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Q: Is it okay to wash and re-use disposable dishes and utensils? We do a lot of casual entertaining and it seems wasteful to keep buying new.
A: As long as they are washed in hot water with soap, there’s certainly no reason you can’t re-use most disposable plastic dishes and cutlery. Exceptions to reusing disposable tableware include paper, foam or the newer bamboo disposable items. Why? They are too porous and manufacturers don’t use any sort of sealant on them. Plastic…
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.
Q: Can you use steam mops to clean sealed engineered hardwood floors?
A: As a general rule, the hardwood flooring industry does not recommend using steam mops on wood floors of any type. The manufacturers have recommended cleaning practices and solutions, and using other products and machines will void your warranty. Contact the manufacturer of your flooring to get their cleaning recommendations.
Q: My daughter just got over a bad cold. Her favorite teddy bear was her constant companion. What's the best way clean him – and her other stuffed animals?
A: The first step is to check the tag to make sure Teddy (or any other stuffed animal) is washable. If so, put him in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase that is twisted tightly at the top and secured with a rubber band or an elastic hair tie. Launder on the delicate cycle, using cold water and a…
Q: I unpacked my tent to get ready for the camping season, and found there was mold growing in the folds. How do I clean it without ruining the water-resistant properties?
A: If possible, start by contacting the tent manufacturer for specific directions. If this isn't possible, wait for a warm, sunny day and then set up your tent in a shady location. Shake or brush off dirt and any other debris that can be easily removed. Fill a bucket with warm…
Q: I suspect that our new backyard has some poison ivy. If I wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to protect me, how do I clean these clothes when I'm finished gardening so I don't spread the poison ivy?
A: You are right to be concerned. Poison ivy produces a resin called urushiol. This resin is the culprit that triggers allergic rash reactions in most people. When it remains on unwashed clothing, it is still active. Avoid touching your clothes with…
What’s the best way to clean after someone in the home has been sick?When someone in your household has been ill, effective cleaning becomes especially important to help prevent the spread of germs and restore a healthy environment. Here are practical steps to follow:Focus on high-touch surfaces: Pay special attention to doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucets, countertops and phones as these areas are frequently touched and can harbor viruses and…
What’s the science behind how cleaning products remove dirt and bacteria?Cleaning products work by leveraging chemistry and biology to break down, lift, and eliminate unwanted substances from surfaces. Most cleaning agents contain active ingredients—such as surfactants, enzymes, or disinfectants—that target specific types of dirt and microorganisms.Surfactants are molecules that reduce surface tension, allowing water to spread and penetrate grime. They surround and loosen particles of grease,…
Q. How likely are you, if at all, to do the following while gathering with friends and family during the holiday season?
89% will frequently wash their hands with soap and water
79% will use hand sanitizer
69% will disinfect frequently touched surfaces
53% will socially distance
53% will use alternative greetings (fist bumping/elbow bumping)
53% will wear a mask
Q. If hosting for the holidays, how concerned, if at all, are you about your guests' opinions of your home…
Q: Will a bar of soap last longer if you let it air out or if you keep it closed up in a soap dish with a lid?
A: It's preferable to let it air out. If you keep your bar soap in a closed container, the soap will stay wet. As a result, it can become mushy and dissolve quicker.