How to Care for Marble Surfaces
Marble is a beautiful surface for counters and tabletops. But because it is quite soft and porous, marble can easily be stained, scratched, and chipped. To help prevent staining, marble surfaces are often coated with protective sealers. Depending on use, these coatings should be reapplied every year or two. Regular cleanings should be as gentle…
How to make your own Windex
This recipe is easy to do and is more economical than ready-made products. Ingredients 2 cups rubbing alcohol ½ cup ammonia 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap 1-gallon water Directions Mix all ingredients together, adding just enough water to reach the 1-gallon mark, and divide up into spray bottles for all bathrooms. Can also be used to…
How to Clean a Washing Machine
Cleaning a washing machine starts with just two items*: 1 quart of bleach 1 quart of white vinegar *Some of you might be thinking: But wait, isn’t it dangerous to mix bleach and vinegar? The answer is yes, but we will not be mixing the two here. Read on… Fill the empty washer with hot…
How to Clean Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
Baking Soda for Kitchen Grease If your backsplash tiles have a lot of grease on them, mix baking soda with some water to form a paste that’s thick enough to stick to the tiles. Rub the mixture over the greasy spots and wait at least 10 minutes. Go over the tiles with a clean, wet…
How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Covers
Outdoor furniture covers can help protect your patio furniture and extend its life. Keeping these covers clean and well maintained can, in turn, extend the life of the covers. The best time to clean the covers is while they are on the furniture. Treat Stains Use a solution of 1 cup bleach and ½ cup…
How to Remove Chocolate Stains from Upholstery
Wondering how to get chocolate out of a car seat? What about your furniture? Follow these steps to learn how to remove chocolate stains from everyday upholstered items: Carefully scrape excess chocolate off with a knife or by holding your vacuum hose directly above the stain. Make a simple stain remover by adding 1 tablespoon…
How to remove white salt stains from your wood floors
Salt is great for melting ice, but bad when those white stains get on your shoes, and you walk on your wood floors. Unfortunately, if you don’t clean the stains quickly enough, they could cause permanent damage. Here is an easy and cost-effective way you can clean the salt and preserve your floors. Start by…
Healthy Oven Cleaning in Less than 5 minutes
It’s tempting to reach for one of those all-in-one oven cleaners, but the warnings about chemical fumes can be off-putting. There’s a more natural way to get the job done. Here’s an 8-step guide, and in five minutes (plus soaking time) you’ll have a sparkling appliance ready for action. Make sure your oven is switched…
How To Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Longer
Start by choosing a healthy three. If you’re looking to start with the freshest possible tree, opt for one from your local Christmas tree farm. Keep these tips in mind as you shop: Look for a healthy, green tree with the least amount of brown needles. Select a tree displayed in a shady location. Avoid…
How to Hang a Wreath from an Interior Window
Adhesive hooks a.k.a. Command hooks. Make sure that you get a hook specifically labeled for windows and get the largest one possible. These hooks can typically only carry 4 pounds, so if your wreath is heavier than that, this method would not be a good option. Before you place your hook, clean the window with…