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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 water, add a few squirts …
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 bare hands or…
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…
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…
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.
Q. After seeing the effect of plastic straws on ocean life, I made a point to get a metal straw and have been keeping it in my purse. But how do I keep it clean?
Metal straws, like utensils, can be a great way to reduce the need for single-use plastic. It should be washed after each use, even if you were just drinking water. If you're on the go, you can rinse it with hot water, towel it off, and tuck it back in your purse. Once home, clean with hot water and soap, using a…
Am I cleaning too much? Is that a thing I should be worrying about?Setting and maintaining high hygiene standards is not cleaning too much. It is an important part of defending ourselves against infections and illnesses. You want to focus on cleaning regularly at key times for health. 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…
I've been hoarding disinfectants for the last year. Should I worry about them expiring?The shelf life of disinfectants is approximately 1 year. The one year of effectiveness typically begins with the manufacture date. The expiration date is there because over time the active ingredient (the chemical doing the advertised action) may degrade. After the expiration date the product may no longer be doing the work you expect it to, so make sure to use the…
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…