When you drop by someone’s home, you might find yourself curious about their cleaning habits. Everyone has their own approach, so it’s unrealistic to expect the same standard of cleanliness from everyone.
That said, there are certain indicators you can observe to gauge how well people clean, including your spouse or kids! When you delegate chores, it’s possible that they might not clean as thoroughly as you’d like, and these tips can help you spot that.
Continue reading to discover what signs to watch for if you’re uncertain whether something is as clean as you’d prefer.
Visiting someone’s home can give the impression of neatness, but there’s a significant difference between a thorough cleaning and a quick tidy-up. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to recognize signs that reveal what cleaning may have taken place before your arrival.
1. Cluttered Corners
Although the main parts of the room appear tidy, it’s important to check the corners, behind the doors, and underneath the furniture. These are the places where dust tends to accumulate. These spots can indicate whether someone has done a meticulous job or just a quick clean-up. Those who are used to maintaining a neat home pay attention to keeping the corners spotless too.
2. Lingering Odors
Keeping your home tidy creates a pleasant aroma throughout the space. However, some individuals resort to air fresheners to cover up unpleasant odors that may arise from a lack of cleanliness. Items like candles and fresheners can help disguise the scents of dirty carpets, pets, or dampness. In reality, a genuinely clean room shouldn’t rely heavily on artificial fragrances.
3. Dust on Various Surfaces
Dust has a way of settling in all sorts of places, especially if it’s not regularly cleaned. You might find it gathering on shelves, electronics, picture frames, light fixtures, and various other items. If you notice dust during a visit, it can give the impression that the host doesn’t clean very often. By dusting regularly, you can prevent it from building up like that.
4. Sign of Dirt in Bathroom
A bathroom is a great indicator of someone’s cleanliness. While people often tidy up their living spaces quickly, the bathroom can reveal a lot. Look for signs like soap scum, mildew, mold, and dust behind the toilet and on shower doors. A bathroom with sparkling fixtures and no dust is a true sign of cleanliness.
5. Grease and Crumbs
In the kitchen, it’s important to check for grease accumulation on the cabinets, sticky areas on the countertops, and crumbs tucked away in the corners. A kitchen might appear tidy at first, but the hidden dirt from regular use and insufficient cleaning can become apparent when you take a closer look.
6. Pet Hair
Pet hair scattered about is a clear indication that cleaning hasn’t been done thoroughly. Even if everything looks tidy, the amount of pet hair stuck to surfaces reveals the lack of proper cleaning. Additionally, the smell in homes with pets is significant; for instance, cat litter can create an odor, and if a dog hasn’t been bathed, it can lead to an unpleasant scent as well.
7. Dirty Windows and Mirrors
Windows and mirrors in a house often reveal a lot about a person’s cleaning habits. The presence of fingerprints, smudges, and streaks can quickly indicate whether the host pays attention to cleanliness or prioritizes other aspects.
8. Baseboards
Vacuum marks on carpets can indicate that a room has been recently cleaned, but take a look at the baseboards as well; any dirt there suggests that some areas may have been overlooked or that the cleaning was done in a hurry. If your home has hardwood floors, be sure to inspect for any sticky patches and the grout between the tiles.
These suggestions will assist you in determining whether someone has done a thorough cleaning or just a quick surface job. What are your thoughts on these tips? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Feel free to share anything we might have overlooked too!
