Experiencing some difficulties while cleaning up your living space? You’re not alone. Review these common cleaning problems and find an easy solution that works for you.
Dirty Vacuum Filter
Your vacuum filter might still be holding dust and debris even if you empty it frequently. A dirty filter causes the vacuum to lose suctioning power and makes cleaning difficult. Dirt and dust are blown back into your carpet or even goes airborne, causing allergy issues. This also makes proper cleanup more difficult. Additionally, if your filter is not HEPA-certified, mold and mildew buildup is more likely to show up inside your filter or around your home.
Solution:
Invest in a lightweight canister vacuum that uses an LED sensor light to alert you when the filter needs to be cleaned. Always empty canister filters as thoroughly as possible. If you notice debris or dirt clogging the filter, gently clean with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe the inside of hoses and attachments to clear out debris and keep the vacuum suction working.
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes
You may notice leftover food, streaks, or warping on dishes after the dishwashing cycle is complete. Smaller tools used for cooking, such as zesters, graters, or sieves, often have remaining pieces of food on them no matter where you position them in the washer. Mold and grime collect easily on utensils and dishes that aren’t washed properly, which can contaminate food the next time you cook with these items. Even after a first wash, food particles are more difficult to remove the second time because of the hot water cycles that sear on leftovers like glue.
Solution:
The best way to clean dishes in a dishwasher is to make sure they are correctly positioned in the machine since different foods break down differently during the washing cycles.
- Place dishes that have high-carb remnants where they will get direct contact from the sprayer.
- Layer dishes with protein messes in places they will soak, such as around the outside of the washer shelves.
- Silverware and small utensils should be evenly layered and placed vertically to get the best sudsy coverage.
- If all else fails, stick to hand washing for serious messes, small holes, and corners.
Residue on Surfaces
The surfaces in your home are more delicate than you think. Sometimes using harsh cleaners will leave a residue on surfaces. This could be caused by solution buildup or using the wrong cleaner on specific surfaces. Greasy furniture, streaky glass, and sticky surfaces are the most common consequences of using improper cleaning products. Using these harsh products also leads to more cleaning problems down the line, since dust and dirt are more likely to stick to these surfaces more firmly.
Solution:
Avoid the buildup of dust, residue, and streaks on surfaces by using the correct cleaning methods for your project. All-natural cleaners, especially those with lemon and vinegar, are useful cleaning solutions that cut through grime. You should only clean wood and glass surfaces with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. With a slightly damp paper towel wipe down dusty wood surfaces, and dry with a clean microfiber cloth. The same method can be applied to windows and mirrors to avoid unwanted streaks.
