Tips For Cleaning Pet Stains

No matter how wonderful your beloved pet is  there are bound to be accidents eventually, the cause of which can range from illness to fright to the wrong combination of foods. The stains left behind can permeate just about any surface they come into contact with, leaving behind a mess that can become part of the household if not addressed appropriately. There are ways to avoid the impact of impending pet stains and preventative maintenance is the key to success.

The first step is to create a small, inexpensive pet cleaning kit that can be created for less than $40 but can save thousands of dollars in pet related damage. All that is needed to create this is a small cleaning caddy with a few soft rags that absorb well, and two spray bottles - one filled with ordinary soda water and the other left empty. Next, make a visit to your local janitorial supply house and you'll be pleased to discover they carry what are commonly known in the industry as "animal enzymes" which are specifically designed to remove pet stains like dog or cat urine or feces and some can even remove animal blood. Once you have these it's a simple task to whip up the exact amount needed instantly when a pet accident occurs.

Next up to to attend to two important aspects of domestic pet management. First make certain that everything in your home that does not move (and some things that can) are treated with stain resistant chemical to help prevent pet accidents from being absorbed. Many of these you can apply yourself and represent a significant savings over professional services. This is important so that if your pet has an issue while no one is at home the impact will be minimal. Lastly, keep your pet as clean as you can. This does not mean that your pet needs a daily bath, but a few baby wipes and a 2 minute daily combing will take a few pounds of grime from your pet's coat over the course of a year.

Tips For Cleaning Gold Plated Watches

Cleaning jewelry of any kind can often be a troublesome proposition in terms of
getting items clean without damage, but in the case of how to clean gold plated
watches the wrong actions can ruin an otherwise nice watch beyond repair. In
order to clean gold plated watches correctly it needs to be understood that gold
plating is in many cases incredibly thin - in some instances gold plating on
watches may only be a few thousandths of an inch thick. It is because of this
that excessive and aggressive measures taken to clean gold plated watches will
result in actually removing the gold plating from the base metal, leaving a
horrific surface of oddly matched colors and materials. Regardless of what some
so-called experts on the subject recommend, common sense dictates that any
strong cleaner be avoided when cleaning gold plated watches, including the use
of brushes of all types.

One of the main reasons why gold plated watches become dirty is due to oxidation
that occurs from the gold plating coming into contact with moisture and body
oils that emanate fro the wearer's skin. As these accumulate on a gold plated
watch tarnish forms which can become rock-hard and very difficult to remove. A
good rule of thumb is to always error on the side of caution when you clean a
gold plated watch - it is better to clean the watch gently ten times or more
than to do it once and ruin the watch. An easy way to soften the tarnish on gold
plated watches is to simply take a dripping wet cotton ball and carefully apply
moisture to the excessively dirty areas, being careful not to allow water to
enter the watch mechanism. After several applications of water applied in this
manner, tarnish can often be removed by rubbing the gold plated watch gently
with a dry cotton ball.

If after the aforementioned process the gold watch is still dirty, the watch can
be cleaned using ordinary toothpaste. On a small saucer place a small amount of
non-gel toothpaste and several tablespoons of hot water and mix them together
thoroughly until they become a watery substance. This can be applied to a gold
plated watch and gently agitated with a cotton ball, and then carefully rinsed
several times with warm water and then dried. To clean gold plated watches in
this fashion it is imperative to rub gently and ensure that the watch has been
rinsed completely to remove any traces of toothpaste which may serve to initiate
corrosion.

How To Clean An Area Rug

Area rugs are a great addition to the decor of any home in adding color to the overall aesthetics, but they also do much more that we don't always realize - they provide a much needed barrier to remove dirt from shoes before it spreads everywhere. It is because of this that area rugs ten to take a beating and when the time comes to clean them they can be so soiled that they will never return to their former glory no matter what we do.

The first and most important tip for cleaning area rugs is to try to keep them as clean as possible at all times. While this may at first glance seem as an arduous task it is really not too tough, it just takes the will power to stick to a regular cleaning routine. There's a reason why Granny used to beat her rugs on a clothesline with a broom, and it's because even a vacuum cleaner cannot get the dirt that gets trapped deep within an area rug. When the area rug gets wet as it is prone to on a rainy day the dirt becomes liquified and when the rug dries you have a massive dark spot that can be nearly impossible to get out. Beating large rugs prevents this on large rugs and smaller ones can be shaken vigorously to accomplish the same outcome.

Area rugs should also be spot cleaned with ordinary soap and cold water when an accident occurs but remember what goes in as soap must be removed as well. Most commercial soaps have some sort of petroleum in them, and if a rug holds a fair amount of soap residue it can actually draw and trap excessive dust and dirt in the rug.

Lastly, when the time arrives for a thorough area rug cleaning just give is a good shake or beating and then place it into the clothes washer on a gentle setting using cold water to prevent color fading and shrinking. When done hang the area rug to dry naturally and it should look great and be ready for use in 48 hours or less.

How To Clean Baseball Caps

Baseball caps have become a valuable addition to every wardrobe in recent years as a popular accessory to casual dress for both men and women, Due to the cost of some baseball caps (many costing upwards of $35) extra care needs to be taken when cleaning baseball caps so that they do not become ruined during the cleaning processes applied to them. Most modern baseball caps are made of polyester, some with plastic inserted into the bills that can be shrunk or even melted if exposed to harsh cleaning measures. The standard practice of simply placing a baseball cap in a washing machine followed by a trip to the clothes dryer is a certain death sentence for the cap, but there are a few tricks that can make certain your baseball cap lives a full life.

The first and most important step for cleaning baseball caps is to purchase a "cap cage" or a hard plastic protective device that the baseball cap is placed into to ensure it retains it's shape during cleaning. These are relatively inexpensive (usually under $10) and worth every penny for anyone that owns more than a single baseball cap.

Once a device to keep the baseball cap in it's original shape has been obtained there are a number of ways the cap can be washed. For a baseball cap that is minimally soiled hand washing in a product like Woolite works very well. A baseball cap that is moderately soiled can be hand washed using a stronger commercial laundry detergent, but a very dirty baseball cap will usually only come clean if run through a cycle in the clothes washer while attached to a baseball cap protector. If a baseball cap needs to be washed in the washing machine it is a smart move to check the hat every five minutes or so by opening the washer lid to ensure it has not become tangled in the agitating mechanism.

When the baseball cap has been washed thoroughly the last step is to utilize the proper drying process to ensure the cap does not shrink. Drying in the clothes dryer while possible is really not the best way to go - air drying naturally works great if the hat is not needed for immediate wear. While the baseball cap is still in to protective cage simply hang it where air is allowed to circulate around it and in about 24 hours or so the cap will be clean, in perfect condition and ready to wear.

How To Clean Granite Counter Tops

The presence of granite counter tops can add an immediate sense of warmth,  style and elegance to any kitchen but along with their positive attributes comes the requirement to know how to clean and maintain them properly. Neglected or abused granite countertops can show signs of wear quickly despite their innate hardness, as scratches, stains and a loss of luster can make granite become unattractive before it's time. Armed with nothing more than a small bit of knowledge and some good old-fashioned common sense you can assure that your granite countertops will look beautiful for a lifetime.


The first tip for cleaning granite countertops is to realize that while granite is incredibly hard and stain resistant it has soft mineral properties as well that can be harmed by harsh cleaners. Additionally, many granite countertops have been polished to a high sheen during the manufacturing process and this glossy shine can be removed rather easily by using the wrong cleaning agent. To top these issues off, granite countertops can be scratched which provides an opportunity for dirt to amass in the crevices that have been created. This is the point where common sense applies to keeping your granite countertops in good shape by not sliding items on them or using them as a cutting board. This also applies to being careful not to place foods or liquids that are naturally high in acidic content on your granite countertop - lemon, orange and other citrus juices can cause damage quickly.

To clean your granite countertops simply take a wet sponge and place a few drops of degreasing dish detergent on it and then wipe the countertop thoroughly. Next, rinse the granite countertop using warm water and then dry the countertop using a soft cotton cloth. Keep a spray bottle filled with one-third rubbing alcohol and two-thirds water handy, spraying the granite countertops every few days to help disinfect and retain a good shine.

Beyond the aforementioned steps for cleaning granite countertops it is a very good idea to occasionally take a soft cloth and hand polish the granite countertops once a month or so to make an impact on the shine. Lastly, as per manufacturers directions most granite countertops requires that a sealant be reapplied every year or two to protect your investment. In the case of a severe stain seek professional assistance - the money is well spent when compared to the cost of new granite countertops.

How To Clean A Cutting Board

Cleaning you kitchen and it's components that are used to prepare foods can protect the health of your family from food associated illnesses, and among the most basic of these is to clean the kitchen cutting board frequently. When considered how often the average home utilizes a cutting board in the kitchen, it is probably the single largest potential threat to continued good health. Cleaning the kitchen cutting board requires that it not only be cleaned with soap and water to appear clean, but must also be sanitized with stains removed and stored properly for future use. Whether the cutting board in your kitchen is made of wood or plastic has no bearing, as each need to be germ-free prior to each occasion it is used in preparing meals.

The first step to cleaning the kitchen cutting board is to scrape all visible food particles from the board and then wash the board with soap using the hottest water available. For homeowners that have a dishwasher with an antibacterial cycle this task can be completed with less effort by placing the cutting board in the dishwasher - if not, good old-fashioned hand scrubbing with a piece of steel wool works just as well in most instances.

After washing, if the kitchen cutting board appears to be stained it is not really clean because the stains represent remainders of foods. A great tip for cleaning the kitchen cutting board and removing the build up of stains is to purchase an ordinary box of sea salt. Wet the cutting board with hot water and while still warm quickly pour a liberal amount of sea salt on the stained areas and allow it to sit over night. The next morning rinse the cutting board thoroughly in hot water. Next in a small cup add several tablespoons of sea salt and a very small amount of water, stirring the mixture into a thick paste. Use this paste and a small stiff scrub brush to eliminate any remaining stains and then wash the cutting board in soap and water and allow it to dry.

The last steps to clean the kitchen cutting board is to sanitize the item and then to store it away properly until the next use. Spray the cutting board with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach and three parts water and allow it to sit for at least ten minutes. Wash and rinse the cutting board once again using soap and water and then allow it to air dry. When dry the cutting board can be stored by wrapping it in ordinary plastic kitchen wrap.

Cleaning Tips For Stuffed Animals

Just about every home has a stuffed animal or two present and while they can be a cute addition to the
general decor, stuffed animals can be troublesome to clean and difficult to dry without damaging. Whether the stuffed animal is a child's snuggle buddy or an expensive stuffed animal used for decoration they can be impossible to replace, but with a good plan and due diligence most stuffed animals turn out nicely following routine cleaning. The key to cleaning stuffed animals is to inspect each item closely to find which cleaning method is appropriate for a specific condition, as not all cleaning methods are suitable for varying fabric types used in making the animal's fur.

The more pedestrian stuffed animals that are inexpensive in style can generally be spot cleaned to remove any heavy traffic areas and then 'dry cleaned" using baking soda as a cleaning agent. First, use the liquid cleaning chemical of your choice and spray the areas of the stuffed animal that have stains or excessive wear, gently agitate the stained area and then blot dry with a clean cloth. When the animal is completely dry place it into a paper bag with an ample amount of baking soda and then shake the bag vigorously for about two or three minutes. In cases of very large stuffed animals you can use the same method only using a plastic trash bag instead of the paper bag. After removing the stuffed animal from the bag brush it off using your hands and most of the dirt should be gone.

For cleaning stuffed animals that are extremely dirty your clothes washer comes into play, but there is a simple trick to clean stuffed animals that will prevent them from being damaged. The limbs of stuffed animals can get torn or caught in a washer's moving parts, so to avoid this they can be tied inside of a pillow case or t-shirt. After cleaning stuffed animals in this manner they can be dried carefully in a clothes dryer for fifteen minutes at a time, checking frequently to avoid damage or shrinking.

For expensive stuffed animals or ones that are of high quality, it is always a good idea to have them professionally cleaned by a dry cleaner. A professional cleaner has access to chemicals and processes that cannot be performed at home and the cost is minimal to make a stuffed animal look new again.

How To Clean Sneakers

The price of sneakers today has risen just like every other consumer product and in some instances
much more, with the top sneaker brands often exceeding the price of a good quality pair of dress shoes. It is largely because of this that it only makes sense that keeping sneakers clean extends their usefullness and life, but there is much more to it than just washing and drying them. The key to keeping sneakers clean lies in taking the appropriate preventitive measures to assure that they stay moderately clean at all times, and when they get dirty they receive attention immediately before stains can set in.

The easiest way to keep sneakers clean is to match the right sneaker to the right activity. If you purchase a $150 pair of sneakers for casual dress make certain that you only wear them for that purpose - for playing football in the mud a $10 pair of Dollar Store sneakers are the right choice. They may get ruined but who cares? Hose em' off and play again next week.

Baby wipes are a great tool to keep sneakers clean by just wiping your sneakers off after every occasion that they are worn. If you notice some dirt that won't come off in this manner just wet a clean rag and add a few drops of dish soap, wipe the shoes gently, rinse and allow them to air dry overnight. Refrain from using harsh cleaners whenever possible - while they may remove the dirt they may also cause colors to fade beyond repair and dry fabrics and leather to the point of causing cracks.

When sneakers get really funky you can wash them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle after removing the laces using regular laundry detergent. This is best accomplished by placing the shoes sole to sole inside of an old towel along with the loose laces and then tied tightly at the top. This keeps the laundry load from becoming unbalanced, and if they don't come clean you can wash them twice and let them air dry until they can be worn.

Lastly, don't forget that when all else fails you have one final option, and that is to take the sneakers to a local shoe repair service. While this may cost somewhere in the $25 to $45 range to have the sneakers professionally cleaned and re-dyed it is money well spent if an expensive pair of sneakers can be returned to their former glory.

How To Care For Leather Jackets

A leather jacket can represent a considerable investment and as such utilizing sound tips for leather jacket care can ensure that it will reatain it's good looks for a lifetime. Even normal maintenance can be costly when it comes to leather garments, but in most instances leather can be cared for and minor flaws corrected at home with the implementation of a few common sense do-it-yourself tips.

The first aspect of leather jacket care begins with a good, basic cleaning given at least two or three times annuallly. This requires nothing more than a bowl of warm water, a half teaspoon of gentle dish soap (baby shampoo works great) and two soft, clean rags. Simply mix the soap and water and dampen one rag and pat a designated portion of the leather jacket for a few moments, and then take the dry rag and pat the same area until dry to the touch. Never rub - on soft leather you can actually push dirt deeper and you may never get it out.

At this point some may ask "What should I do with an old wrinkled leather jacket that has a few moldy spots on it?" The easy answer is to discard it and it may very well be necessary, but before doing so there are some measures available that may just bring it back to life.

In this case take the leather jacket and the same soapy water, add a 6 or 7 drops of white vinegar and obtain a very soft bristled toothbrush. If a moldy spot is the size of a quarter dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution and very gently go over the mold in a small circular motion and then pat dry. You may have to repeat this process several times, but in the end the results can be quite pleasing.

When it comes to removing wrinkles leather jacket care is usually pretty easy. For light wrinkles hang the jacket somewhere that air can circulate around it like on a hanger in a wide door frame. In 24 to 36 hours small wrinkles should lessen considerably if not be totally gone. For severe wrinkles on a leather jacket try stretching the jacket by hand being careful not to tear it, and then simultaneously blow the area with a hair dryer on medium heat setting for 30 seconds in duration at one time. It may be necessary to repeat this process 30 to 50 times over the course of several days for extreme wrinkles, but usually the leather jacket will loosen up eventually.

Folowing one or all of the aforementioned actions it's an easy task to finish off your leather jacket care by applying one of the many commericially available leather protectant products.

How To Eliminate Cooking Mess

It's really kind of strange to consider that the cooking mess that accompanies nearly every meal
can sometimes take longer to clean up than the time spent to prepare and consume the meal, but the larger issue is that we don't have to accept this as fact. At least in the kitchen, we are far too frequently our own worst enemies - frittering away our valuable time on some mundane cleaning chore that could have been avoided in it's entirety by possessing a few common sense tips and a good game plan in advance.

To start with you can reduce the cooking mess by arranging your kitchen so that common cooking ingredients such as spices are stored within easy reach of the stove. A spice rack hung near the stove or in a cabinet nearby ensures that these items can be used at will without cluttering counter tops with items that can be dropped or spilled - avoiding yet another mess to clean.

The next step to reducing the cooking mess is enacted as soon as you get home from grocery shopping, and that is to thoroughly wash all produce and allow it to dry before storage in the refrigerator. This translates to less preparation time and clean up when these items are used in meals - no collander required, no drying time and no water splashing all around the sink area.

A prudent move in reducing the cooking mess is to make certain that the sink and dishwasher are totally empty of contents before starting. By doing so items can be cleaned as you go, keeping counters clear and food is much easier to remove from cookware and utensils when warm and fresh than it will be 90 minutes later.

It's a good idea to purchase a pack of those foam disposable plates that have three or four distinct sections - these are great to set spoons and other cooking utensils on and can be tossed after the cooking is finished with no dish to clean.

Aluminum foil is another valuable tool in reducing the cooking mess and you should always have plenty on hand. Two or three different types of vegetables can be cooked in the same pot of water and kept separate if wrapped tightly in foil, broiler pans can be lined to help promote ease of cleaning and aluminum foil can even be used to catch splatter on stove and counter tops.

Two or three minutes of mentally going over what you are cooking and the most efficient way to complete a meal can easily save 15 to 20 minutes of cleaning time later

How To Clean Blood Stains On Clothing

Removing blood stains from clothes can be a difficult proposition for the unenlightened, but for those
 possessing a small bit of knowledge removing blood stains is simply another aspect of common laundry chores. The reason why so many people struggle with removing blood stains from clothes is that when first discovered panic often sets in, followed by a hurried attempt to remove the stain before it sets. In most cases this is approached by using volumes of hot or warm water immediately on the blood stain, which has an irreversible and negative impact on removing the blood stain. The most important aspect of removing a blood stain is to attack it quickly using cold water on a clean cloth, blotting the affected area repeatedly to get as much of the stain out as possible.


The first step to removing blood stains from clothes is to get both the fabric and the blood that is attached to it as cold as possible. This can be accomplished in a number of ways but there are two measures that work like a charm every time. The first is to either submerge the clothing is a tub or sink full of cold water for about 45 minutes or so before attempting to remove the blood stain. The second way is to apply ice to the blood stained area, positioning the ice on the clothing so that it melts naturally over an extended period of time. The lesson here is to get the stain as cold as you can as quickly as you can - you'll be glad you did when the results of your efforts are viewed.

After the clothing in question has received the "cold treatment" the next step for removing blood stains from clothes is to rinse away as much of the stain as possible by placing the garment under cold, running water. Five minutes or so of this should do the trick, with the last step to apply a cleaningagent to remove any remaining blood.

By this time the majority of the blood stain should be removed, with only minor traces of the blood stain remaining. One of the very best cleaningagents to remove blood stains is ordinary meat tenderizer, because it softens and weakens the minerals and enzymes present in blood that causes them to cling to clothing. Sprinkle a small amount or meat tenderizer on the stained area and rub it in by hand and then rinse it away in cold water. Repeat this process several times and with each application the blood stain should diminish. Following this simply wash the garment in the washing machine with ordinary laundry detergent and allow the clothing to air dry and the blood stains should be totally gone.

Ways To Reuse Dryer Sheets

Being creatures of habit we frequently tend to discard items that can often prove to be quite useful,
that is, if we take the time necessary to explore the possibilities. Dryer sheets are one such product, and because they are a common item that is not necessarily expensive to purchase we have become accustomed to a single use before throwing them out. There are however many ways to extend the life of a dryer sheet far beyond their intended use in keeping your home clean and comfortable.

To begin with, dryer sheets are a fantastic tools to reduce the impact of static cling everywhere in the home. Television and computer screens wiped occasionally with a dryer sheet hold less static electricity, as do CDs and DVDs which means less dust will cling to them. Ever have a dress collect static electricity and cling to your lower body in an odd way? Try wiping the hose with a dryer sheet prior to getting dressed - problem resolved. The same goes for yarn and thread used in sewing and crafting that gets tangled. A quick wipe with a dryer sheet keeps these strands from becoming difficult to work with.

Don't forget that another useful aspect of dryer sheets is that they smell great too and can be used in drawers and closets to keep clothes and linens fresh. This goes for items that are only used a few times a year also - camping gear and luggage can benefit from adding a few dryer sheets to them before storing them away. Lastly, shoes and sneakers that hold bad odors can be made pleasant smelling again by placing a dryer sheet inside once of twice every week.

How To Clean Paint From Windows

Nothing makes a home look worse than spots of paint remaining on windows after painting has
been completed, and by using a few simple tricks removing paint from windows can be completed quickly with a minimum of effort. One of the most frequent mistakes that homeowners make when attempting to remove paint from windows is to gouge the paint from the glass with a sharp object such as a razor blade without considering the damage that is being inflicted upon the window. While paint can be tough to remove from a window, a few extra moments of preparation and thought can prevent deep scratches from being created that cannot be repaired and will remain for the life of the window.

One of the best tips for removing paint from windows is to assemble the proper tools to make the job less labor intensive with much better results. You'll need a handful of clean, soft rags, a bucket filled with warm water, a new razor blade that has never been used, and a small bottle of dish soap. This is all that is necessary to remove paint from windows that are spotted with latex paint - for oil based paints or enamels you will also need a small bottle of rubbing alcohol.

The first step to remove paint from windows is to take a dripping wet rag and soak the window with water, and then place a liberal amount of dish soap onto a rag and spread it evenly over the entire window surface. Making certain that your hands are dry and free of any soap, grasp the razor blade firmly and begin scrapping the window rather gently while keeping the razor blade in a position that is as close to horizontal as possible. Run the razor blade over the entire glass surface and then rinse the window with water. While this process may need to be repeated several times to remove paint from windows, it is a safe method for both the windows and the homeowner handling a sharp razor blade.

To remove oil based paint from windows the process is similar with a few minor alterations. Simply pour rubbing alcohol onto a rag and apply it to a 6 inch square of the window glass and then scrape the area with the razor blade, wiping each area of the window until dry as you go along. When the entire window has been completed in this manner to remove the paint, wash the window with a commercial glass cleaner and dry with a paper towel.

How To Remove Paints From Carpets

While painting a room can make an immediate impact on the appeal of any home decor, removing
paint from carpets can be a difficult and time-consuming task that can take several days in severe instances. Since the amount of paint that is on a carpet after painting can range from a few stray drops spewed from a paint roller to a paint can that has been accidentally knocked over, the process to remove paint from carpets should match the mess. In most cases removing paint from a carpet in the amount of a few drops is most easily accomplished by allowing the paint to dry on the carpet, and it can then "plucked" from the carpet fibers using your fingernails or a pair of needle-nose pliers. For larger areas the process to remove paint from carpets is much more labor intensive, and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible before the paint has  had a chance to dry.


The best tip for removing large amounts of paint from carpets is to use rags or paper towels to absorb as much of the original spill as is practical. Once this has been accomplished it needs to be determined if the paint is latex based or oil based before proceeding. This information can be found on the original paint container, which may also provide specific instructions for clean-ups of accidents. The common procedure for cleaning latex based paint is ordinary soap and water, while oil based paints are usually cleaned using a stronger chemical such as mineral spirits. In either instance it is imperative to use rags or towels as blotters to soak up as much of the spill as you can while it is still wet.

Since it is highly unlikely that removingpaint from carpets in large spills can be done in one attempt, the remainder of the spill will need to be addressed after drying. The best way for removing latex paint from carpets then is to rent a carpet cleaning machine and purchase a fine-toothed steel comb. Wet the area of carpet with soap and water and then run the comb back and forth across the area to loosen then paint. Follow this step by cleaning the area with the carpet cleaning machine.

Removing oil based paint from carpets is a bit harder, and a carpet machine cannot be used in conjunction with mineral spirits because of the fire hazard it represents. In this case a steel comb is used as a scrubber with the mineral spirits serving as the cleaningagent and then the carpet is blotted dry with a rag.

Removing paint from carpets in any instance is not easy, but with a good work ethic and the proper processes used it can be completed to success.

Hydrogen Peroxide Uses In The Home

Back in the days of our grandparents, before a hundred different specially designed chemicals for
each cleaning task became available, hydrogen peroxide use in the home was much more popular than it is today, Whether the value of hydrogen peroxide became diminished with each generation or commercial preparations just appear to be more attractive, hydrogen peroxide is one of the more under-utilized tools available in sanitizing a number of household areas. Over-the counter hydrogen peroxide is made up of about 97 percent water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, and is little more than hydrogen and water with a molecular twist. However the ability of hydrogen peroxide to clean and kill germs and bacteria is undisputed, and every homeowner should have a bottle on hand not only to clean with, but because it is also useful in the area of personal care as well.


Perhaps the most prolific areas of the home in which hydrogen peroxide is used is in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean cutting boards, counter tops, and appliances without streaking or the necessity of rinsing. It is an excellent disinfectant of trash cans, sponges, and brushes, and is wonderful for cleaning bacteria from the outer skins of fruits and vegetables. In the bathroom, hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean all flat surfaces, in soaking toilet bowls, and in preventing and removing mildew from shower walls. The germs that can accumulate on tooth brushes can be reduced or eliminated by simply soaking them in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide serves as an outstanding agent in the cleansing of dentures when soaked in a weak solution overnight. In other areas of the home, hydrogen peroxide is very good for cleaning wallpaper, and is especially good at killing bacteria in a cat's liter box. On carpets, hydrogen peroxide works very well on blood and pet stains, and a cap full placed into the clothes washer during the washing cycle makes clothes brighter. In personal use, hydrogen peroxide is great for cutting ear wax in a gentle manner. On acne, hydrogen peroxide has a drying effect, and can shorten the duration and severity of episodes.

When using hydrogen peroxide in the home it is important to remember to let the solution sit for a brief time to allow it a chance to work. The fizzing action viewed when using hydrogen peroxide is the chemical process taking over and working - by removing it too quickly, the process is interrupted and the outcome is not as positive.

How To Clean Beverage Stains

One of the most frequent and troubling aspects of house cleaning is knowing how to remove beverage stains correctly, and sadly there is far too much misinformation in this area that has resulted in ruined carpet, upholstery and clothing. There is a reason why professional cleaning companies do a far better job than any homeowner could ever hope to do on their own, and it's not just because they own the big truck mounted steam cleaner. The results they acoomplish are because they have mastered the processes and cleaning agents to tackle any stain, but a good bit of this knowledge can be yours to use for yourself at home.

The basics to remove beverage stains are that the stain needs attention as soon as possible after occurring, whatever you put into the stain as a cleaning agent must be removed in it's entirety, water is not the harmless element you always thought is was, and there are a cornucopia of cleaning agents to be had that you are not aware of.

Let's start at the beginning. When a beverage stain happens and you delay tending to it the stain can be absorbed deeply into fibers, and odds are they will never come completely clean. At the time the stain is addressed whatever cleaning agent is utilized can intereact with the properties of the stain itself and create a new chemical creation with amazing bonding qualities (again, your fibers are toast).

Not every type of fiber can be cleaned with water. Yes, you read right. When you call a professional carpet and upholstery company to clean your items they read product labels or perform a "burn test" to digtinguish if your item is a natural or man-made fiber, or a combination of both. When you place an abundance of water on a natural fiber in fine upholstery fabric for example it will turn brown and it will dry brown and it will be brown for eternity. Professionally cleaned natural fiber fabrics are cleaned with mineral spirits and cleaning agents using optical brighteners and enzymes designed to release dirt. Furthermore, mineral spirits are extremely volatile and careful ventilation processes need to be followed to assure a fire and explosion in the home do not occur.

So what is the right move when you get a beverage stain? Blot the area with a clean dry cloth to get as much liquid out as possible, and then determine if the fabric is a man-made material. If it is the best all around measure that can be taken is to dampen a cloth with a mixture of room temperature water and a gentle detergent and then go about blotting the area with the damp cloth and patting it dry with the other cloth. If in doubt call a professional, which is much less expensive in the long run than purchasing a new sofa.

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Welcome!!

We created this blog for those among us that occasionally have a problem with home cleaning - let's face it, there are so many ways for a home to get dirty that a few home cleaning tips come in pretty handy on a regular basis. Eventually there will be a large number of useful posts so come back often, but to start take a look around the blog and you'll find a few of our favorite home cleaning tips that are tried and tested. If you come across one you especially like feel free to share it with family and friends or leave a comment on the page post (we love comments). Have a great day (hopefully while living in a clean house).