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Q: We had a real tree for Christmas but now I am finding tree sap everywhere! What is the best way to clean mittens, coats and my carpet?
A: Rubbing alcohol can remove sap from washable clothing, knit gloves, and rugs, because it acts as a solvent.
For clothes, even a down coat, saturate the area with alcohol, let sit for a minute, then launder in warm water with regular detergent. Heat sets stains, so be sure all the sap is gone before using the dryer. Repeat the process if…
March 11, 2019
Q. American Heart Health Month has inspired me to use my treadmill (for exercise, not a clothes rack!) How do I clean it?
Keeping your treadmill and other exercise equipment clean is important for maintenance and safety. Fortunately, it’s easy. (Much easier than keeping up with a rigorous exercise routine.) Just follow these steps and you’ll be off and running!
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away sweat on the deck, handrails and conveyer belt after every use.
Once a week,…
February 8, 2019
Q: How do I remove greasy film from my granite counter tops?
A: Fill your sink with warm water and add two tablespoons of a mild dishwashing detergent. Dip a cloth into the soapy water, wring it out and wipe the counter top. Continue dipping and wiping until the greasy film is removed. Rinse the counter top with cool water and a clean cloth. Dry with a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and acid-based products such as those with lemon-based or vinegar-based ingredients.
March 11, 2019
Q: This year my resolution is to do a better job keeping my home clean and organized. Things always get so cluttered once the kids go back to school after the holidays. Do you have tips for how to start the year off on the right foot?
The New Year is a great time to reset your cleaning routines and put some new organizational systems in place. Here are my top five cleaning resolutions:
Make It a Family Project. Assign different family members specific areas that they’re in charge of tidying…
February 8, 2019
There’s no doubt about it: not only can clutter accumulate in your home, but it can seem to build up in your brain too. The more "stuff" that accumulates, the more daunting it can be to clean around it. And what’s more, the idea of purging your possessions can sometimes feel insurmountable. But reducing general clutter can be liberating and bring a breath of fresh air wafting through your living space. Here are some tips for paring down – which not only leave you with a cleaner house…
February 8, 2019
Your teeth are clean. But is your bathroom?
Whether your children are learning how to brush their teeth or water splashed and left spots, how do you keep the mirror clean? It’s wonderful that you’ve convinced your children to brush their teeth. But unfortunately, good oral hygiene often comes with a mess – toothpaste globs and schmears on the counter and mirror. Not to worry. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right product, your bathroom can look as good as new. (Until the next…
February 8, 2019
Q. Several family members just took up biking. We love the health benefits, but not the bicycle grease on our clothes. What’s the best way to remove it?
A. The easiest way is to pretreat the stain with a prewash stain remover and then launder, using the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric. Check to make sure the stain is gone before putting the clothing in the dryer. If the stain remains, apply a concentrated heavy-duty cleaner (one that’s labeled for use on grease stains…
March 5, 2019
Keeping clean and healthy when you are not at home is important. Get school cleaning resources, including tips for students and custodians.
Clean Hands at School
Kids get dirty, it's true... but cleaning your hands before eating and after using the restroom can help you stay healthy. Learn when, why and how you should clean your hands.
Hand…
December 6, 2018
How Does Cleaning Affect Your Health?
Personal hygiene and regular housecleaning are essential to good health and cleaning products can help. Frequent handwashing is key to preventing the spread of microorganisms (also known as microbes or germs) that cause many common illnesses. And regular cleaning of surfaces in the home removes dirt and food particles on which germs can grow.
In addition, cleaning and disinfecting products that contain an active antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredient…
December 5, 2018
What is the history of soap? And where did cleaning come from?
This history of soap is a long one, dating back thousands of years to Ancient Babylon. Humans have built on that knowledge to create the soaps and detergents we use to clean dishes, laundry, our homes and ourselves today.
Evidence has been found that ancient Babylonians understood soap making as early as 2800 BC Archeologists have found soap-like material in historic clay cylinders from this time. These cylinders were inscribed…
February 8, 2019