Are you a self-proclaimed clean freak? Do you spend hours making sure your home is spotless? Do you kind of wish you could take a break and put down the cleaning spray once in a while? If so, your cleaning routine may be doing more harm than good.
Even the most well-intentioned neat freaks might be surprised to learn that they’re accidentally reducing the lifespan of their favorite items, causing stress, and wasting time.
From area rugs to even our four-legged friends, these are some of the items we can take a safely break from regular cleaning. How many of them are you guilty of overdoing?
Denim
If you throw your favorite pair of blue jeans in the washer after each wear, you could be doing more harm than good. The truth is, denim is supposed to break in and fade over time, giving it that worn-out look most people like. Frequent washing can break down the material’s fiber, making it weak and tearing easily.
Unless you had a spill or sat in something that stinks, you are fine washing those pants or jacket every 5 to 10 wears. Remember, you can always spot-clean a stain instead of putting the whole item in the washing machine.
Pillows
One would think that pillows should be washed often. After all, some of us are prone to drolling a bit in our sleep. However, experts say that we should avoid putting pillows in the wash and swap out the covers when we feel they need a proper cleaning.
Pillows that go through the wash cycle can lose their shape and grow lumps. The last thing you want is a lumpy pillow while you try to take an afternoon nap. If needed, pillows can go up to 3 months without going in the laundry.
Bath Towels
Maybe your college boyfriend was right when he kept throwing the same used bath towel on the rack after each shower. While this sounds gross, cleaning professionals say that bath towels can be used up to five times before they need to be added to the dirty hamper, as long as they are properly hung to dry after each use.
It makes sense. Your body is essentially clean when you step out of the shower. Excessive washing can break down the towel’s fibers and make them less soft and absorbent. So, unless you have teenagers who throw their towels on the floor, let them air dry for a few more days before you run them through the wash.
Blankets
Like bath towels, overwashing your favorite blanket can turn it from a comfy, soft feel to a stiff, matted fabric. Who wants to curl up on a cold winter evening with a hard, itchy blanket? That defeats the whole purpose of it!
Even though you might be tempted to wash a gently used blanket, ignore that urge. On average, blankets that haven’t had any spills can be washed once a month. Again, spot-cleaning in between washes is fine, but you don’t want a ruined quilt when the seasons start to change.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs can gather a lot of dirt depending on where they are in our homes. Although you might not be used to putting these rugs in the laundry, experts also say that you should keep the vacuum away from them.
Instead of a deep wash, take these rugs outside and give them a beating. This will free up the dirt and grime without using chemicals that could fade the colors and distort the patterns or the carpet. Doing this regularly, with a once-a-year shampooing, is more than enough to keep your area rug clean and vibrant.
Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron is one of the oldest and most effective cooking tools. They are also the preferred tools for some of the world’s top chefs and home cooks. Despite their popularity, many users are unaware of how to maintain and clean them.
If cast iron is washed too aggressively, its seasoned coating and anti-stick properties can be washed away. Professional chefs recommend washing cast iron with warm water and drying it with a paper towel. For stubborn chunks, you can use diluted soap and coarse salt, but that is about it.
Wood Furniture
High-quality wood furniture is typically built with special varnishes that coat the product and protect the wood from damage from chemicals, weather, and daily use. Because of this varnish, buyers are warned to avoid harsh chemical cleaners on their surfaces. The chemicals, plus the abrasive bristles of a brush, could literally scrape the finish off of those fancy wooden pieces.
So, what do you do when there is a spill? A simple, damp paper towel will do just fine. If the furniture needs a little shine, you can use apple cider vinegar and water for a quick, safe cleaning wipe.
Bed Sheets
If you are like me, you most likely wash your bed sheets once a week. For me, I do it every Sunday, but after some research, I might push that back to every other Sunday and spend more time relaxing than doing laundry.
Like many other items on this list, overwashing bed sheets can limit their life span by fading the color and weakening the fibers of the material. Cleaning experts agree that unless you spill liquid, get sick, or spend a night sweating profusely, you can skip laundry day and wash your bed sheets once every two weeks. They also recommend using a natural detergent over store-bought products to keep your linens as soft as possible.
Curtains
You might think that curtains are magnets for dust bunnies and cobwebs. While this might be true, you don’t have to take them down and wash them to get them clean. That would just be a giant pain and a big waste of time and energy.
Curtains are much easier to care for. You can dust them with a duster or a handheld vacuum, and they will be just fine. If you want to give them a deep cleaning, you can do that once or twice a year. Otherwise, you are simply overdoing it.
Your Dog
As much as we love them, our dogs can be pretty gross. They roll around in the dirt, play with other dogs, dig in the trash, and sleep on the floor. After all that, they want to climb up on the couch and cuddle with you. How could you deny those cute puppy dog eyes? Even if they stink a little bit.
Although they can get dirty, dogs can groom and clean themselves. Giving your furry friend a bath too often can lead to dry coats and potential fur problems. Check with your vet to see how frequently you should bathe your dog. You might be surprised to find out they don’t need one as often as you think.