10 Things You’re Probably Cleaning Wrong, According to a Cleaning Expert

Never use a soaking wet mop to clean hardwood floors, or allow any liquid to sit on hardwood floors. “The worst thing you can do is let water puddle on the floor,” says Forté. Too much water can cause wood to swell, warp, or discolor—it can even cause mold growth.

THE RIGHT WAY: Use a spray or damp microfiber mop to clean dirt, grime, and food spills on hardwood floors. Dry any remaining liquid with a dry mop or absorbent cloth.

RELATED: The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors

Laundry mistakes—like overloading the machine and using too much detergent—mean your clothes aren’t getting clean. Cramming too many clothes into the washing machine will prevent your clothes from a through wash, plus it can strain the motor. Meanwhile, too much detergent can leave a residue on clothes.

THE RIGHT WAY: Don’t overload the washing machine and always measure your detergent. You should be able to fit one hand in the drum and still have a little room to move it around.

Don’t spray glass cleaner directly onto the mirror—it’ll likely drip before you have the chance to wipe. Forté says to ditch the circular motion, because it generates static that attract dust.

THE RIGHT WAY: To clean a mirror without leaving streaks, spray cleaner onto a cloth or towel. Then, wipe your mirror using an S-shape motion, starting from the top and working your way down.

Most of us aren’t cleaning our water bottles enough (every day is recommended), and you might be failing to target all of its crevices. “Mold can grow under silicone pieces if they’re not removed and allowed to dry completely,” says GHI Kitchen Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou.

THE RIGHT WAY: Dissemble all pieces of the water bottle before cleaning. Pay special attention to the mouthpiece. “I always give my straws a good once-over with a straw brush to remove any buildup,” says Papantoniou.

If your stainless-steel appliances look streaky or scratched, you might be cleaning them wrong. All-purpose cleaners are likely to leave behind streaks, while an abrasive scrubber can damage the finish.

THE RIGHT WAY: “To avoid scratches and streaks, always use a cleaner specifically made for cleaning stainless steel,” says Forté. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe with the grain.

RELATED: 9 Best Stainless Steel Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts

Don’t waste time scrubbing soap scum, hard water mineral deposits, or mold and mildew on your plastic shower curtain. There’s an easier way: toss it in the washing machine.

THE RIGHT WAY: Wash plastic shower curtains on a warm, delicate cycle, or for very dirty liners a hot, short cycle adding in some bleach (for clear or white liners) and some old towels for scrubbing action. “At the end of the cycle, place the liner in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes to remove excess moisture,” says Forté. Never leave it unattended while it’s in the dryer. Hang it up to finish drying.

It’s important to keep screens clean, but certain techniques—like cleaners with harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges—can cause damage. And, you should never spray a cleaner directly onto a screen.

THE RIGHT WAY: Use a cleaner specifically made for electronics, whether it’s a pre-moistened wipe or dry cleaning cloth.

RELATED: 8 Best Screen Cleaners for Every Device, Tested by Cleaning Experts

Cast iron pans don’t require a lot of maintenance, but they require specific maintenance. Never ever soak your cast iron pan, or put it in the dishwasher.

THE RIGHT WAY: Wash cast iron with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Scrub gently with a stiff-bristle dish brush, and rinse. Heat it over the stove until dry, then rub a small amount of oil on the pan using a paper towel. Instead of washing with water, you can also use kosher salt and a wooden spatula to scrape away stuck-on bits.

RELATED: How to Clean and Reseason a Cast Iron Skillet

The most common mistakes when cleaning windows: doing it on a sunny day. “Do this job in the blazing sun and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks,” Forté says.

THE RIGHT WAY: Wash your windows on an overcast day when windows are cool to avoid streaks.

RELATED: How to Clean Windows and Prevent Streaks, According to Cleaning Experts