9 Things You Can Stop Scrubbing Right Now

Not everything in your house needs to be scrubbed like you’re prepping for surgery. Some surfaces can actually be damaged by aggressive cleaning, while others respond better to a different method altogether.

If you’re spending way too much time elbow-deep in cleaning supplies for things that don’t need it, you’re not alone. These are the areas you can officially take off your “scrub until it shines” list.

Painted Walls

Unless something is visibly greasy or splattered, you don’t need to scrub your walls. In fact, scrubbing can wear down the paint and leave shiny or discolored spots.

Instead, use a damp microfiber cloth and gently wipe. For marks like crayon or scuffs, a magic eraser works better without damaging the surface. Save your energy and your paint job.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Scrubbing stainless steel can leave scratches that catch the light and look worse than smudges. You don’t need elbow grease here—just the right cleaner.

Use a microfiber cloth and a stainless-safe cleaner or even diluted vinegar. Wipe with the grain, not in circles. You’ll get a better result without roughing up the finish.

Glass Cooktops

It’s tempting to go after stuck-on spots with a heavy hand, but scrubbing too hard can leave permanent marks. These surfaces are sensitive.

Use a cooktop scraper and a cream cleaner made for glass stoves. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes first. Most of the mess will lift without a fight once it’s softened.

Wood Furniture

Scrubbing wood can strip the finish and leave it looking dull or patchy. Even water can do damage if it soaks in too deep.

Dust with a dry or barely damp cloth. For buildup or stickiness, use a little dish soap diluted in water and dry right away. Gentle care goes a lot further than scrubbing.

Grout That’s Sealed

If your grout has been properly sealed, you don’t need to scrub it regularly. Overdoing it wears down the sealant and makes it more prone to stains.

Stick to a mild cleaner and soft brush or cloth. You only need to deep clean grout every few months unless something major spills. Maintenance is smarter than scrubbing it down weekly.

Toilet Bowls (Every Day)

Unless you’re dealing with hard water or heavy buildup, you don’t need to scrub your toilet bowl every single day. It’s overkill and wastes cleaner.

A quick swish with the brush and an occasional deep clean is plenty. If you’re using toilet tabs or drops, those help reduce the need for constant scrubbing.

Ceiling Fans

Trying to scrub the blades while standing on a step stool isn’t worth it. It makes a mess, spreads dust, and risks smearing grime.

Use a pillowcase trick instead—slip it over the blade and pull the dust off in one swipe. It’s cleaner, faster, and you won’t get dust all over the room.

Inside the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is built to clean itself. Scrubbing it out every week doesn’t improve performance and might mess with delicate components.

Instead, run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a store-bought dishwasher cleaner once a month. Wipe the seals and trap, and you’re good. No scrubbing required.

Microwave Interiors

Baked-on food in the microwave is frustrating, but scrubbing doesn’t work well and can damage the coating inside.

Microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes. Let it sit with the door closed for another minute, then wipe everything down. Most gunk will come off without scrubbing at all.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.