Cleaning house may seem like a no-brainer. Dust. Sweep. Mop – and repeat every week or so, right?

Wrong! There’s a right and thorough way to clean – and a wrong way.

Cleaning mistakes are more common than you may think… and you could very well be making them.

From cleaning oven glass to keeping your carpet stain-free, there are lots of nuances when it comes to cleaning… and here are 4 common cleaning mistakes you could be making!

1. Cleaning Your Windows on a Sunny Day

When the sun is shining, it may seem like the perfect day to crack open your windows and give your house a good cleaning.

But you may want to hold off on cleaning your window glass for the next rainy day. The sun dries up window cleaner faster, leaving behind streaky residue.

So, what’s the proper way to wash your windows (on a cloudy day, of course)?

First, give your frame a thorough dusting with microfiber cloths. If you have window screens, give them a good vacuuming to eliminate built-up dust and dirt, too.

When it comes to cleaning your window glass, try homemade window cleaning solutions. They’re gentle and won’t leave streaks behind!

And while we’re on the subject of cleaning windows, you may want to check out this comprehensive guide to cleaning your car windows.

2. Cleaning Oven Glass with Windex

Unlike standard ovens, glass ovens require a particular cleaning regimen. And so many homeowners make the mistake of cleaning oven glass with basic Windex and paper towel.

If you’ve ever tried this, then you know what a streaky mess this can cause. Household cleaners can even disturb your allergies! So, what’s the best method for cleaning oven glass?

For a basic cleaning, a baking soda/warm water solution work wonders. This solution will form a paste that you can wipe onto your oven glass. After letting it sit for several minutes, wipe it away with a warm, damp rag – and voila!

For tougher stains, use a paper towel soaked in ammonia. The ammonia helps break down grime that’s built up over time. You can also use a razor blade to scrape away burn stains and apply the ammonia paper towel afterward.

3. Mistreating Carpet Stains

What do you do when you spill something on your carpet or your pet has an accident?

Your first instinct may be to spray cleaner directly on the stain. But this is a major cleaning mistake that can make stains worse and leave behind odors. So, what are some carpet cleaning tips when it comes to treating stains?

The proper way to treat carpet stains is to first spray cleaner on a cloth. Rather than rub or soak up the stain, dab it down with the cloth in a gentle motion. Do this until the stain dissipates, and then rinse the area with cool water.

4. Overlooking Kitchen Utensils & Cookware

Cleaning a cast iron skillet and your forks and spoons may seem easy peasy. But how you place these items in your dishwasher can make all the difference.

The best way to clean forks in your dishwasher is to leave them standing with the tines facing upward. Alternate the positioning of your spoons, with some facing down and some facing up.

When it comes to cleaning a cast iron skillet, you should never put in the dishwasher. Nor should you ever soak it with dish soap and water.

Clean your cast iron skillet immediately after use. Wash it with hot water, a sponge, and a brush. Don’t use wool or dish soap, either. You can clean tough grime with kosher salt and warm water.

Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes & Make Your Home Sparkle

Cleaning oven glass, as well as your windows, carpet, and utensils, may seem easy. But if you don’t clean them the proper way, you could be creating potentially bigger messes.

You may not have time to clean your home. Or, you may have neglected cleaning your home for too long… and now you have a big mess to clean up.

If you’re located in McKinney, Texas, Lemon Blossom Cleaning Services is happy to help. Contact us today and request a quote for our professional cleaning services!