Top 5 Mistakes People Make While Cleaning Their Homes – And How to Avoid Them

We all want a clean, fresh home—but what if your efforts are doing more harm than good? At Zavvy Cleaners Inc., we’ve cleaned hundreds of homes across Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, and we’ve seen the same home cleaning mistakes made again and again.

Here are the top five cleaning mistakes people make—and how a smarter approach (or a little help from the pros) can make all the difference.

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all surfaces are created equal. Using harsh cleaners like bleach on natural stone, wood, or stainless steel can lead to permanent damage—like staining, dullness, or corrosion. Just because a product says “multi-purpose” doesn’t mean it’s safe for every area of your home.

Cleaning Tip:

Always check the label and test on a small area. Or, leave it to the professionals—we use surface-specific, eco-friendly products that protect your home while delivering a deep clean.

2. Forgetting High-Touch Surfaces

Think about how often you touch doorknobs, remote controls, cabinet handles, and light switches. Now think about how often you clean them. These areas are easy to miss—and they’re also hotspots for germs and bacteria.

Cleaning Tip:

Make high-touch areas part of your regular routine. At Zavvy Cleaners, we never skip them—we sanitize these zones every visit to keep your home healthier.

3. Using Too Much Product

Using more cleaner doesn’t mean a better clean. In fact, overusing products can leave behind sticky residue that actually attracts dust and grime—especially on floors, countertops, and mirrors.

Cleaning Tip:

Use only the amount recommended on the label. Our cleaning team is trained to use just the right amount—enough to get results without leaving anything behind.

4. Reusing Dirty Tools

Using the same sponge or mop over and over might seem efficient, but it can do more harm than good. Dirty cleaning tools can spread germs from one surface (or room) to another.

Cleaning Tip:

Sanitize tools after every use. We go a step further by using color-coded, room-specific tools to eliminate cross-contamination completely.

5. Skipping Deep Cleaning

Wiping surfaces and vacuuming are great for day-to-day upkeep, but deeper buildup—like grime in grout, dust in vents, and gunk behind appliances—needs special attention. Many homeowners skip this step altogether.

Cleaning Tip:

Schedule a professional deep clean every 4–6 weeks to handle the areas you can’t see (or reach). It’s a smart investment in your family’s health and your home’s longevity.

Why Choose Zavvy Cleaners?

Mistakes happen—but with the right approach, you can avoid damage, save time, and create a truly healthy living space. Or better yet, leave it to the pros. At Zavvy Cleaners Inc., we combine expert techniques, family-safe products, and years of experience to give you a spotless, stress-free home—every single time.