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Q. I have a really dirty carpet that I'm looking to get clean. What carpet cleaning can I try before calling in a professional?
The easiest way to have a clean carpet is to keep it from getting dirty, by taking off shoes and limiting bringing food in carpeted areas. Once there is a stain, deal with it quickly, using a carpet cleaner, and always make sure to dab at the stain to lift it out instead of rubbing it further…
September 25, 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…
February 8, 2019
Q. My child plays little league baseball, and his socks and uniform get so dirty. What’s the best way to clean them?
A. First, pretreat with a prewash stain remover. Look for a stain remover that contains enzymes to remove the grass stains. Then, launder in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric, using a bleach that’s safe for the fabric. Repeat procedure if necessary.
For dirt stains, brush off as much residue as possible. (If the dirt…
March 11, 2019
Q. The cold weather means I get to wear my favorite scarf. I noticed that it smells a little musty. What is the best way to clean it?
Wash it right – Most people never think to wash their scarves, they’re the bed skirts of fashion. But we wear them next to our skin, so they get oil and perfumes on them which can cause fabric damage. A scarf you wear most days should be washed every couple weeks especially during the cold season. And if you clip of the care label before tying…
February 8, 2019
Q. I’m motivated this year to do a massive spring cleaning but with little kids running around my home, I'm concerned about cleaning product safety. How should I be planning to clean safely?
A. We encourage parents to do spring cleaning in the absence of young children so that you can give it your full attention without distractions. Here are some additional safety tips —
Children are usually curious and explore all the new things they find around a household. Take…
March 11, 2019
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,…
March 11, 2019
Q. I try to keep my home clean while raising toddlers, but it’s not easy. They’re into everything! How can I keep my house clean and safe at the same time?
We understand, as a young mother, it’s tough balancing your cleaning routine, managing children’s busy schedules and all of the other things on your list. Children can be curious and may like to explore new things they find around a home. To help keep them safe and prevent accidents, teach your children at…
December 5, 2018
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
Practicing good hygiene is an important part of defending ourselves against the coronavirus. By and large, we have been cleaning and disinfecting more than usual during the pandemic, a habit which we will likely continue as we enter a “new normal” following the height of the pandemic. There may be different reasons why you worry about “cleaning too much.” It could be that you’re worried about cost, the amount of product you’re using in your home, or the use of disinfectants. Whatever your…
May 3, 2021
Q. Is it safe to use empty containers of laundry detergent and other cleaning products for arts and crafts projects now that it’s too cold for my kids to play outside?
Cleaning product containers are not toys. We encourage parents and teachers to keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. So, using cleaning product containers for crafts could send a mixed message to children.
December 5, 2018