Why You’re Probably Using Too Much Cleaning Product (And What to Do Instead)
Ever poured extra cleaner on the counter, thinking “more equals cleaner”? We’ve all done it. But here’s the surprising truth: using too much cleaning product doesn’t make your home cleaner; it often makes it worse. Instead of sparkling surfaces, you can end up with sticky residue, compromised indoor air quality, and even potential health issues.
This blog will show you how to clean smarter, not harder, with eco-conscious tips and commonsense ideas for a truly clean and safe home, without the excess.
The Hidden Problem with Too Much Product
More is not necessarily better in the cleaning world. As cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), overusing cleaning products could be unhealthy for our indoor air as well. EPA cites that the concentration of most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is routinely higher indoors (up to 10 times as high) than outdoors, and contributes significantly to indoor air pollution.
Residue Can Attract More Dirt
Improper rinsing of cleaning agents leaves behind stickiness on surfaces. Then dust and debris adhere more readily, making floors and countertops dirty more often. Also, these residues can cause allergic reactions or skin irritations upon contact.
For example, overdosing on floor detergent leaves a tacky residue that attracts dirt, demanding more frequent cleaning. Countertops suffer similarly; excess spray cleaner creates a grime magnet.
Overuse Can Harm Indoor Air Quality
Too much cleaning product doesn’t just leave sticky residues; it can also harm your indoor air quality. Many cleaners contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which evaporate into the air and can cause health issues like headaches and respiratory problems. The EPA notes that VOC levels can be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. To minimize your exposure, ventilate your home while cleaning by opening windows and running fans. Opting for no-VOC or low-VOC cleaning products can further reduce potential health risks.
Beyond air quality, overuse also costs you valuable time. Every extra squirt means more wiping, rinsing, or re-cleaning. This adds up quickly, especially when residue makes surfaces dirty faster. You might unknowingly spend hours each week on unnecessary cleaning simply by being too heavy-handed with products.
Your Wallet Feels It Too
Excess use of cleaning supplies is harmful not just to your health and home, but also to your pocket. The typical U.S. household spends about $600 a year on cleaning supplies. If you use excess product, it means you will need to buy replacements sooner.
In order to save money, think about diluting concentrated cleaners according to the package directions. When you do this in addition to using all-purpose cleaners, it will last longer, you won’t have buildups of residue, and you will decrease your risk for health issues.
At Vella, we use only truly effective and quality cleaning solutions that we’ve carefully measured to avoid excess use. That’s part of our commitment to sustainability as a company and a smart habit for any home!
Use These Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks Instead
Going green when cleaning may be easier and effective for your home. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Homemade Cleaners: Have fun making your cleaners and scrubs from natural materials. Vinegar mixed with water is an effective glass cleaner, whereas in cleaning sinks and tubs, baking soda mixed with water will make a good abrasive paste.
- Reuse Cloths: Opt for microfiber cloths instead of disposable paper towels. They are proven to last much longer and are less costly.
- Getting the Tools Right: Scrub away or squeegee off the grime. Such tools clean much faster and help keep the amount of cleaners you use in check. We recommend Scrub Daddy for cleaning.
Do you prefer pre-made products? Vella does carry a selection of green cleaning products that work well while keeping your home safe.
How to Read Labels and Measure Correctly
Reading product labels properly is important for safe and effective cleaning. Pay attention to what the label instructs for dilution, especially for a concentrated product. Terms like “capfuls” or “ounces” indicate specific measurements. Using more than the recommended amount of product can lead to the same problems we discussed earlier.
Be aware of “greenwashing,” where products are marketed as environmentally friendly but do not prove or justify the claim. If a product is environmentally friendly, there should be a certification to show that it meets a reputable organization for the scope of environmental standards and safety.
Cleaning the Vella Way: Safe, Simple, Sustainable
Vella has a commitment to green and eco-friendly, nontoxic cleaning methods. Our professional cleaning team is trained to use the appropriate amounts of cleaning products, which allows for cleaning your home without unnecessary chemical anxiety.
We clean smarter, not harder. When you select Vella, you are selecting a service committed to your health, your home, and the planet. Experience this commitment to a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment through our green cleaning services today.
Using more cleaners doesn’t mean you’ll have a cleaner environment; most of the time, it makes more problems than it solves. It creates a perpetual cycle of frustration. After all, it’s always wiser to do less, but the right way.