To make this surface sparkle again (see ya, fingerprints), mix a solution of 1 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 quart hot tap water. Using a microfiber cloth, rub the detergent solution onto the marks in small sections (it will take Read more
Word to the wise: If the food from your plates doesn’t make it out of your machine, it might start to smell (yuck). So remove food bits from around the filter (below the lower spray arm), then pop it out Read more
Sticky kitchen grime is a mix of dust and grease that’s invisible until it builds up. Run the exhaust hood over your range every time you cook to keep grease from settling. Do an extra pass around door and drawer Read more
Removing pesky pet hair from upholstery and drapes is tedious, and cleaning a lint brush is a nightmare. But all you need are rubber gloves to rid your furniture of fur — just pull on your traditional gloves, dampen them Read more
Like your lamp shades and drapes! Put your dryer to work and toss drapes, curtains, and even throw pillows in the dryer for 15 minutes on the “air-only” cycle, then rehang immediately to prevent wrinkles. Another spot to tackle? Your Read more
You’ll trap the most dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside. But if they’re dirty, they won’t do the job: Hose off and air-dry mats, and vacuum indoor ones on both sides — vacuuming the Read more
Wait for an overcast day and start on the shady side of the house: Direct sun may dry the cleanser before you can wipe it off, leaving streaks. And use vertical strokes on one side of a window and horizontal Read more
To get rid of odors, drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt and a few ice cubes. The lemon deodorizes, and the ice and salt clean away residue. Or try Disposer Care (Amazon.com), which is specifically designed for the job.
Keep the heart of your kitchen clean by lining the bottom with a nonstick oven liner. It can be wiped with a paper towel, put in the dishwasher, and reused over and over.
Always begin on the right side of your stove, then move clockwise around the room. The stove is typically the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps you from spreading dirt and grease. (First, soak drip pans Read more