10 Things In Your Home You’re Cleaning Way Too Much

As a wife and mom constantly navigating the chaos of a household full of boys, I’ve learned something surprising about cleaning: some things don’t need as much of it as you’d think.

While it might seem like every corner of the house requires relentless attention to keep up with the daily whirlwind of activities, I’ve found that dialing back on some tasks can actually be beneficial.

It turns out, over-cleaning can sometimes do more harm than good, wearing out materials prematurely or simply wasting valuable time that could be spent on more enjoyable activities.

Here are 10 things around your home that you’re probably cleaning way too much.

Bras

Bras don’t need to be washed after every wear, despite what might seem necessary. Washing them about once a week is just right unless the summer heat or a workout dictates otherwise. I stick to hand-washing with a gentle detergent and let them air dry, which helps maintain their shape and elasticity far longer than tossing them in the machine.

Windows

When it comes to window cleaning, less is definitely more. Over the years, I’ve scaled back to cleaning our windows thoroughly just once or twice a year, and it’s been a game-changer. Spot-cleaning smudges as they appear keeps them looking decent without much effort. And for those times when they still seem grimy? The real culprit is usually on the outside. A quick session with a power washer or a squeegee using hot water on the exterior does wonders.

Floors

Living with a troop of boys, you can imagine the foot traffic our floors endure. It’s tempting to break out the mop every evening, but I’ve found that’s more than necessary and honestly, quite exhausting. A simple sweep or quick vacuum in those busy spots does the job on most days. As for mopping? Once a week is truly enough unless a spill happens.

Bathroom Fixtures

In our house, the bathroom is a hotspot for quick clean-ups, but I’ve dialed back on scrubbing the life out of every faucet and handle daily. A good wipe down as part of our regular cleaning once a week keeps everything sparkling without the overkill. Unless they’re really grimy, this routine is enough to keep the germs at bay and the chrome shining.

Cast-Iron Pans

As someone who cooks every day, I’ve learned the hard way that my cast-iron skillet doesn’t like too much attention. It’s tempting to scrub it down like any other pan, but trust me, a gentle wipe after cooking is usually enough.

If it needs a bit more, a sprinkle of salt and a quick scrub will do. Over-cleaning can strip away the seasoning that makes your skillet non-stick, turning your easy-release omelets into a sticky mess.

Clothes

With boys in the house, laundry feels endless. But I’ve realized not every item they—or you—wear needs to go straight to the wash after one use. Those jeans or the sweater worn for a quick outing can definitely get another wear, saving you time and preserving the fabric. Less frequent washes mean your favorite pieces stay vibrant and new longer.

Refrigerator

Managing a busy home means finding efficient ways to keep chores manageable. For the refrigerator, daily maintenance like throwing out expired food and wiping spills when they occur can significantly reduce the need for frequent deep cleanings.

Monthly thorough cleanings are sufficient to maintain hygiene and efficiency without overdoing it. This approach ensures that your fridge remains fresh and functional, preventing odors and bacteria buildup, and it keeps the appliance running efficiently longer by not overtaxing the components with excessive moisture from over-cleaning.

Microwave

In our kitchen, the microwave gets some pretty frequent use, but it doesn’t require the intensive care you might expect. By covering food every time we use it, we prevent 90% of potential messes. As a result, instead of cleaning weekly, we assess the microwave every month or so, and deep clean only when necessary.

Rugs

Rugs don’t need the weekly deep clean we might think. Especially those in less-trafficked areas like the formal living room that’s more for show than daily use. Vacuuming these rugs just once a month is perfectly adequate. It’s a real time-saver and keeps the rugs in good condition without the wear from constant cleaning.

For those hidden under couches and other furniture, a monthly refresh is more than enough to keep everything looking neat and dust-free.

Curtains

Curtains frame our windows beautifully but don’t require the regular laundering that bed linens do. In our home, pulling down the curtains for a wash just once a year does the trick. They mostly just hang there, away from the daily bustle, so they don’t pick up as much dirt.

Always check the label first—some might need a trip to the dry cleaners instead of a spin in your home washer.