Do you find that no matter what you do or how often you clean, your place never quite achieves the spic-and-span appearance that you crave? If so, it's high time you addressed the root of the problem. Here are just a few reasons why the results of your hard work might not be visible to the naked eye.

Poor Organization

Before you take any other steps, it's in your best interest to clear out as much clutter as possible. A cramped, disorganized room will always appear messier than a wide-open space, even when every possible speck of dirt has been removed. The first thing you should do is get rid of any items that aren't essential to the room they're in. If you can find a better place for them, do so. If not, it's time to do as Marie Kondo suggests—thank them for their service and move on. Once you've pared down your belongings, it's time to invest in shelving and drawer organizers to make sure everything stays in its place.

Materials

Did you know that different types of flooring require different cleaning techniques? You need to know how to care for your floors, no matter the material. If they're not cleaned properly, they can give the whole room a dingy appearance. Laminate flooring is near-impossible to damage. Simply dry-mop or vacuum the surface before running over it with a wet microfiber mop. Cork floors are more delicate and should be tended to with a natural cleaning solution (1/4 cup of white vinegar with warm water and a few drops of plant-based dish soap) before the microfiber mop is applied. For hardwood, you should determine whether the floor is sealed with polyurethane or wax, since even small amounts of moisture can damage waxed wood flooring.

Old or Outdated Fixtures

When was the last time you installed new heat registers? What about the light fixtures and chandeliers? You don't have to perform a full-fledged renovation, but you might want to think about updating a few appliances. Even putting new covers on light switches and power outlets can go a long way towards brightening up a space. One final tip: whenever you're cleaning, start from the ceiling and work your way down. Since all the dust and debris that falls off the ceiling fan is going to end up on lower surfaces anyway, it's best to save the floor for last.

Identifying the main issues with your home’s cleanliness is the first step to making your house as clean as you want it to be. Once you've gotten these core issues out of the way, you're bound to see a marked improvement after your next cleaning.

To keep your house extra clean, try these all-natural household cleaners!