The Great Cleaning Debate: Which Team Are You On?

When it comes to keeping your space sparkly clean, it seems we all have pretty strong opinions on the “right” techniques to use. And by “we” I mean me and the folks who follow My First Move on social media. After I posted a poll on best cleaning practices for keeping an apartment tidy, I couldn’t help but notice the passionate debates happening in the comments. Clearly, people feel very strongly about their preferred methods!

As your resident interior design guru, I decided to break down the 7 most hotly contested cleaning topics among people in 2024.

Which “team” do you fall into for each debate? Read on to find out!

Wash Bed Sheets First Thing In The Morning, Or No?

Okay, this one gets people fired up! Some swear by washing sheets early in the day to guarantee having them cleaned and dried before bedtime.

Others say just buy an extra set! That way, you’ll always have clean sheets ready while the others get washed. Personally, I’m Team Extra Set. But morning washers do make a solid case to avoid that disastrous scenario of soggy undried sheets awaiting you at bedtime!

Rolled Towels - Yay or Nay?

Rolling towels instead of folding are supposed to maximize linen closet space and keep things looking neat, even with kids rummaging around in there! Buuuttt not everyone was sold on this tip.

Some felt it took just as much time as folding towels (if not more). Visually, folded towels just have a certain charm that rolled ones seem to lack. Something we can all agree on though - rolling things totally saves suitcase space for trips!

Wood Shelves > Wire Shelves? Maybe Not...

At first glance, switching wire shelves for wood seems like a big upgrade. Way more durable, with zero stuff slipping through cracks, and c’mon...it just looks sharp.

But hold up! Multiple readers reported the wood shelving actually sacrificed precious storage space, especially in pantries. And dropping potentially $300+ on a makeover? Mmm no thanks. One savvy reader used plastic lining to make wire shelves flat for only $35 bucks! Now that’s a shelfie hack I can get behind.

Let’s Talk About Decanting...

Okay, try saying “decanting” five times fast. I dare ya! This tip suggested transferring food from boxes and bags into clear containers. Makes your space look tidy AF plus you can easily see what’s left in your pantry.

But yeeaahh readers brought up some solid counterpoints here:

1. Stuff doesn’t always fit neatly into containers.

2. It’s confusing as heck to mix up salt and sugar.

3. Those expiration dates get lost realll quick once products leave their packaging.

I say we take the L on this one.

Keep Grocery Bags Off Counters? Yes And No...

Germaphobes may want to sit down for this one! The logic here was that grocery bags pick up all kinds of icks from car trunks and being placed on the ground. So putting them on your counters spreads more germs than a kindergartner with the sniffles.

Understandable argument!

But most folks thought a simple wipe down of surfaces after unpacking groceries did the trick just fine. No need to create extra work here!

Scrub The Sink Daily With Comet? Think Again!

Apparently giving your sink a daily scrub with Comet powder after washing dishes keeps it grime and stain-free! But people came in hot on this tip!

That stuff is way harsh for sinks, especially stainless steel, and could scratch surfaces. Plus it’s not so great to inhale on the reg.

Most agreed the same sponge + soap combo that cleaned dishes works fine for sinks too! No need to break out extra cleaners.

Hanging Shelves For Closet Clutter? Mehhh

Outta closet space? No prob! Just hang a collapsible shelf organizer for your folded stuff! Easy storage that you can take on the move when you switch spaces!

Cute idea but not everyone was fully convinced.

These organizers seem kinda flimsy for holding much weight before sagging. Sturdy baskets or bins seemed like a better bet for most. Plus who really wants to fold and hang clothes if we don’t absolutely have to?? Not me, that’s for sure!

After breaking down the top debates, I’m curious which tips you agree (or disagree!) with. Drop your cleaning hot takes in the comments!

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