is very easy to use too much product. One example is with an expensive store bought toilet bowl cleaner. When there is a really messy toilet, it may be necessary to use lots of this kind of product, but in most cases, once the toilet is clean, a simple all purpose mixture will be sufficient. If you would like to disinfect the toilet, you can get a sanitizing all purpose spray. And if you really love your toilet bowl cleaner, just do a quick squeeze of the bottle to create a ring in the toilet. This will be sufficient for most toilet cleaning.

Additionally, in the bathroom it is really easy to use too much product in the shower and tub area. Like windows, glass shower doors will become streaky when too much product is used. Harsh store bought shower and tub sprays can be harmful to your health, so try to use as little as possible. It is better to use a green alternative like a vinegar and water spray. Additionally, the use of powders such as baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend are great in bathrooms, but overuse of the product can leave behind lots of residue that will take more time to clean up once things have dried, and you can see the left over powder on the surface that you cleaned.

Floors

Just like windows and mirrors, floors are notorious for becoming streaky. Not only that, they can become dull and hazy over time as using too much product will build up on the surface. Additionally, you want to make sure to use as little water as possible, especially on hardwood floors. Less product and less moisture is always more when it comes to floor cleaning to avoid issues.

Dishes

Doing dishes by hand can easily lead to overuse of dish soap. Start out with just a squirt, and add more as needed. Doing the least dirty dishes first will also help to conserve the soap and water. Also, make sure to fill up your sink with water and soap first, as opposed to squirting soap on each dish for scrubbing. Not only is that an inefficient way to do dishes, you will waste a ton of soap and water in the process.

Laundry

The recommended laundry detergent measurement is usually way too high for the amount of laundry that is being done. A little bit of laundry detergent will go a long way, and will also help to keep your clothes in better shape. Using too much detergent can make your clothing stiff, as the excess residue builds up on the surface of the clothes.

Home cleaning services in Fort Collins CO for all your cleaning needs!

If you are in need of a comprehensive move out cleaning or just want some extra help each month with a regular recurring cleaning, we are the company in northern Colorado for you. We only work with the most detail oriented cleaners who value service, to make sure that our cleaning service never disappoints!

We strive to take the load of cleaning off of your plate, so you can spend some time browsing around Foothills, instead of worrying about getting your home cleaned up for your dinner guests. With seamless and quick online booking, and a customer service staff who can handle all of your needs, we are your go to cleaners to reach out to.

Thanks for stopping by today, and we hope to hear from you soon!

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