Category: cleaning

7 Smart Reasons to Use Vinegar in Laundry

Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothes without harsh chemicals. It’s Cheap Plain distilled white 5 percent vinegar runs around 3.5 cents per ounce in the typical supermarket when purchased by the gallon, and even cheaper when you can find it at…


Clutter’s Last Stand

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…


Clutter’s Last Stand: How to Win the Battle Against Unnecessary Stuff

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…


How to Clean a Washing Machine

If you assume the inside of your washer is the cleanest place in your home because you put detergent through it with every load of laundry, join the club. Most people think that—and that’s a really bad assumption. Have you ever wondered why there’s dirty residue on the agitator? Why do washed clothes sometimes come…


How to Clean Bathroom Fixtures for Spotless Surfaces

The bathroom is one area of the home that you shouldn’t put off cleaning. Unlike living areas or bedrooms, bathrooms are exposed to much more than everyday dirt or dust and the occasional spill. Surfaces such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and shower fixtures can collect bacteria, hard-water deposits, mold or mildew, soap scum, and other…


Face to Face With the Junk Drawer

I’m going to go on a limb and assume that you have a junk drawer. We all have one, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to get rid of mine. After all, where else would we put our junk? Recently, a reader wrote asking how to conquer his junk drawer. “I…


A Machine That Gets Pet and Human Hair Out of Carpet Like Magic

How often have you been vacuuming and then turned off the vacuum only to see stray hairs—your own or your pet’s—still on your carpet? No matter how hard and often you vacuum, they’re still there. Now imagine all of the hairs you cannot see because they’ve worked their way below the surface. Experts tell us…


Simple Tips for Repairing and Maintaining Your Clothes Washer

Dear James: My clothes washer leaks a little when in the drain and spin cycles. What things should I check to locate and repair the water leak? What are some maintenance tips?—Teddy L. Dear Teddy: It is good that you noticed the leak before it got too bad. Generally, people just load the clothes in…


7 Things You Can Declutter From Your Linen Closet in the Next 5 Minutes

Quick: Make a rough estimate of how many pillowcases you own. Just enough to match your sheet sets? Or perhaps a few extras? Or perhaps you’re like many of us and are harboring a dozen spare pillowcases—or more—even if you don’t actually even have a guest room. Guilty as charged? If not, we’re fairly willing…


Best Inexpensive Toaster, Eufy Customer Service, Stainless Steel Cleaner

There are times when the old adage “you get what you pay for” doesn’t hold up. Sometimes the less expensive option turns out to be best. Best Inexpensive Toaster Dear Mary: Does anyone make a decent, simple, reliable pop-up toaster? I don’t need it to do anything but make evenly toasted toast! —Bev Dear Bev:…