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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
Keep kids safe by storing laundry products carefully, paying attention during use and disposing of products properly. For a healthy and safe laundry routine, follow these guidelines each and every day.
Store laundry products carefully for safety.
Keep laundry products out of the reach of children and pets, especially liquid laundry packets.
Remember to keep products in their original container with the original label intact and immediately put them away in a secure location…
February 8, 2019
Exterior cabinets (refrigerator/freezer, range, dishwasher) can be scratched. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Porcelain finishes on cooking surfaces can become discolored from acidic spills, such as tomato sauce. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth. Never wipe a hot porcelain surface with a damp cloth as cracking and chipping can occur. Allow cooking surfaces to cool before cleaning.
nonabrasive, all-purpose cleaner liquid kitchen wax to clean and protect the surface
Interiors (refrigerator/…
December 5, 2018
Stainless steel has made the move from commercial kitchens to the favored finish in many of today's sleekest residential kitchens (and in the laundry room, too). But in a busy household, spots, streaks and sticky fingerprints can quickly mar its lustrous look.
But aesthetics aren't the only reason to keep stainless steel clean. Although consumers think of stainless steel as a finish that will last a lifetime, that's not entirely true. Its hard, oxide coating protects the surface…
December 5, 2018
Q: We have a wood cutting board that we use for everything. What's the best way to clean it? Would it be better to get a plastic one?
A: Wash your cutting board with dish soap and hot water after each use. Rinse with clear water. Air-dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. Note that some nonporous cutting boards, including acrylic, plastic or glass, can also be washed in the dishwasher.
If the cutting board was used for uncooked meat, fish or poultry, sanitize it after…
March 11, 2019
Q: My summer resolution was to make sure my kids get plenty of outdoor exercise. In addition to limiting their indoor activities, as a family, we've been doing lots of weekend picnicking and hiking. The downside is that our clothes are full of grass, dirt and sweat stains. How do I get rid of them?
A: For grass stains, pretreat the stains with a prewash stain remover or rub liquid laundry detergent into the stains. Launder, using the hottest water that's safe for…
March 11, 2019