It may feel like you can never clean your home enough, but believe it or not, there is such a thing as over-cleaning. Not only does it not produce better results, it can actually cause irreversible and costly damage to certain surfaces. "As a professional cleaner, I’ve found that routine maintenance can make cleaning tasks feel less overwhelming, however, there are some high-use and high-traffic areas in your home that you might be tempted to over-clean," says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids.
Whether it's a stone countertop with a porous surface or carpet with fibers which can be harmed by excessive vacuuming, Cohoon warns against cleaning some things too much. Below, she shares six common culprits and simple regular maintenance tips so you're not tempted to over-clean these areas.
1. The Refrigerator
As one of the most hard-working appliances in your kitchen, a refrigerator tops Cohoon's list of items you may be cleaning too much. Given its frequent use, you may be tempted to sanitize it weekly—but Cohoon says that's not necessary. "Instead, wipe up messes and spills as they occur, and schedule a thorough cleaning on your to-do list about once a month," she advises. Additionally, to reduce the need for frequent cleaning, Cohoon suggests storing foods in containers which not only save space but prevent splatters, spills, and crumbs.
2. Your Microwave
"Over-cleaning your microwave, especially with harsh chemicals, can damage the appliance over time," Cohoon says. To maintain a clean microwave she recommends covering food while it's being heated and wiping up any spills and splatters that occur immediately to minimize the need for frequent deep cleaning. "These small steps can help maintain the integrity of your microwave," Cohoon notes.
3. Carpeting
Take Cohoon's advice and vacuum carpets weekly to keep them in good condition, but use additional cleaning products sparingly, as over-using them can actually have the reverse effect. "Using sprays and carpet cleaners too often can harm the carpet fibers, making them more prone to trapping dirt," she explains. Her recommendation is to get carpets professionally cleaned once or twice a year to keep them looking fresh.
4. Baseboards
"Dust, grime, and pet hair tend to settle on baseboards, but cleaning them doesn’t need to be a weekly chore," Cohoon says. Instead, she recommends a quarterly wipe-down and suggests using dryer sheets to clean dusty baseboards which not only collect dust but also help repel it temporarily. "For deeper cleaning, use a small paintbrush or toothbrush to tackle hard-to-reach corners about once a year," Cohoon adds.
5. Stone Countertops
Sanitizing kitchen countertops less often might seem counterintuitive, but Cohoon says many people clean them too much. "While stone countertops like granite or marble are durable, they are also porous, and over-cleaning can cause damage," she says. Using harsh cleaners and abrasive materials, as well as leaving excess liquid on the countertop surface can cause a number of issues such as wearing down sealants, staining, discoloration, and dull spots. Instead of over-cleaning, Cohoon says, "Clean up spills as they happen with a soft microfiber cloth, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning products."
6. Wood Furniture and Flooring
Over-cleaning wood furniture and hardwood floors can ruin their finish, as can using the wrong type of cleaner and excessive product use. "The golden rule for wood surfaces is that less is more," Cohoon says. For wood furniture, she warns against using furniture polish too often, as it can cause buildup and dull the wood's finish. Instead, lightly dust wood furniture once a week and apply a suitable polish or cleaner that's recommended by the manufacturer once a month or so to maintain its shine and condition.
As for hardwood floors, Cohoon says weekly vacuuming using a setting that's designed for wood or sweeping with a soft microfiber cloth is sufficient. While high-traffic areas may require more frequent attention, mopping most hardwood floors once a month is perfectly reasonable. "Always use a cleaner approved for wood floors and avoid excess water, as it can seep between floorboards, leading to warping or discoloration," Cohoon says.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Sabella, M. (2025b, March 6). 6 Things You're Actually Cleaning Too Much (Yes, That's a Thing!). Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/items-cleaning-too-much-8775502