Avoid The Top 5 Cleaning Faux Pas

Some rules apply when it comes to cleaning...the right way.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning is that if you're not sure about how to clean something, it's best not spray it down right away. Most of us know the obvious (capital) don'ts, such as soaking knives in a sink full of sudsy water and wiping down sockets and electrical outlets with liquids. But we've found a few more cleaning must-nots after some digging that even we didn't know about and have been guilty of doing. Scroll down for our report on the biggest cleaning no-nos.


Cleaning with Air Conditioning on. It's summer and it's hot out. We're much better about ice-cold winds than we are about humidity. But as hard as it is, turning your air conditioner on while you clean means you'll have to keep the windows shut to keep the heat out. This means that all the dust and chemicals that are floating around in the air stay in the supposedly "clean" room, and you'll be breathing in it. Instead, bear the summer heat and crack open the windows when cleaning. Natural air is the way to go.

Using Heavy-Duty Scrubber Sponges. It makes sense when you think about it, but heavy-duty scrubber sponges can easily scratch surfaces, which then allows for stains to form. (This is especially true for dishware, but also for metal pots and pans.) If you're confronted with serious caked-on messes, let the dirty dish, pot or pan soak in soapy water for an hour. Then, use the smooth side of a sponge to wash the dish.

Trapping Fumes in Microwaves. While there are fancy cleaners just for the microwave, the best way to ensure your microwave is clean and odor-free is to use lemon and water. Wipe down the inside (including the roof!) with a damp cloth. Scrub as needed and make sure that all the food bits and stains are cleaned off. Then, wet a piece of paper towel and place it on the center plate. Turn on the microwave for 30-45 seconds. This will steam clean the vents. Then slice a lemon in half and put one half in the oven with the door slightly ajar to get rid of lingering smells.

Cleaning Windows During a Heatwave. Most of us are used to cleaning during the day, but if there's one thing you shouldn't tidy up in sunlight it's your windows. Window cleaners evaporate extremely fast in intense sunlight, which is where those annoying streaks come from.

Attacking Textile Stains. Whether it's from dirt or a cocktail, don't try to sop up a stain on a textile by repeatedly pressing a paper towel against the mess. This will just push the stain further into the fibers. Instead, blot from behind. Turn the textile over, place it on top of a few paper towels, and blot the backside of the stain using the cleaner of your choice.


For more cleaning tips, keep an eye out for our Daily Clean-Up tips for every room in the home.