January is widely considered the perfect time for deep cleaning and decluttering, to ensure homes are refreshed for the year ahead. But this January, experts are urging people to take extra care to avoid common cleaning mistakes that could lead to issues for homeowners such as higher energy bills, or even infestations.

The experts at waste management and skip hire company We Waste have issued key warnings and advice around cleaning mistakes millions could make this January that could result in issues for homeowners.

Four cleaning mistakes millions could make this January

Neglecting Radiators

In the past month, searches for ‘how to clean sludge from radiator’ have soared by over 5,000%. It is important to clear out any built-up dust and sludge before switching on the heating to ensure you keep your radiators running efficiently, especially during winter. Over time, rust, dirt, and limescale can clog radiators, restricting water flow and causing uneven heating, forcing your boiler to work harder. This inefficiency can increase annual heating bills by as much as 25%.

An efficient way to remove sludge is by bleeding the radiator, which can be done with a radiator key, involving releasing a small amount of trapped air to improve heating efficiency. Ideally, this should be done once a year, as lack of maintenance can lead to more energy needed to warm up the area, leading to increased energy bills and a shortened lifespan of the heating system.

It is vital to clean all areas of the radiator, including the back. To remove the dust, use a long thin radiator brush to reach the back and between panels. Hoovering with a small nozzle attachment can also work well.

Neglecting Dirty Windows

Many aren’t aware that dirty windows can also have a negative impact on energy bills in multiple ways. Firstly, a buildup of dirt, dust, or condensation residue blocks natural sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. As a result, your heating system must work harder to maintain a regulated temperature, driving up energy consumption and bills. A build up of dirt and grime can also reduce the natural sunlight that your property gets, creating a greater reliance on artificial lighting, and subsequently, higher energy bills.

Maximising natural light through ensuring your windows are clean can reduce the need for artificial lighting by 30-50% during daylight hours. For the average household, this can equate to a meaningful saving on monthly energy bills.

Cleaning your windows regularly can help let in more sunlight, boost natural warmth, and make your windows’ energy-saving features work more effectively. To do so, many can simply use warm soapy water on a microfiber cloth which will do the job. Then, squeegee off the liquid in overlapping strokes, making sure to wipe the blade clean after each pass and drying the edges with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish to your windows.

Skipping Hidden Areas

It is easy to forget to clean some hidden areas of a property, but it is essential that you do so, as unclean, confined areas can create the perfect environment for infestations. Areas behind or underneath appliances, or inside cabinets and crowded cupboards can harbour crumbs, dirty and grease, which can all create a food source and breeding ground for pests, ultimately leading to potential infestations if not dealt with.

A spokesperson from We Waste states: “Forgetting to clean hidden areas can not only put homeowners at risk of infestations, but also mould and mildew growth and allergens. These confined spaces can trap moisture, dirt, and dust, creating the perfect type of conditions for mould growth, which if untreated can cause respiratory issues and in more severe cases, structural damage to the property.”

Using Dirty Cleaning Tools

Many could be spreading germs and bacteria around their homes this January if they are using dirty cleaning tools, rendering the clean ineffective and potentially causing health problems. A common cause of this is cross-contamination. Actions such as using the same cloth you use to wipe down door handles as you do to wipe down kitchen tops can cause harmful bacteria to transfer between these surfaces. In some cases, dirty cleaning equipment can also lead to damage, with old and damaged tools causing scratches and damage to delicate surfaces such as hard flooring and glass.

The experts at We Waste recommend: “To avoid using dirty or damaged cleaning equipment be sure to wash reusable tools like cloths with hot soapy water after each use, and be sure to dry these thoroughly, as a build up of moisture can create a breeding ground for bacterial growth. Sponges and mop heads should be replaced every few weeks, depending on how frequently they are used. Be sure to keep cleaning tools separate for their designated home areas to avoid cross-contamination and store all equipment properly. It is key that cleaning equipment is stored in a dry and clean area, to avoid contamination and bacterial growth.”