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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…
Q: Because they can be uncomfortable and not always safe, last year I convinced my kids to forgo masks in favor of face paint and other makeup to create their Halloween "personas." It was a great success and we're doing it again this year. The only problem is the makeup stains on their outfits. Some stain-removal help, please!
A: Stains from face paint, makeup, hair gel and lipstick can all be treated with a prewash stain remover, and then laundered in…
Q: I am worried about germs on my kitchen counters. Is it true that more bleach kills more germs?
A: The only advantage to using more bleach than prescribed is if the surface is soiled. To create a sanitizing solution, it is recommended that you use one tablespoon of EPA-registered unscented liquid bleach per gallon of water. Spread the solution liberally over the countertop. Let stand for at least two minutes and then allow to air-dry. We recommend making up fresh sanitizing solution as…
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…
Q: I've given up buying coffee in the morning in favor of bringing my own in a travel mug. However, the cup sits in my car all day and doesn't get washed until late at night. The inside is a little grungy. How do I get it really clean?
A: There are several ways to remove coffee stains. You may have to experiment to see which one works best on your particular travel mug. Since soaking is easier than…
Q: I know that hard water can leave mineral deposits that cause spotting on glassware. Does very hard water also inhibit a detergent's ability to dissolve completely? Is the fine powder-like film residue on dishware actually the remains of undissolved detergent?
A: That white deposit is not undissolved detergent. It is a film residue caused by the hard-water minerals that remain after the water has evaporated – the same culprit that causes spotting! To prevent either from…
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 is actually mud, let the…
Q. How can I prevent static cling in my clothes? A. Static cling occurs when clothes continuously rub together in a dryer. The friction generates static electricity. You can control static at the onset by using laundry products that are specially-formulated for reducing static cling. Such products penetrate deep into the fibers of clothes to reduce the friction that causes static. Use dryer sheets to help battle static in the dryer.
Q. What is the history of spring cleaning?A. Spring cleaning has been around since ancient times. Cleansing the home, particularly the kitchen, is part of the Jewish celebration of Passover involving removing any traces of leavened bread products. Many cultures have long celebrated this season with tidying up, including Catholics cleaning the church altar and their homes as part of Holy Week. It has traditionally been a time of renewal, when the home as well as the mind can be reduced of…