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Q: I have a blouse made of 95% cotton that I need to launder. However, the manufacturer’s care label says professional dry clean only. Does the dry clean only tag really mean it? Why can’t I hand wash or put it in the washing machine?
A: There are many reasons why your garment might have a "professional dry clean only" care label. Washing might harm the buttons or the trim. Or the dyes might run if the garment is washed. In addition…
Getting into a home cleaning routine can make maintaining a tidy living space easier.Daily Home Cleaning TasksClean high-touch surfaces and do a quick sweep of high-traffic areas.Do laundry (if needed)Wipe kitchen counters and tables after meals and run the dishwasher.Put away clutter and spot clean.Weekly Home Cleaning TasksVacuum or mop floors in all rooms.Dust surfaces, including shelves and furniture.Clean bathrooms: wipe sinks, counters,…
Q. How do I clean stainless steel appliances?A. 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…
How to keep your favorite sweaters in tip-top shapeWhen it's time to put away sweaters for the season, say goodbye to losing a favorite sweater before its prime with these tips from the American Cleaning Institute:Shop TalkWhen choosing a sweater, price is just one consideration.Construction. Harder, tighter yarns are more durable than soft, loose ones, which tend to stretch easily. That's why a fisherman's sweater is more suited to rugged, outdoor…
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…
We love fresh fall breezes, but not when it blows dust and grime into our home. Here are some tips for cleaning the entire window, coverings, sills and glass:
Window Sills and Frames:
Remove dirt and debris. Use a small broom or vacuum window frames and sills to get rid of dust, soot, cobwebs, and dead insects. Wipe plastic or vinyl frames and sills with cleaning wipes. If you use a spray product, be sure to spray the product on cloth, and then use the cloth…
Reusable bags are a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. However, they need proper care to prevent things like germs and mold from growing and cross-contaminating your food. Wash and store bags safely between each use. Here's how:
Clean
Wash bags after each use, following care instructions. See the fabric care label or the table below for more details.
Wipe insulated bags with a disinfecting or…
Whether for move out cleaning or just keeping your place, here are the tasks that should be on your list.
Just because you don’t "own" your place doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a regular cleaning routine to keep your environment fresh and in good condition. Cleaning on a regular basis makes the job easier when you do tackle these tasks – and what’s more, keeping your rental in good shape helps ensure that you’ll get your deposit…
From her many jobs as cook, cleaner, grocery shopper, chauffeur and social director, mom typically receives just one day off a year - Mother's Day.
In a 2000 national survey by American Cleaning Institute, 82 percent of moms said that they would like to see the housework vacation that they enjoy on Mother's Day happen more often.
"Today's mothers have to juggle so many more responsibilities than they did when the first Mother's Day was celebrated in…
Grout is generally porous and white or light colored and can get dirty or discolored quickly. Get it clean with a little chemistry and a bit of elbow grease.
First off, you'll want to use an alkaline cleaner. Grout is primarily cement and can be dissolved by acids. Over time, an acidic cleaner may require you to re-grout sooner than intended.
How do you know if your cleaner will do the trick? Typically the product label will tell you the surfaces it works on. Or, if it's says it…