Housekeeping Cleaning Tips

If you had an incident in your home that left your interior smelling of smoke, the first thing you need to do is air out the smokey areas. Even once the visual appearance of smoke is gone, there are still particles and smelly air that can keep your home smelling burnt.

You may see bugs come out of your drain because they either entered through a pipe or hid within the drain. Some bugs, such as flies, are drawn to sink and shower drains and even reproduce in them. This is mostly common with clogged drains, as they provide plenty of cover for mating and nesting.

I don’t know about you, but I despise vacuuming. Thankfully, in the effort to live like the Jetsons, someone invented the Roomba. Now we can have a hands-off approach to cleaning our house!

If you do a lot of cooking, then you’ve probably come across Pampered Chef cookware before. This cookware is ideal for those who take cooking seriously, as this cookware is built to last, versatile, easy to clean, stain-resistant, and usually offered for an affordable price.

As someone who appreciates arts and has plenty of artist friends, I already know how bad art supplies can stain everything in sight. I mean, that’s what they are meant to do, right? Unfortunately, that’s only true when it’s on a canvas. When you have something like an oil pastel spill on your carpet, it’s normal to freak out. But, what on earth can you do with something this pigmented?

Any avid camper knows a decent sleeping bag costs a pretty penny. To give the bag a long life (and spare your wallet), proper care is a must.

If you’re anything like me, your coffee pot is one of the most important and utilized appliances in your home. With such busy schedules, we rely on the coffee that they brew to wake us up in the morning and keep us motivated throughout the day. Though, like all other kitchen appliances, they too need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Kittens are loving, adorable, and tiny, but they can make big messes. While they quickly adapt to litter boxes, you may have to clean a few messes before then. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to litter train a kitten.

It always seems like something is getting spilled on your carpet. It may seem like an easy-clean, but milk can leave a nasty smell even after it looks like it is gone. The person who said not to cry over spilled milk must not have noticed the lingering stench. We are going to help you get rid of that.

We all have heard about how great baking soda is for cleaning all sorts of things from dishes to teeth. In fact, many of us have been using it to clean stains out of the carpet, so why would we think that baking soda would leave a stain on the carpet? Well, it happens.

Kids these days have some very odd toys that they play with. Flarp is one of the weirdest. Actually, adults seem to like it too. It is just putty-like Silly Putty, but it makes a farting noise when you play with it. But Flarp is not so much fun when it is stuck in your carpet.

Wood floors can offer a lot as a counterpoint to carpeting. For one, hardwood floors can seriously decrease the amount of dust and other allergens in your home. Not only that but having hardwood floors can even add to the value of your home.

Mesh laundry bags are a must-have for washing your most delicate pieces of clothing. However, can you throw the same mesh laundry bag in the dryer afterward?

If you live in a house, the odds are good you prefer it to be clean. So, you likely have a regular cleaning routine and maybe even do a mega spring cleaning every year. Perhaps you devote time each day to tidying and cleaning specific areas.

If you were recently placed under a boil water advisory, this means that there’s a concern that your local water supply may be contaminated with pathogens. When this happens, you can no longer trust the water that comes out of your tap, including any appliances that are connected to your water supply. This includes your refrigerator and ice maker, but what about your dishwasher? Can you use the dishwasher during a boil water advisory?

You cannot legally leave your old furniture on the curb. It’s considered a hazard to put furniture on the street, and you can receive fines in some states and municipalities. There are exceptions to the rule if you call your trash collection service and request a large item pickup.

There are few items that are as notoriously unsafe for the dishwasher as a plastic tumbler. Even when you have a tumbler from Tervis, there’s a good chance that you might have concerns about using dishwashers to clean it off. But, Tervis is so durable! It should be able to be washed by a machine, right? Well, we decided to do a little research to find out the truth behind this issue.

You cannot establish rules with your roommates until you have a conversation. This is everyone’s chance to voice their opinions, concerns, and expectations. Make a mental list of talking points before the conversation to make sure you cover everything.

The average homeowner keeps bleach around to clean the house or even do laundry. There is no denying that bleach is an effective cleaner, but it is hard to get past the strong smell. So, what can you do if your house smells like bleach after cleaning?

Everyone loves peanut butter. Nourishing and delicious, it is the perfect sandwich filling, especially with jelly or jam. It’s a versatile ingredient for a number of dishes, ranging from classic cookies to the famous peanut sauces of Indonesia. However, when eating or using peanut butter, an accident may sometimes happen, and some could fall onto your carpet. If this happens, how do you clean it up?

Ah, new joys of parenthood. Lots of bottle filling, lots of new stains to get rid of, and tons of new things you never knew about keeping a good house. One of the first new stains you’ll run into as a parent is the awkward spill that happens if you drop diaper cream on a carpet. So, how do you get this stuff out of your pre-baby carpet?

Being a new mom is arguably one of the important jobs in the world. Without mothers, life simply does not exist!  It’s safe to say being a new mom is also one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Yet, nearly 87% of women become mothers. Thanks to the many women that came before, modern mothers just seem to know how to maximize each free second. What’s sleep? More importantly, can this go in the dishwasher?

When you buy a Coach purse, it’s an exciting purchase. It’s hard not to feel fancy sporting their signature Cs at an event or even for everyday wear. When owning a designer item like a Coach purse, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh and brand new. However, it is important to be careful when cleaning these bags to avoid unintended damage.  This raises the question, is it possible to wash a Coach purse in your washing machine? 

Wool is a natural material you should never put in the dryer. The heat and constant agitation inside a dryer can ruin wool products. A dryer can shrink, distort, and clump all wool items.

In recent years, memory foam has become the pillow material of choice because of its long lifespan. Memory foam pillows can either be one solid piece or shredded pieces of foam.

Why does my house smell like a permanent marker? This is the first question that will cross your mind when you notice the smell. However, before you start finding the reasons behind the smell, it’s best to remember that the odor is never a good sign, since it points to a problem somewhere in your house.

Cleats are used to play a variety of sports. When these are brand new, they’re pretty nice to look at and they even smell good too. But cleats don’t stay in good condition forever, as soon after they’re out of the box they’re hitting the mud or dirt and absorbing all the sweat from your feet.

It’s hard to get comfortable at home when your house smells musty. This is even harder when you struggle to track down the cause of the problem. So, what should you do when you can’t get rid of the musty smell in your house?

Getting dents in your carpet may seem unavoidable if you have heavy furniture. However, your carpet isn’t doomed to have dents forever, especially if you take preventative steps. Luckily, we have several easy tips for how to protect your carpet from heavy furniture.

You should never move a fish tank with water in it. A fish tank with water, decorations, equipment, and substrate is quite heavy. The combined weight of everything can crack the glass and create a huge, dangerous mess. Moving a tank with fish in it can also cause physical trauma, and they may even die.

Salsa is the most popular condiment in America, beating out ketchup and mustard. Did you know that? Well, it’s true. And knowing that, it’s fairly easy to see why salsa stains have become commonplace in dining rooms. What many people don’t know is that there’s a chance that you can remove the stain before it actually sets. But…how?

There are many reasons why a garment can only be washed by hand. It might be the fabric, the colors, or even how the garment was made. Washing duffel bags and backpacks often needs to be done by hand as well. Whatever the reason, if the tag says 'hand wash only,' make sure you wash the garment by hand, and use the tips below.

You can’t safely clean a self-cleaning litter box if it’s connected to power. First, locate the control panel and press the “power” button. The location varies between units, so check the instructions if you can’t find the control panel.

Most snow is tracked into the home from your shoes. Therefore, the best way to prevent it from reaching far into your home is to stop it where it enters. Most homes have doormats outside. In the winter, it’s wise to have mats on the inside of your home as well.

If there is one thing that seems to dry out my hands, it’s washing dishes in piping hot water. And sometimes, I forget my gloves. That’s why, on occasion, I get the urge to turn down the temperature so that I can avoid slathering my hands in super thick lotion. I still often wonder if it’s really safe, or if it’s effective.

Mildew smells damp, unpleasant, and pungent. When carpet smells of mildew, finding a solution is often high on most people’s priority list. If there is mildew on your carpet, you have a problem to solve. Luckily, you can get rid of it using a few household products.

Showerhead clogs can be caused by deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals in hard water, especially well water. This mineral deposit may block the canal, which will prohibit your showerhead from operating at full force. This is especially true in bathrooms and kitchens, hard water can leave off-white or brown stains on ceramic or glass surfaces.

Keeping your stovetop clean and free of food residue is an important step in kitchen maintenance. A dirty stovetop not only looks unsightly, but it can cause mold, damage the stove and even attract unwanted pests. If you have a coil electric stove or any stove with drip trays, you will notice that they look worse over time, But how do you know when it is time to replace your drip trays, and how often should you plan to switch them out with new ones?

Your Airbnb guest won’t leave a kind review if the bathrooms and kitchen in your home are dirty. Clean bathrooms and kitchens go a long way in making a great impression on your Airbnb guests. Deep clean these rooms as if you’re showing your home to potential buyers. 

Despite their status as one of the more popular brands for power tools, Bosch actually makes far more than that. As a matter of fact, they make a good deal of kitchen appliances as well. That includes dishwashers, which have become a favorite for homeowners.

For many people, the thought of straightening up their house sends shivers down their spine. They try everything they can to put it off, from diverting to Netflix binges to watching TikTok cat videos. But then, things pile up, making the idea of tidying up even more unbearable.

Coffee lovers often have a particular fondness for their coffee makers. That is no less true for those who use Keurig as their coffee maker of choice. Like every good coffee connoisseur or anyone who just likes good coffee, that often means  taking care of those coffee machines. That also leads to questions about things such as water filters and other coffee maker considerations.

One of the main reasons trash leaks is due to what’s inside the trash bag. Trash is meant for solids, not liquids. If you are dumping too many liquids in your trash, don’t be surprised if it leaks. All it takes is one tiny hole near the bottom of a trash bag to cause the contents to leak.

Cast iron stove grates are found in many homes and businesses these days. Often, when you’re cooking something—like boiling pasta—water will run over a pot and onto the stove grates, and when this happens repeatedly the grates can become dirty. Also, there are some things—like bacon for example—that will splatter no matter how hard you try to avoid this.

Zboxing remains a popular sport with many people actively engaged in boxing training and competition. Even training often involved sparring with an opponent. Frequent contact with sweat and other fluids can leave your boxing gloves dirty. Many boxers wonder if their boxing gloves can go in the washer for a quick and easy cleaning?

One of the most unfortunate parts about cooking is the cleanup process after the fact. When it comes to cleaning your blender, for convenience sake, you may be wondering: “Are blenders dishwasher safe?” Of course, every brand of blender is different, which means that each manufacturer has specific guidelines when it comes to washing.

You use your shower to get clean, so if any part of it’s gross, it feels icky instead of relaxing, and you say, “eww” more than “aah.”. If the shower floor starts to get scummy or grimy, it boosts the ick factor because you feel like you’re standing in filth. So what’s the best way to clean the shower floor so you’re not cringing while you’re washing up?

Kitchen cabinets can take quite a beating throughout their lifespan. They are constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations, dirt, dust, and grease. Not only is it difficult to keep them clean, but it’s hard to prepare them before you repaint or stain them. What is the best degreaser for kitchen cabinets?

As the coldest months of the year are approaching, owning a heated mattress pad becomes a necessity. They are ideal for cuddling up after a long chilly day, as they deliver maximum warmth on days that are so cold that you just want to stay in bed. Not to mention, they can help you remain at a consistent, comfortable temperature overnight thus improving your quality of sleep.

You must protect yourself before you can protect your home from mold after a flood. Floods can stir up harmful bacteria and materials that are dangerous to inhale. Ideally, you should protect your lungs with an N-95 mask to avoid breathing in dangerous materials. 

Since your pet can only walk into your home from one or two entrances, you must arm these entry points with mats. Place absorbent mats or an outdoor rug with bristles to help absorb mud and remove dirt particles from your pet’s paws and fur.

One of the best ways to upcycle your old books is to donate them to a charity of your choice. There are dozens of charities you can choose from, as many charitable organizations are looking to improve their libraries.

If you have taken the time to examine the toothcare aisle at your local pharmacy, you will likely notice that charcoal or baking soda is infused into more toothpaste than ever before. These two common ingredients are now in dozens of popular toothpaste brands, and with both stating they are great at removing stains and bacteria. But in a world with so many toothpaste options, you are probably wondering if either of these common ingredients are effective, and if so, which one is superior?

By the nature of their design, tarps keep the elements away, but they get grimy in the process. No one wants a mud-encrusted tarp sitting on their garage shelf. But how easy are they to clean? Can you put them in the washing machine?

Nothing is more entertaining to the kids as making crazy animals and other shapes out of colored dough. Play-Doh can keep your kids busy for hours. But it can also keep you busy trying to get the bright colored mess out of the carpet later. Maybe the kids should only play with Play-Doh in a room without carpet next time. But now you have a mess to clean up.

One of the best ways to keep your new refrigerator looking and working like new is by keeping it clean. This means you must wipe up spills as they occur, and also perform regular deep cleaning. Sticking to a cleaning schedule is the best way to ensure your fridge is well cared for.

Many of us instantly recognize the beautiful blue and white coloration and patterns on a piece of Corningware cookware. Not only are these dishes practical and easy to use, but they are beautiful too. Whether you have recently purchased your own Corningware or inherited some vintage Corningware from your family, you may be curious about the best way to clean your Corningware pieces after use.

The main reason fabric starts to smell bad over time is because it’s dirty. If you never wash your throw pillows, you shouldn’t be too shocked when they start smelling bad after a while. Throw pillows typically have a pillowcase you can remove and wash, as well as an insert you can wash. 

One of the best ways to keep your floors clean and free of sand or dirt is to institute a no-shoes-in-the-house policy. Believe it or not, wearing shoes in the home is frowned upon in many parts of the world. Many Asian countries, for example, do not allow the wearing of shoes in the home.

One of the most important parts of many people’s work clothing is a good pair of steel-toe boots. Not only do the boots protect your feet from falling objects, but they can also support your ankles and arches as you go about your day. Work boots are often subject to water in various ways and come home wet. Many people wonder if you can put your steel toes boots in the clothes dryer.