Cleaning can feel like a never-ending chore, especially when certain things in your home make it harder than it needs to be. Sometimes, it’s not just about how often you clean but what’s in the way or how your space is set up.
Knowing what actually makes cleaning harder can help you change how you approach it and save you time and effort. When you recognize these common obstacles, you can find easy ways to keep your home tidier without getting stuck on tough messes.
Letting clutter pile up everywhere
When clutter builds up, cleaning feels way harder. You have to move stuff around before you can even start.
It also makes your space feel crowded and stressful. This can slow you down and make you want to avoid cleaning altogether. Tackling clutter little by little helps. Try to clear flat surfaces and keep things put away every day.
Ignoring a standing dustpan
If you skip having a standing dustpan, cleaning can take longer. Bending down to use a regular dustpan is tiring and slows you down.
A standing dustpan lets you sweep without bending. It helps you clean small messes quickly. Using one also keeps your hands cleaner. You won’t have to touch dust or dirt as much, making the job less annoying.
Skipping cordless vacuum usage
If you skip using a cordless vacuum, you might miss out on quick cleanups. These vacuums are handy for small messes but may not have strong suction for deep cleaning.
Not using one can make you put off tidying small spots. Having a lightweight vacuum ready can save you time and effort.
Not using a TikTok-famous spin mop
If you’re still using a regular mop, cleaning can take longer and feel tougher. Spin mops help by quickly wringing out water, so your floors dry faster.
You won’t have to touch dirty water either. These mops keep clean and dirty water separate, making the whole process less messy for you.
Failing to set cleaning reminders
If you don’t set reminders, it’s easy to forget small cleaning tasks. These little jobs add up and make your space messier.
Using your phone or a calendar can help you stay on track. Even a quick daily or weekly reminder can keep cleaning from feeling overwhelming.
Overloading surfaces with mail and laundry
When you pile mail and laundry on tables or counters, it makes cleaning feel harder. These stacks take up space and add clutter, so you can’t easily wipe or organize.
Trying to clean around them takes extra time and energy. Sorting mail and doing laundry regularly keeps your surfaces clear and makes cleaning simpler.
Not using storage bins for clutter
If you don’t use storage bins, your stuff can easily get scattered everywhere. This makes it harder to find things and clean up quickly.
Bins keep things in one place and make your space look neater. Without them, clutter piles up and cleaning feels way more difficult. Try using bins to sort items and save time when tidying.
Avoiding Scrub Daddy sponge
You might think Scrub Daddy sponges are great, but sometimes they can make cleaning harder. If you don’t rinse them well after use, they can hold onto dirt and smells.
Also, avoid using them with bleach or strong chemicals. That can damage the sponge and make it less effective. If your sponge feels different or rough, it might be time to switch it out.
Skipping Bar Keepers Friend for tough stains
If you avoid using Bar Keepers Friend on tough stains, cleaning gets harder. This cleanser works well on rust, mineral deposits, and other stubborn marks.
Not using it means you might spend more time scrubbing or trying other products that don’t work as well. It’s a simple tool that can make your job easier if you give it a chance.
Not using Dawn Powerwash spray
If you skip using Dawn Powerwash spray, cleaning stuck-on food or greasy dishes can take longer. You have to scrub harder or soak for a while.
With Dawn Powerwash, you just spray, wait a bit, then wipe or rinse. It helps cut through grease faster, saving you time and effort. It’s simple and works well on tough messes.
Neglecting sprayway glass cleaner
If you skip using Sprayway glass cleaner, your windows and mirrors might end up streaky and dirty. This cleaner foams up well and cuts through grime better than regular sprays.
Using the wrong cloth with it can cause streaks, so make sure you have a good microfiber towel. Don’t just rush through cleaning—taking a bit of time with the cleaner helps your surfaces actually shine.
Forgetting to play music while cleaning
Music can help you stay focused and make cleaning less boring. Without it, the task might feel slow and tiring.
When you play your favorite tunes, it can boost your energy and keep your mind busy. This helps you finish quicker and enjoy the work more. Skipping music means you might lose motivation and get distracted easily. So try putting on a playlist before you start.
Ignoring shower wall scum regularly
When you skip cleaning soap scum on your shower walls, it builds up and gets harder to remove. Leaving it alone means you’ll need more scrubbing and stronger cleaners later.
Try wiping down your walls after each shower or using a daily spray to keep scum from sticking. This makes cleaning faster and less annoying over time.