6 Housekeeping Rules You Can Safely Break, According to Cleaning Experts

It’s often said that rules are made to be broken, and this holds true for housekeeping. Although you might think that maintaining a clean and orderly home means following strict instructions you’ve learned over time, that’s not necessarily the case. Here are six housekeeping rules you can break for a tidier home, more free time, and less stress.

You Don’t Have to Load the Dishwasher in a Particular Way

It’s the timeless debate we’ve all had with a partner, roommate, or family member. No one ever wins this one. You don’t need to load the dishwasher in any specific manner, as long as it’s not overloaded and each item gets a good spray down.

Every dishwasher is designed a bit differently, and in theory, the optimal way to load it is by arranging the dishes to make the most of the available rack space.

The only exceptions are items labeled “top rack only,” like plastic food containers. Also, it’s safest to place utensils face down, but it’s not a huge issue if they’re placed the other way.

You Don’t Have to Dry Clean Your Down Comforter

Down comforters are expensive, and many believe they must be dry-cleaned, which adds to the cost. But it’s not only pricey and inconvenient to send a down comforter to the dry cleaners—your washing machine can do an even better job. Wash it alone on a delicate cycle and tumble dry on low.

Dryer sheets may seem essential, but they aren’t necessary. Instead, try using fabric softener for soft clothing – it does a better job. If you want to avoid dryer sheets, there are plenty of other ways to keep your laundry fresh without them.

Another laundry myth debunked: You don’t need to use dryer sheets. If softness is your goal, fabric softener is a better option. It will soften your clothes more effectively and leave them smelling fresh.

Some people find dryer sheets unnecessary or even irritating for their skin. For a natural, pleasant scent, try using wool dryer balls with a few drops of laundry oil or essential oils, like lavender. “Add a few drops of the laundry oil onto our wool balls," says Lindsay Droz, co-founder of L’Avant Collective. "You can even place these scented balls in places like your car or closet for a quick refresh.”

You don’t need a special glass cleaner for your mirrors and windows. A high-quality all-purpose cleaner can do the trick without leaving streaks. Lindsay Droz recommends using a multi-purpose spray for cleaning all surfaces, including windows and mirrors. "Simply spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish,” she advises.

No need for a specific glass cleaner to tackle windows and mirrors. A good all-purpose cleaner works just fine without leaving behind any streaks. Lindsay Droz suggests using a multi-purpose spray on windows, mirrors, and stainless steel. Simply spray, wipe, and enjoy a spotless finish using a microfiber cloth.

Sponges may be a go-to for dishwashing, but they're not essential. While convenient, they can clutter your kitchen and spread germs, especially if you're not using gloves. A dish brush, on the other hand, works more efficiently, keeps your hands clean, and adds a touch of style when stored by the sink.

Sponges are handy but come with their downsides: they can create clutter in your kitchen and transfer bacteria to your hands unless you’re always wearing gloves. Consider using a dish brush instead—it’s not only more effective but also tidier when kept by the sink.

It’s tempting to stick to a cleaning routine, but a strict schedule might not always be feasible. Your life shouldn’t be driven by the need to maintain a perfectly clean house. Feel free to set reminders for decluttering or for running your robot vacuum, but don’t stress about tasks like deep-cleaning every Tuesday. Tackle messes as they come, and don’t overburden yourself with expectations.

Having a cleaning schedule sounds great, but it’s not always practical. Your life shouldn’t revolve around cleaning. While it’s helpful to schedule occasional decluttering or running your robot vacuum, don't stress about creating rigid plans for every task—like scrubbing your bathtub every third Tuesday. Address messes when they appear, and don't push yourself too hard to keep everything spotless.