Living in sunny Florida has its perks – beautiful beaches, warm weather, and endless sunshine. But it also comes with unique cleaning challenges like high humidity, salty air, and frequent storms. Many homeowners unknowingly make cleaning mistakes that can lead to mold, damage, or poor indoor air quality.
Here are the top 5 cleaning mistakes Florida residents make and how to avoid them for a cleaner, healthier home.
1 Ignoring High Humidity Levels
Florida’s tropical climate creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew. Many homeowners forget that simply wiping surfaces isn’t enough – humidity seeps into walls, carpets, and furniture.
Common Mistakes:
- Not using dehumidifiers
- Keeping windows open too often, allowing moisture inside
- Ignoring musty smells (a sign of hidden mold)
How to Fix It:
- Use a dehumidifier (ideal humidity: 45-55%)
- Run ceiling fans and keep AC properly maintained
- Inspect bathrooms, kitchens, and basements for moisture buildup
Pro Tip: Place moisture-absorbing packs (like silica gel or baking soda) in closets and under sinks to prevent mold.
2 Using Too Much Water When Mopping
Because Florida homes attract dust, pollen, and sand, people often overuse water when mopping floors. This can cause warping, water damage, and even mold in porous flooring like wood or laminate.
| Floor Type | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | Damp mop with minimal water |
| Laminate | Microfiber mop with a spray cleaner |
| Tile | Regular mopping with pH-neutral cleaner |
| Vinyl | Mild soap and warm water |
How to Fix It:
- Use a lightly damp mop instead of soaking floors
- Dry mop or wipe immediately after wet mopping
- Use floor-specific cleaners instead of generic soaps
3 Forgetting to Clean AC Filters & Vents
In Florida, air conditioning runs almost year-round, trapping dust, allergens, and mold spores inside your vents. If you don’t clean or replace your AC filters regularly, your home’s air becomes polluted, leading to allergies and breathing issues.
Common Mistakes:
- Never checking or replacing AC filters
- Not cleaning air vents and ducts
- Allowing moisture buildup inside AC units
How to Fix It:
- Change AC filters every 1-2 months
- Clean air vents with a vacuum or damp cloth monthly
- Get professional duct cleaning once a year
Did you know? Dirty AC filters increase energy bills by 5-15% due to reduced efficiency!
4 Not Protecting Against Salt & Sand Damage
If you live near the coast, salt air and sand can wreak havoc on windows, furniture, and floors. Many homeowners underestimate how quickly salt corrodes metal surfaces and damages glass.
Common Mistakes:
- Not rinsing off salt deposits from windows and outdoor furniture
- Using harsh chemicals on metal surfaces (which accelerates corrosion)
- Ignoring sand buildup in carpets and rugs
How to Fix It:
- Rinse outdoor surfaces with fresh water weekly
- Wipe windows with vinegar & water solution to prevent salt stains
- Shake out rugs & vacuum floors daily to remove sand
Pro Tip: Placing a shoe rack near the door prevents sand from spreading inside the house!
5 Skipping Deep Cleaning After Storms & Hurricanes
Florida’s hurricane season (June-November) can bring heavy rain, flooding, and debris. After a storm, many people clean only visible dirt, forgetting hidden moisture that can lead to long-term damage.
Common Mistakes:
- Not checking attics and basements for leaks
- Ignoring wet carpets and furniture (which leads to mold)
- Forgetting to sanitize after flood exposure
How to Fix It:
- Inspect your home for leaks after every storm
- Dry wet areas immediately with fans and dehumidifiers
- Disinfect all surfaces touched by floodwater (use bleach solution)
Emergency Cleaning Tip: If your home floods, remove wet materials within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Florida Home Clean & Safe
Avoiding these 5 common mistakes will help keep your home cleaner, fresher, and healthier year-round.
- Reduce humidity to prevent mold
- Use proper mopping techniques to protect floors
- Maintain your AC system for better air quality
- Protect surfaces from salt & sand damage
- Deep clean after storms to prevent long-term issues
Need professional cleaning services in Florida? Contact Sharky Cleaning today for expert home cleaning & maintenance!
