10 signs you've taken your cleaning obsession too far

If you're planning to do a big tidy up this weekend, make sure you don't fall into these potential pitfalls

We're all want a spotless home, but with busy schedules, kids and pets it can be quite difficult to achieve. Most weekends are spent sorting and tidying in a desire to get our homes looking shipshape for the week ahead. Binning things, clearing that dust... It's all so satisfying and we salute your efforts - just beware of taking your decluttering too far. Clean is good, but an empty shell won't feel terribly homely. The over-cleaning bug can be hard to spot, so here are some of the signs to look out for...

Find out which rules it is ok to break when it comes to decorating? READ: 6 decorating commandments that were made to be broken

1. Your kitchen is so shiny that you can see your own reflection in the units

kitchen with white cabinet and microwave

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)

In order to keep it this way you have to wander around after everybody, cloth in hand, to get rid of their grubby fingerprints.

2. Every single shoe has to be stored out of sight

room with white cupboard and wooden ladder

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside)

You also have a strict no shoes policy indoors. And God forbid anyone who puts their dirty socks on your freshly vacuumed carpets!

3. Your bookcase is sorted in alphabetical order

And you get nervous if anyone moves any of the spines just slightly out of line.

4. Your child's toys and books have been used to create a pretty display

kids room with white walls vanity and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Louise O' Bryan)

But you know that it can't possibly stay that way once they get their mitts on everything.

5. You've carefully chosen barely visible new furniture

You have also streamlined all your accessories. Fewer possessions means a lot less dusting!

6. You've taken colour coding to a whole new level

room with open shelf and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/ James French)

These bookshelves are a dream!

7. You're afraid to step inside your front door incase you ruin the minimalist feel

main entrance with wooden door and white walls

(Image credit: TBC)

After all, everything has to be perfect.

8. You're considering ditching the only piece of furniture in your space

room with fire stove white wall and wooden flooring

(Image credit: TBC)

Minimalism at its finest.

9. You're scared to stain your perfectly white worktops

kitchen with white worktop and butler sink

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

In fact you barely cook because you are worried about a dirty oven, stained splashback and greasy extractor fan.

10. You'd move the bath safely out of sight if you could just fit it into the cupboard

bathroom with bathtub white walls and wooden flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

Slightly farfetched?

How many of these statements describe you?

Deputy Editor

Jennifer is the Deputy Editor (Digital) for Homes & Gardens online. Prior to her current position, she completed various short courses a KLC Design School, and wrote across sister brands Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, Country Homes & Interiors, and Style at Home.