Habits That Are Making Your Home Dirtier

Many people strive for a clean home, but if yours constantly attracts dust and dirt, there are a few things you may be doing that contribute to the buildup.

Wearing Shoes Inside

Throughout the day, your shoes accumulate a lot of germs and bacteria, which are then tracked into your home. “By leaving the shoes at the front door, you’re minimizing the spread of this bacteria as well as all of the dirt, grime, and other debris that can get stuck on the bottom of shoes and get deposited throughout the house,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

Not Closing the Toilet Seat When You Flush

Keep your toilet lid closed when you flush to prevent bacteria from spreading to other bathroom surfaces. Whenever you flush a toilet with the seat open, microscopic particles that contain bacteria are propelled into the air due to the force of the water being flushed.”

Vacuuming When the Bag Is Full

Vacuuming with a full bag renders this task moot. When you vacuum with a full bag, there’s no more room for the tool to collect crumbs and other dirt.

Not Cleaning Kitchen or Bath Towels

Not regularly washing kitchen and bath towels allows bacteria to accumulate. If you use these towels on your body or dry dishware, they can transfer contaminants onto your skin or dishes, ultimately defeating the purpose of cleanliness.

Leaving Windows Open

It’s always refreshing to open windows and bring in some outdoor air into the living space, but leaving them open consistently for long periods of time can allow dust, pollen, and other outdoor pollutants to enter the home.

Not Cleaning Your Pet When They Come Inside

Pets can get messy during their outdoor walks and bathroom time. Keep dirt from being tracked into your home by cleaning it off when they come back inside. Pet fur and paws can be muddy, buggy, wet, and smelly, so not cleaning your pet runs the risk of a messy home, but also one that’s more vulnerable to germs.

Having Too Many Junk Drawers

It’s easy to let miscellaneous items like paper, pencils, and other supplies accumulate in drawers, but try not to let this become a habit. Having junk drawers that are full of miscellaneous items makes for an ideal environment for dust to accumulate and settle. The disorganization of the drawers also makes the areas appear dirty and can be difficult to clean, organize, or find what you may need between all of them.

Leaving Dirty Laundry on the Ground

When you run out of room in your hamper, avoid just tossing your dirty clothes onto the ground. Leaving dirty laundry on the floor can harbor dust and unpleasant odors. If you leave any wet clothing in the pile, the moisture of the fabric can lead to a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Not Cleaning Your Air Vents

Though they are often out of sight out of mind, air vents should be cleaned every few months to keep dust and grime from accumulating on their surfaces. Not cleaning air vents often enough can have a negative impact on the overall air quality of your home and also create more dust on your home’s surfaces.

Leaving Your Bed Unmade

Not only does making your bed in the morning make your room look tidier, it can also keep your sleeping space from building up with dust and other dander.

Cleaning With Dirty Tools

After cleaning your home, be sure to deep-clean the tools you use. When you clean with dirty or worn-out tools like sponges, mops, or cloths, that dirt is just going to continue to spread all of the grime and built-up bacteria, rather than removing it.

Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer

While leaving wet clothes in the washer for one night is fine, leaving them in there for too long can create an unpleasant, musty odor.

Letting Closets Build Up With Mess

If your closet is often a home for items that don’t have a home, you may want to consider creating a more efficient system. An overcrowded closet can trap in dust and make for hidden dark spots that little critters are drawn to.

How to Store Your Clothes If You Don’t Have a Closet

Leaving Clothes on the Drying Rack

Leaving clothes on the drying rack for an extended period of time (even if they’re clean and dry) allows dust to settle onto the fabric, which then undermines the effectiveness of having washed your clothes.