There's a Wrong Way to Dust? And 5 Other Cleaning Mistakes

Mistake No. 1: Washing Windows on a Sunny Day

A gorgeous spring morning may seem like the perfect time to wash your windows. But doing the job when it's sunny out is a bad idea, since the windows will dry too quickly and probably streak. An overcast day is better, says Cindy LeBow, founder of Great Green, an environmentally friendly cleaning service in New York City. LeBow makes a solution from 2 ounces of vinegar, 20 ounces of water and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Using a microfiber cloth (instead of a sponge) will ensure that you don't use too much cleaning solution—it should coat the windows but not splash down them. Donna Smallin, author of The One-Minute Cleaner, says a squeegee will make the job a lot easier too (run it over the windows after you wash with a cloth).