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17 Reasons Your House Still Looks Dirty

Reasons Why Your House Still Looks Dirty Even After Cleaning

Discover simple reasons your house still looks dirty even after cleaning and learn how to fix it.

After you’ve spent hours cleaning, you step back and admire your hard work. Then you notice that your house isn’t as clean as it could be.

There are several reasons why your house still looks dirty after cleaning, which can make you wonder why you can’t keep your home clean.

Knowing the reasons why your home still doesn’t look clean even after cleaning will help you to seek and provide the right solution to the problem.

Below are some of the culprits, and following the tips provided in this article can help make your home look better.

Reasons your house still looks dirty after cleaning

17 Reasons Why Your House Still Looks Dirty

Below are some of the reasons why your house still looks untidy even after cleaning.

#1. Clutter

Even if your home is clean, clutter can make it look dirty. Clutter in the form of too much furniture, knick knacks on a shelf, or even paperwork on a counter can make the entire room look messed up.  

Take a few minutes daily to reduce clutter so your home looks cleaner.

#2. Carpet Stains

Carpet stains happen. Whether it’s from a child, a pet, or muddy shoes, it’s important to get the stains out.  

Use a home carpet scrubber or rent one to try to remove stains. If that doesn’t work, call in the professionals. (Here is a detailed article on how to remove carpet stains)

#3. Dirty Curtains

If your curtains are dirty or wrinkled, it detracts from the room. Vacuum your curtains or wash them in the washing machine. Then iron and hang back up. 

Always check the manufacturer’s directions for proper care.

#4. Poor Lighting

If your house is dark or poorly lit, it can make the rooms look dirty. Open curtains and let natural sunlight in if possible.  

Otherwise, get higher wattage bulbs to get more light into your home.

#5. Dirty Baseboards

When you’re cleaning, be sure to get your baseboards and the corners. You’ll probably have to get on the floor to give them a good scrubbing.  

While not a fun task, this can instantly make a room look cleaner.

#6. Dinged Up Baseboards

Baseboards get dinged up easily or they may separate. Use caulk to seal on the baseboards to make them look brand new again.

#7. Dirty Doors

Fingerprints and dirt on doors can make your home look dirty. Wipe them clean with an all purpose cleaner or dish soap.  

Both of these cleaners will dissolve oils from fingers and lift away dirt.

#8. Old/Chipped Paint or Peeling Wallpaper

If the paint on the walls or trim is worn and has chips, it can make your house look dirty even when it’s clean. 

If you have leftover paint, try to paint over chipped areas so they aren’t noticeable.  Otherwise, put a fresh coat of paint on the walls or trim for an instant update.

For peeling wallpaper, use wallpaper seam adhesive to attach it back to the wall or consider replacing it.

#9. Dirty Windows

You probably only clean your windows once a year or maybe even less. Clean your windows inside and outside to keep them clean.

Don’t forget to clean your screens, too. They can get dirty, especially if you live close to a road.

#10. Unmade Bed

An unmade bed can make a bedroom look messy and dirty. Take a few minutes each morning to make the bed.

#11. Grout

Tile is wonderful for flooring and in the bathroom, but dirty grout can make the room look untidy.

Use equal parts vinegar and water to spray on grout. Then use a toothbrush or a grout brush to scrub. (You may also want to read this article on grout cleaning)

#12. Toilet Stains

A ring in the toilet can make the bathroom look dirty. You should aim to clean the toilet every day. 

Just a quick cleaning daily and a deep cleaning once a week will do wonders. Be sure to add this task to your daily cleaning routine as well as the weekly cleaning schedule.

(Learn how to remove hard water stains from a toilet bowl here)

#13. Shoes

If each person in the family has two or three pairs of shoes, there will soon be a large pile of shoes inside your home. 

Use hanging shoe organizer behind a door or a shoe rack to keep shoes looking tidy.

You may also consider only allowing each family member one pair of shoes in the main living areas. Other shoes can be stored in bedrooms or in a closet.  

#14. Cluttered Counter

No matter how much you clean your kitchen, it will still look untidy if there is clutter on the counters

Get rid of tools and gadgets that you don’t use. Make sure that everything else has a place in a drawer or cabinet.

#15. Dirty Laundry

Try to keep up with your laundry so it doesn’t overflow. This isn’t always possible, so keep laundry hidden in a bedroom. Place a clothes hamper in each bedroom.  

Using a hamper with a lid can reduce clutter and make a room look cleaner since there won’t be laundry spilling over.

#16. Dirty Knobs and Switches

Oils from our fingers collect on light switches and door knobs. Clean these with an all purpose spray or dish soap once a week to reduce oil and dirt.

#17. Trash

Make sure that trash ends up in the trash can and then take it out when it’s full. Don’t let it overflow because this will instantly make a room look dirty.

Consider using a trash can with a lid to ensure that no one sees your trash.

Final Thoughts on Why Your House Stills Looks Dirty Even after Cleaning

These are several reasons why your house still looks dirty even after you just cleaned. If you work on these issues, your home will look better almost instantly.

Feel free to add to the list of reasons why your house still looks dirty in the comment section.

Why your house still looks dirty even after cleaning

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