Discarding Unneeded ItemsOnce a month go through all of your drawers and closets for discards. Put discards in a box for donation or to sell at a garage sale. If for a garage sale, make sure you price things as you pack them. It will make your sale much easier.
Cleaning My Chimney?Does anyone know how to clean creosote out of my chimney? Does stuff like Red Devil work?
Chocolate Stains on Rugs?Does anyone know how to get chocolate and wine stains out of rugs? Or a good universal carpet stain remover?
Cleaning Your Sink But Allergic to Cleaning ProductsIf you are allergic to cleaning products, use baking soda to clean your sinks with. It works great!
More Water Softening Problems?The hardness of our water tested at 20 grains. Best advice seems to be to install a water softener. Since neither sodium or potassium is acceptable in husband's diet we were advised to install softener on hot water only. Is this a viable solution? Is there a better way?
Grease/Oil Stains on Asphalt?Can anyone tell me how to get grease/oil removed from asphalt? I've heard kitty litter works, but some of the stains could be as old as 5 months. Thanks a bunch.
Getting Tape off Wooden Furniture?Does anyone know how to get Scotch tape and brown tape off wooden furniture? It is impossible to peel off now. Thanks.
Ink Stains Off Paneling?Help! I am trying to clean a pen mark and permanent ink mark off of paneling in a manufactured home. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Interesting Old Cleaning TipsHere are some age old cleaning tips about wallpapering, fixing gouges and scratches in wood furniture, door mats and repairing rugs.
Charcoal and Mothballs?When we visit in Florida you find little trays of charcoal under the beds or couch. Also they use moth balls all over the place. Does anyone know really if all that is necessary? or why?
Ink Cleaner/Remover?All Ideas are welcome. IS there any safety ink-cleaner
emover, makes this old (chaired)man happy again?.
My grand father (65 yrs) is an old typewriter, and still using the mechanical-style printer with newspaper ink. And because oldness, he makes a lot of typing mistakes,
May any one help?
- Amayruee
Kitchen Counter Tops?Does anyone know how to shine up a dingy counter top? After regular everyday cleaning and wiping with a kitchen spray, my kitchen counter is dingy and streaky. I would like it to not look so dull but new and shiny. Any suggestions?
Characteristics of ChromeChromium is a hard blue-white metal with a brilliant luster that is generally used to plate other metals. Examples of use of chromium are car bumpers and handles, plating on appliances such as toasters, electric fry pans, and coffeemakers, and handles on ranges and refrigerators.
Black Skirt/White Sofa Help!I sat on my off white sofa with my black skirt. OH No I noticed a few minutes later the black dye rubbed off onto my sofa ....HELP . What can I do to wash it off I really don't have a clue.
- Sue the Hummingbird
Healthier Cleaning Cleaning Can Be Hazardous To Your Health. Please don't use bleach to clean with. It is being linked to Cancer, Asthma and other illnesses. Vinegar, Baking Soda and Tea Tree Oil are super natural cleaners which can't hurt you or your family or your pets.
Wallet Stain on Khaki Pants?I got wet while wearing my clothes (khaki pants) and my leather wallet stained my pants. Any tips on removing the stain? Thanks
- David
Cleaning Griddle?I have a griddle that I can use in my Whirlpool cooktop in place of the glasstop burners. I cannot find any thing that will clean it. Can you help?
Help, Chlorine Stained My Shirt.I bought a new shirt. unfortunately, I washed it yesterday and chlorine stained my shirt. what can I do? Please help...
Post your ideas online or email them to us.
How do I remove gum from a dolls hair?Somehow, one of my daughter's dolls got gum in its hair. Anyone have any ideas for removing it? Who would have thought that dolls chewed gum? :-) Thanks, Sandy.
Post your ideas online or email them to us.
Caring for CopperDecorative items should be kept clean and dusted. Copper is sensitive to air, and oxidizes (tarnishes) faster in moist air.
Cleaning or Washing Off Mold?Looking for home made product for cleaning or washing off mold growth as in weed killer.
Dead mice in my new car!I would really appreciate any help that you can give me. we just purchased a new (to us) minivan. We got it from a family that lived on a farm, and when we went to look at it and brought it home, the windows were down, so we really didn't think anything of the smell, as it wasn't that bad and we were on a farm.
Slime Mold Problems?I have a landscaped area that faces the north along the side of the house. I just put cedar mulch down this year around my hostas. We have had an unusual amount of rain this July in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It hasn't had a chance to dry out there. From looking at pictures of slime mold that looks like dog vomit (grayish in color and becomes a black powder when struck by a broom), I believe that is what I have. My concern is that it is close to the cinder block foundation and appeared to be heading up the vinyl siding of my house. Is there cause for concern that it is getting between the vinyl and the foam insulation of the house. I just cleaned that area with a 50/50 solution of water and bleach. Please advise.
Removing Water Stains from Old Wallpaper?I was wondering what if anything could be done to remove water stains from wallpaper? I cannot replace the stained section as they do not make the pattern anymore (antique victorian).
Stickiness on Kitchen Floor?Hi,
No matter what we try, we cannot get rid of the stickiness on the kitchen floor. It is linoleum and we've tried coat after coat of everything from soapy water to PineSol, and nothing works. What can you suggest?
Lisa
Removing Liquid Rollerball Pen Ink?I got ink from a liquid pen on my jeans. Nail polish remover isn't helping. Any advise?
Wine Stain Off a Wall?How do you get a wine stain off a wall?
Air Purifier Recommendation?I am looking at buying an air purifier. I am thinking about the one from sharper image. Anyone have any advice on what works for them?
Mothball Smell in Condo?I have just bought a condo, and the smell of moth balls is wicked, I have removed everything in condo, all furniture, carpets, and stripped the wall paper. I have placed air fresheners in every room (some rooms have more than one) and have aired the house out day and night for a week. Does anyone have any suggestions?PLEASE!
Removing Steak Sauce Stain From a Prom Dress?I need to know how to get a steak sauce stain out of my prom dress.
Sticky Situation: Cleaning Syrup off My Dress?A waitress spilled warm syrup all over my dress. The dress is now all stuck together. How can I wash it out completely?
Joanne
Cleaning the filter on a vacuum.I bought a used vacuum cleaner and love it but it has a filter on it that is really dirty. I was wondering if there is a way I can clean the filter so that I don't have to go out and buy a new one right now? The vaccum is a bagless one that has the canister that catches the dirt and the filter I'm referring to fits down inside the canister. Thanks for any ideas!
Burnt Tea Bag in Pot?Hey everyone! I have burnt some tea bags in one of my favorite pots and was looking for a way to clean it. Any thoughts would be great.
Thanks,
Katie in SC
Color-Matching NylonsGood nylons that don't have a match can be made the same color by boiling them a few minutes in a pan of lightly salted water.
Stained Shirt?I have these new shirts that I got. They are baseball shirts. I made these dumb Iron On logos I was going to put on them. When I ironed them on, the melted to the shirt! it lookes really dumb. I want to know what I can do to get rid of the logo. I like the way the shirt fits me, so I want to keep it. How can I get rid of the logo?
Andrew Steele
Getting Tar out of Jeans?How do i get tar out of my jeans?
Violet
Better Smelling DrawersTuck fresh bars of fragrant soaps in lingerie drawers, it smells great and soap hardens and will last longer when used.
Prune Stained Sheets?HELP ME! My daughter has a problem with constipation. I asked the doctor about it, he said try prunes. Well i did and put her down for the night and when I went to get her in the morning. Her diaper had exploded all over her sheets. Can anyone help me? I have tried Shout, Dawn, and Baking soda. Please someone help me. Thanks, Katie in SC
Getting Cigarette Smell out of a Basket?I recently received a lovely basket that, unfortunately smells like cigarette smoke. Does anyone know of a way to rid it of that nasty smell without damaging the basket?
Rennie from NY
Steam Iron Leaving Black Streaks on Clothing?How can I clean the inside of my steam iron. It is putting a black streak on my white shirts. Help
Charlie Tucker
Removing Reusable Glue out of Wool Pants?I got some of the reusable wax like glue on some wool pants and unfortunately it got sent to the cleaners before I could scrape it off. It came back looking like it melted through I'm not sure what I should do can someone help me.
Vaughn in the Bahamas
Ink Stain on Khaki Pants?Does anyone know of any good ideas on how to get black (pen) ink out of khaki pants? Thank you!
Dirt Stains Off Leather Boots?I want to know how to clean old dirt stains off leather boots. I would appreciate it if someone would tell me about it.
C.G
Wrinkles Out of Baseball Uniforms?How do I get wrinkles out of overdryed baseball uniforms? They are probably made of a polyester blend.
Cleaning The Outside of Magnalite Pots?I am looking for something to clean the outside of my magnalite pots. There is years of build up on them. Please help.
Furniture Damaged by Cat Pee?To my horror, I have found the back leg of one of my dressers drenched with cat pee or spray. What is the best way to take this kind of stain? The back of the dresser isn't not finishes the same way as the rest of it so it has really soaked in.
Thanks,
Lauren
Removing Burn From Glass?How can I clean a burn mark on glass (a roll of kitchen paper fell against a light covered by a piece of glass)?
Gill from London
Removing Nail Polish from a Dolls Face?My mother has a doll that is at least 50 years old, when I was a little girl I got into my mom's nail polish and decided to paint the doll's eyes and some of her face. What I would like to know is this... Would it be ok to use polish remover on this doll or would it destroy it, and if this would do damage to the doll then is there something out there that I can use to remove it?
Wendy from Missouri
Cleaning an Old Kilim?I have an old kilim that I bought at the flea market. I wonder how to clean it. I'm afraid of the colors running or that it may shrink.
Any ideas?
Crib Pad Melted in Dryer on Clothes?Hi, I am desperate! A babies crib pad melted in my dryer and the "plastic" stuff is all over everything. I've tried quite a few things to get it off. WD-40, Fantastic, Goo Gone and even paint thinner. All brand new baby clothes... I've been working on and off for two days trying to find something that would work. I've rewashed everything twice now (didn't put anything back into the dryer!) and it's not budging. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!! Thanks! PS: Do you think a dry-cleaner would have something that would work?
katparrott
Tell the Dry Cleaner Everything About Spots on ClothingIt is costly to ruin an expensive piece of clothing by cleaning it improperly. If you have tried to remove a spot before taking the garment to a dry cleaner, make sure you let the cleaners know what you have already tried.
Cleaning Old Stained Quilt Blocks?I was given some very old quilt blocks with some stains, perhaps water or age from the drawer and they are beautiful. Can you folks tell me how to save these beauties and clean them properly. Thanks. Big Fan.
Follow Care Instructions on ClothingBecause of the different finishes and dyes used by clothing manufacturers, it is difficult to generalize about which fabrics can be hand washed. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Pink Stain in Toilet?I have this pink stain as a ring around the top of my water line in my toilet bowl. I have tried bleach tank drop ins with no success. Is there an effective tank drop in for these stains? I don't like those kind that hang on the side of the bowl and i don't like scrubbing those stains away every day either!
Dengo
Cleaning Glass for LessUse regular rubbing alcohol. Just a couple drops on a cotton ball, paper towel, or rag will clean any glass squeaky clean with no streaks for less than pennies per use.
Greasy Finger Marks on Stained Wood Doors?Can anyone give me a solution for greasy finger marks on a stained wood door?
George
How can I get white shoe polish off a black motorcycle jacket?I picked up the most perfect fitting, broken in black motorcycle jacket for FREE at the flea market last weekend; only thing is, someone decided to get creative and took what looks to be white shoe polish to it...the fringe, the belt, the epaulets. I want to save this jacket, please help! Thanks!
Julie from California
Shower MaintenanceWipe down your shower each time with a chamois cloth and you will have a sparkling shower every time. Only a gentle cleaning is then necessary once a week if you do this.
Donna
Saving Soap PadsYou can store your used soap filled steel wool pads in the freezer to prevent them from rusting. Rinse them, then squeeze out excessive water, and place in small leak proof plastic bag. When it's time to use, wet it. It will thaw out in a short amount of time.
Homemade Steamcleaner Solution for Oil StainsMy husband is a mechanic and sometimes he tracks oil into the house, forgetting to remove his shoes. I have found that degreaser (like Havoline) at Walmart or the dollar store works on carpets. I add a capful of it to very hot water in the well, then I add 1/2 cup of Pine-sol.
Dried Stains On Cotton Shirts?I have a huge problem: Every one of my shirts (which are cotton) are stained (usually with food stains, grease mostly) and the stains have been dried in.
I have never used a spray like shout before now. I found one at the dollar store, and it worked on a stain that wasn't that old, but did not work on older stains.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Musty Smells on Wool?I recently bought a lot of wool fabric at auction on ebay, it was mentioned that the fabric was rescued from a wet basement, but i can't remember what method my grandmother used for removing this odor from wool. These are uncut pieces for sewing, can anyone help? Ebay Addict
Strip Wax from Asbestos Tile?How do you strip wax from Asbestos tile?
Removing Super Glue from Conference Table?How can i get super glue off our conference table at work?
Sheets Have Little Balls of Lint After Drying?Help. I have sheets for my daughters room (disney) and it seems that in (one area only) the sheet material has balled up and is rough to lay on. I know that if it had lint I would take tape and go over the area and that would remove it. But does anyone know the best way to remove these little balls from the sheet without damage.
- ty
Making Sure Clothes Are Really Clean?Hi. I wondered if any other readers have any ideas for making sure that their laundry is not only washed, but also disinfected. I had been using cold water and detergent for colors, and warm water for whites--until I began working at a local hospital. I want to make sure that I'm killing any harmful microorganisms that are on my clothes when I get home. I have started using hot water with bleach for my whites, which should help--but can anyone give me any tips for colors (what water temperature, best kind of detergent, etc.). Any suggestions will be appreciated.
teddygirl
Charcoal Colored Formica with Faded Stain?Hi,
My formica countertop has a faded stain on it. It appears to be bleached out. I have gone to Home Depot and they tell me there is nothing I can do. I find this hard to believe that there is not a product to buy, maybe a stain or touch up marker to darken it. Please help me.
Thank you
Ms. Fletcher
Sweat Odor in Room?Can anyone help? My 9 year old son sweats really bad a night while asleep. It leaves an oder in his room. I wash his bedding twice a week and vacum daily with carpet freshener. Does anyone have any advice for me. Thank you
Channon From N,Y
Getting Mold Stain Out of a White Shirt?I was wondering if any one has had to get a mold stain out of a white shirt if so please contact me at moonb203 (at) hotmail (dot) com and let me know how you got it out if you did thank you.
Bambi from Illinois
Stained Swim Suit?I have a red and white swim suit and went tubing in a river...the river was pretty gross, and it stained the white parts of my suit with a brown color. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks:)
Amy From Wisconsin
Keeping a Leather Lounge Soft?Could someone recommend an inexpensive way to keep my leather lounge clean and soft? It seems to be drying out, and I fear that it will begin to crack.
Julie Dunkley
BUNDABERG, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Line Dry for Longer Lasting ClothingI very rarely dry my cotton clothes, (jeans, t shirts, or any other non-permanent press items) in my dryer. I hang them on the line, and find that they last much longer that way. I have t-shirts that are ten years old and still look new.
Ironing Stain?I need information on how to clean a 100% cotton blouse that was ironed with an iron that was too hot. The blouse is white with these instructions: "Machine wash separately in cold water. Use non-chlorine bleach only when necessary. Tumble dry low, warm iron. A friend ironed an item of clothing, then ironed my blouse, not observing the instructions. Can anyone tell me how to get the black stain out?
Black Ink on Hunter Green Pants?I got Ink on a pair of huntergreen pants and it's jet black ink, how should you treat it?
Trev
Cleaning My Room!Can you help me help clean my room I can't do it.
-Dinmond
Melted Caramel on Car Seat?My three year old had a bag of caramel candy. She left it in my car on one of our hot days and it melted on my seat. How do I get this sticky mess up?
Catina Chavous
Hand Stripping FurnitureDirections for HAND Stripping.
Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles or glases, and skin protection. Stay out of the direct sun and stay protected from wind or strong drafts if working outside.
Make a Dusting ClothKeep furniture clean with treated cloths that gather dust instead of scattering it. Coat the inside of a small screw-top jar with a few drops of furniture polishing oil or wax; place a clean, lint-free cloth in it. Cover tightly and leave overnight. The cloth will absorb just enough oil or wax to dust and polish at the same time.
Fantastik Oxy Power Spray on Laundry StainsI have found using Fantastik Oxy Power spray on laundry stains works wonders. I am able to use it on everything. It also works well on carpet without damage. I love the fact I can buy one bottle and get so many uses out of it.
By Chris Blaylock
Cleaning Brake Fluid Off Pavement?I recently moved into a new area which seems like a new planet. We are on a roll lately with problems and have already annoyed a neighbor. All of that aside My sister came to visit and her brake line busted and spilled brake fluid all over the place and I have no clue how to remove it from the pavement. I really do not want any more complaints so if any one has a clue please let me know.
Jen from Michigan
Sanitizing a Used Couch?Anyone have any tips on sanitizing a used couch I'm receiving? It's a white couch and bleaching it will turn it yellow. It's been in someone's garage for a year but it's in nice condition... I just want to make sure it's sanitized.
Thanks!
Jessica
Gummy Spots on Countertops?My kitchen countertops are gummy and sticking. I have tried everything to get them to come clean. It is not all over the counter, but in spots. Can you please help me get them clean and let me know what caused this, so I can make sure it doesn't happen again.
Thanks,
Diana
Cigarette Odors in CarThis is an old used car dealers trick. Take a 2 lb can of any type ground coffee and cut up two onions in big chunks, mix this with water in a large metal boiling pot, like the kind you cook pasta or corn on the cob. Put it in the back seat and roll up the windows and let it bake in the sun for 1 day.
Getting Leather Tanning Smell Out of Leather Jacket?How do you get that very strong leather tanning smell out of a leather jacket?
Marge
Cat Pee On Rucksack?I discovered the cat has sprayed on my rucksack the day before i go on holiday - i need it out tonight - any ideas, could I soak it in vinger and water?
Rob
Scratched Plastic Bath Tub?Anyone know what to do about a plastic bath tub with surface scratches? The scratches used to show up in white which was not too noticable, but now they have darkened. Thanks, Julia
Removing Truck Grease from Cotton Pants?I have grease or oil from a pickup truck on my beige 100% cotton pants. How can I get this stain out on the first try without ruining my pants?
Pine Sap on Porch Glider Cushion?We have a new porch in the front of our house and recently purchased a glider so we can enjoy our new landscaped front yard. Our problem is a large (several stories high) pine tree is over part of the porch and sap is falling on the glider cushion. I've already ruined one pair of pants. Need solutions for regularly removing the sap from the cushion. There must be some home remedy.
Jay in MN
My Fake Leather Couch Leaves stains on Clothes!I've got an amazing fake leather couch set that has reclining chairs and a foldaway bed that's been sitting around unused for awhile in a storage warehouse. The problem is that the couch every so often will leave stains on the backs of shirts and sometimes pants. I've tried all-purpose cleaner and leather cleaner to minimal effect. Please help me with ideas!
Greg
Removing Latex Paint from Copper and Cement?How do you get latex paint off of copper door knobs and off of cement?
Thank you,
Maurice
Removing Dried Egg from Egg Poacher?I can't get the dry egg out of my egg poacher wells, any suggestion?
Thanks,
Brigid
Cleaning Dry-Erase Board Erasers?Any suggestions for cleaning dry-erase board erasers? I have some real black ones.
Thanks,
Callie from Carolina
Washing Red Clothing in Well Water?Since I have lived in my home with well water, I have the strangest result when I wash red clothes. They come out of the washer with a dingy greyish-blue cast and darker striations on them. I have tried vinegar, salt, baking soda, water softener, and now I just give them to someone with town water, so they can do them for me. What is that all about? Other people in the neighborhood said they have the same problem, but they don't seem to be as bothered by it, it drives me nuts!
NinaL
Towel Bar HangerMy daughter had a very small bathroom with no room for storage. She hung a towel bar from the ceiling, attached to the studs. Then hung from it a hanger organizer that is meant to hang in a closet, but it worked very well.
Cleaning a Food Processor Bowl?I just ground whole cloves in my mini food processor and the bowl is cloudy and I can't get the smell of cloves out of it. Does anyone know how I can restore it to its original condition? Thanks!
Andrea
Hepa Filter for Vacuum?We were given a sweeper as a gift, it requires those hepa filters to be replaced. I have been putting it off because it is $20 or more for one filter. It is very dusty. Does anyone have a cheaper solution?
Washing Knives in the DishwasherNever get stuck by a knife again! When loading your dishwasher, place your sharp knives in the very back silverware space. This way you'll always know where they are and never reach in and get cut again.
By Harm0ny
Getting Smoke Smell Out Of Stroller?How do i get the smell of smoke out of a stroller? I bought a bike stroller from a smoking home and a home with cats. It stinks bad and I can't seem to get the smell out. Any suggestions?
Angelica from Virginia
How to Clean Chair Pads?How do you clean foam rubber removable chair pads for my dining room chairs?
Removing Shoe Dye From Carpet?I need a way to remove shoe dye from a carpet. Any suggestions? Help, help.
Thank you.
Janice from North Carolina
Water Stains on Antique White Delicates?I was recently given some white embroidery (placemats, tableclothes etc). These pieces were stored for many years in a closet in a house with a leaky roof, and as a result have beige/brownish water stains. I'd really appreciate any suggestions for getting rid of these stains so I can return this wonderful work to its former glory.
Thanks!
Anna in San Francisco
Removing Yellow Spots (Lime?) From FloorHi, we recently moved into a new apartment in Denmark, and the bathroom floor is really yellow. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but it looks a bit like pebbles set in clear resin or something, but it's extremely hard wearing. I get the feeling that the colour might be due to limescale (as we have very hard water here, and the limescale on the tiles was yellowy), but I'm not sure. I've tried bleach and limelite gel (separately) but neither seems to have helped. Any ideas?
Thanks, from Ida.
