If you don’t already have a product to clean tarnished silver, or you’re just looking for a simple (and cheap) way to polish your silver… try chalk! See how well it works here.
Cleaning Things
Want the best household cleaning tips and cleaning products? You've come to the right place! Here, homeowners are sharing their personal reviews of popular cleaning products -- including the good & the bad, the pros & the cons, the ones you should try & the ones you should skip. Plus, all our favorite cleaning tips to get the job done right the first time... while saving time and money in the long run.
How Effective Are Robotic Vacuums Like Roomba… Especially On Dog Hair? (I Have 2 Robot Vacuum Cleaners And 3 Dogs… See How Well Robot Vacuums Work!)
See how well Roombas and other robot vacuum cleaners work on stairs, hardwood floors, with rugs and other obscacles. I like iLife robot vacuums because they’re more affordable. (Actually, I have two — one upstairs and one downstairs!) These photos and videos tell the whole story about the iRobot Roomba and other popular robot vacuum cleaners — HOW they work, how WELL they work, which are the BEST ones, and how to CLEAN them. My personal experience with robot vacuum cleaners and pets.
The Best Cleaning Products …From Someone Who Cleans Houses For A Living
Use these tips to clean, disinfect, and remove mold, mildew, bacteria, germs, soap scum… like a pro! A list of all the best cleaning products for the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, bath mats, refrigerator, chrome, mirrors, appliances, carpet, upholstery, glass, wood trim, baseboards, cabinets, hardwood floors, vinyl flooring, fingerprints, painted walls, scuff marks, crayon marks, stovetop, stainless steel, and polishing the furniture.
Bacteria Alert: How To Clean A Jetted Tub Or Bathroom Soaking Tub With Air Jets [DIY Methods + Jetted Tub Cleaners]
You know what a dirty bathtub ring looks like… Now imagine what that soap scum buildup is doing inside the jet plumbing of your bathroom jetted tub! Sure, you can clean the surface of the tub itself. But once you start the air jets, all kinds of nasty looking black specks will come floating to the surface if you don’t clean the jets, the nozzles, and the interior plumbing system too. (I know because it happened to me.) Those pipes behind your soaking tub with jets quickly become contaminated with infectious bacteria — some you can see, and some you can’t. Fortunately, cleaning the inside of your air tub’s pipes, jets, and nozzles is really easy! The hardest part is taking the time to do it on a regular basis — to prevent biofilm (nasty residue that forms around bacteria in your plumbing lines) from building up in the jets. Here’s how to properly clean a jetted tub and remove biofilm yourself in just a few quick steps. See how to make your own jetted tub cleaner and ones that are available in stores.
Fabric Softeners And Dryer Sheets: Myths vs Facts
Heard warnings about the downsides of using fabric softener and dryer sheets? There are so many opinions out there about whether or not you should use fabric softener. You might’ve heard it can stain your clothes, start a fire, cause buildup in your washer & dryer, scare away mice, ruin sportswear, soften hard water, and cause acne — among other things. It’s time to sort out the facts from the myths about fabric softeners and dryer sheets!
Before You Buy Gutter Guards, Review These Pros & Cons Of Installing Gutter Covers
Gutter covers keep gutters from clogging with leaves, water, and debris. But not everyone agrees that gutter guards are worth the cost, time & effort to install. Wondering what are the best gutter guards? Here are the pros & cons of the 5 types of gutter guards, and gutter guard reviews for each of the companies that manufacture them.
Got A Ladybug Infestation? Here’s What To Do If Ladybugs Are Invading Your Home
Unless you want a ladybug infestation this Winter, you’ll want to follow these tips to keep ladybugs out of your home, as well as the reasons they invade your house in the first place. Avoid an Asian lady beetle infestation — with these helpful tips. Trust me, this is the article for the most helpful info about natural ways to remove them from your home and some common misconceptions about ladybugs.
Melamine Foam Sponge Facts: Is Melamine Toxic? What Is Melamine Sponge Made Of? How Does A Melamine Sponge Work?
Of all the different sponges I’ve used, the melamine foam sponge is the one I use most often in our house with 3 dogs. But I still get questions from curious readers about the safety of melamine foam — on skin, with kids, around pets, etc. Here’s what you need to know about melamine sponges and how they work.
How To Dry Bed Sheets In The Dryer Without A Tangled Mess (…It’s The Most Frustrating Part About Washing & Drying Bed Sheets, Right?!)
Want to know how to dry a bed sheet fast?… I’ve found it! I did an experiment to calculate the actual time spent drying, untangling, re-separating, and re-drying bed sheets using each of the following methods: 1) Put all sheets into the dryer at one time, 2) Put wool dryer balls / tennis balls in with the sheets, 3) Put a dry towel in with the sheets, 4) Put only one bed sheet at a time in the dryer. See which of these methods is the fastest way to dry bed sheets!
Find Cockroaches In Your Coffee Maker? (I Did) Here’s Why Roaches Like Coffee Machines, Plus How To Get Rid Of Roaches & Disinfect Your Coffee Maker
There’s just something about coffee & roaches… especially cockroaches and coffee machines. Trust me, I know! Unless you want cockroach coffee at home, here’s how to get rid of roaches in your coffee maker once and for all. Plus how to properly disinfect a coffee machine that’s had roaches in it.
How To Clean Windows Without Streaks: My Foolproof Method & DIY Window Cleaner
Want the easiest way to get sparkling, streak free windows? I’m constantly removing dog nose prints, cat paw prints, and my son’s hand prints from our glass sliding doors using this method. It’s the fastest way I can clean the windows without streaks or chemicals!
My Review Of The iLife Robot Vacuum Cleaner… In A 3,700 Sq. Ft. 2-Story House With 3 Dogs!
I have both, an A8 model and a V8 model of the iLife robot vacuum. (They’re about half the price of a Roomba iRobot vacuum!) I use the A8 upstairs where most of the rooms are carpeted, and I use the V8 downstairs where we do most of our living with 3 dogs in the house (and have mostly hardwood flooring and lots of throw rugs). Here’s my list of the pros & cons of a robot vacuum cleaner vs. a traditional upright vacuum cleaner, and how well the wet mopping feature works on an auto vacuum cleaner.
My Review Of The DIY Superior Bidet Attachment (…I’ve Always Wanted To Have A Bathroom Bidet Toilet!)
I’ve always wanted a bidet toilet… I finally got one. Hubby installed the DIY Superior Bidet attachment, and our rear ends have never been cleaner! To help you decide if a bathroom bidet makes sense for your family, read through my list of pros & cons of an add-on bidet first.
Homemade Poo Pourri Recipes: How To Make DIY PooPourri Toilet Spray & Toilet Drops Using Essential Oils
Poo Pouri is a GREAT poop spray! I’ll never buy traditional bathroom sprays again – because it’s so much more effective to use a toilet spray than an aerosol bathroom deodorizer. Here’s how to combine essential oIls & water to make your own homemade Poo Pourri recipe. The original Poopouri before you go toilet spray makes a great gift, but this homemade poo spray is what I keep in each of the bathrooms in my home.
Eraser Daddy Review: Scrubbing Power Without Scratching (Like Scrub Daddy Sponges) + Soft Wiping Power (Like Magic Erasers)
My husband calls me the sponge expert because I’ve tried practically every sponge under the sun. I definitely have my favorites (Sponge Mommy sponges and Magic Erasers). When the Eraser Daddy sponge hit the market, I couldn’t wait to try it! Here’s my review of this 2-sided sponge — it’s a Scrub Daddy sponge on 1 side and a melamine sponge on the other.
Scrub Daddy Uses: 50+ Creative Ways To Use A Scrub Daddy Sponge
The Scrub Daddy sponge, a popular kitchen scrubber, gets SOFT in hot water and HARD in cold water. Plus it doesn’t hold onto food & odors. Lots of fun uses here!
Got Yellow Underarm Stains? The Best Way To Remove Sweat Stains From Shirts AND Prevent Armpit Stains In The First Place
I’ve had a problem with the underarms of my white shirts turning yellow for years. If you want to remove sweat stains naturally, here are 3 things that have worked for me. Also, I’ve found 2 great ways to prevent sweat stains in the first place!
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers: Creative Uses For These Household Cleaning Blocks That Truly Work Magic!
A list of a zillion great uses for Mr Clean Magic Erasers from people who actually use them. See what makes a Magic Eraser cleaning block work so well & what this magic sponge is made of. What’s the secret that enables Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to work miracles?
Best Household Cleaners According To Interior Designers Whose Jobs DEPEND On Clean
House Beautiful interviewed 14 top designers. In addition to their favorite design styles and products, there’s also valuable information about their favorite household cleaners. See which cleaning supplies they think are the best at getting the job done!
Another Paint Storage Issue Solved: Cansealid Silicone Paint Can Lids Keep The Air Out & Make Your Paint Cans Stackable
Cansealid is a better paint can lid. My review of the reusable, air-tight, no mess, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, easy open/close, stackable paint can lids
There’s A New Smiley Face Sponge! 2 Reasons Scrub Mommy Sponges Are Even Better Than Scrub Daddy Sponges
Have you seen the new Scrub Mommy sponges? They’re nice because they’re soft on one side and scrubby like a Scrub Daddy smiley face sponge on the other side
Do Cheap Melamine Sponges Work As Well As Mr. Clean Magic Erasers? (Hint: YES!)
I’ve always wondered if no-name melamine cleaning blocks are as good as Magic Erasers. So I tested them side by side. A cheap melamine sponge works great!
How To Buy Essential Oils On A Budget – The Best Ones To Buy Based On Cost Per Drop
Yes, you can find cheap essential oils that are 100% pure. Here’s a list of the best essential oils to buy when you’re on a budget – based on cost per drop.
Cleaning Granite Countertops: How To Keep Your Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops Looking Like New
Here’s everything you need to know about sealing granite countertops, cleaning granite countertops daily, plus tips for preventing staining and etching.
Using Bona Refresher As A Floor Polish Instead Of Using Floor Wax: How To Make Hardwood Floors Shine Without Damaging Them!
Bona Refresher is a safe way to make hardwood floors shine. It’s similar to using a hardwood floor polish, but quicker & easier. My review of Bona Refresher
My Shark Navigator Lift Away Vacuum Review: Bye Bye, Oreck! No Way, Dyson!
I’ve used an Oreck for 13 years. Researched Dyson vacuums for 3 years. Bought a Shark Navigator Lift Away vacuum for 1/4th the price & 10 times the quality!
What You Need To Know About Steam Cleaning Hardwood Floors + A Review Of Monster Steam Mop vs Bona Spray Mop
Few, if any, flooring experts recommend steam cleaning hardwood floors. So I haven’t – til now. My experience using the Monster steam mop vs Bona spray mop.
Chemical Free Cleaning: My Experience Using Laundry Balls & Dishwasher Disks With Ceramic Cleaning Beads
I tried 3 chemical-free cleaning products: A Dishwasher Disk and Laundry Balls that each use bio ceramic cleaning beads instead of harsh detergents. Also, scented dryer balls.
How To Clean A Sponge: 4 Most Effective Ways To Kill Germs & Bacteria On Kitchen Sponges (+ My All-Time Favorite Sponges!)
Want to know how to clean a sponge & remove 99.9% of bacteria? Facts about cleaning sponges in the microwave, dishwasher, with vinegar and with bleach.
Bona Motion Mop Review: Is It Better Than The Regular Bona Hardwood Floor Mop?
Is the battery-powered Bona Motion mop better than the original Bona hardwood floor mop? My review of the Bona Motion spray mop with sonic cleaning power.
Shark Steam Mop Review: Your Floors Will Be Clean Enough For Crawling Babies!
My personal experience with the Shark Steam Mop, including pros & cons. I’ve used 11 of them – at home and work. See why I like the Shark Steam Mop so much.
Looking For A Handheld Vacuum? (Me Too) I Found These To Be The Best Hand Vacs For Pet Hair, Hardwood Floors & Stairs
For the past 12 years, I’ve been using an Oreck Compact Canister Handheld Vacuum. It’s kinda clunky, slightly noisy, and has bags that need to be changed all the time. So I set out to find a better hand vac. Here are the best hand vacs I found for vacuuming hardwood floors – especially pet hair and stairs.
8 Reasons Why You Should Use Micro Mesh Gutter Guards
If you’re thinking of getting gutter guards, here are 8 reasons why you should consider micro mesh gutter guards. I spoke with Alex Higgenbotham, inventor of the gutter guard micromesh technology that’s used in Mastershield gutter guards and Leaf Filter gutter guards.
How (And Why) To Clean The Air Ducts In Your Home
Here’s how, why, and how often you should clean your air ducts — especially if you’ve recently remodeled, live in an area where there’s new construction, or have a lot of pets.
How To Clean Travertine Countertops, Floors, Shower Tiles & Backsplashes
In terms of hardness, Travertine is about as hard as Marble, but not as hard as Granite. I’ve learned firsthand that keeping your Travertine surfaces looking their best requires some extra attention when it comes to cleaning… and sealing. These tips will help you keep your Travertine looking great for years.
Top 4 Dust Sprays + Tips For Choosing The Best Dust Control Spray For Your Home
Dust spray is the best way to control dust and allergens inside your home. There are many dust sprays; some work better than others. Choosing the right dust control spray is key to having a home that remains dust free longer without a sticky residue or waxy build-up which actually just attracts more dust. Here are the top 4 dust control sprays.
How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances And Remove Scratches
Stainless steel requires careful cleaning in order to maintain its luster. Abrasive cleaners or those containing chlorine can cause permanent damage and discoloration to the surface of your stainless steel appliances. Here’s how to clean stainless steel and remove scratches from stainless steel appliances.
DIY Tips For Making Your Own Foaming Soap Refills + Prettier Foam Soap Pump Bottles
I used to spend a fortune on those foaming soap dispensers filled with Dawn dishwashing soap! Not any more. Now I refill those pump bottles with my own homemade foaming soap. Here’s how to make foaming soap. Plus, how to make your foaming soap bottles look much more attractive on your kitchen counter!
The Shelf Life Of Household Products & Cleaning Supplies – See How Long Things Last (Typically)
Earlier, I wrote about the life expectancy of home components — things like appliances, doors, flooring, faucets and fixtures. Now, here’s how long household products last — including cleaners, electronics, furniture, bedding, carpet & rugs.
How To Make Your Own All Natural Fabric Softener + The Best Ways To Remove Static Cling
Here are 5 home recipes to make your own natural fabric softener, plus 3 great tips for removing static cling in the dryer, and 4 ways to remove static cling on clothes as you’re wearing them!
Best Gutter Cleaning Tools For Removing Leaves & Debris From Your Gutters With Ease
If you’re tired of climbing a ladder to clean gutters, here are a variety of other tools and products that will make cleaning your gutters easier than ever before!
DIY Home Security Tips – Simple Ways To Burglar-Proof Your House
There’s a home burglary every 15 seconds. 60% of burglaries take place while the home is occupied. Here are the best DIY home security things you can do yourself to stay safe.
How To Choose The Best Air Filters For Your House (Home Air Filtration 101)
Tips for choosing air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system. Are expensive air filters really better than the cheaper ones? What’s the difference between the all the different types of home air filters? Here’s what to look for.
Looking For A Good Fogless Shower Mirror?… We Finally Found The Best Fog Free Mirror!
There are 2 big reasons that most fogless shower mirrors fail:1) They don’t stay on the wall for long; 2) They don’t remain fog free for long. The ToiletTree Fogless Mirror addresses both of those concerns. As a result, it stays fog free… AND it stays on the wall!
Got Black Streaks On Your Roof? Here’s How To Remove Black Algae & Roof Mold
If your roof has black streaks on the asphalt shingles or a green mossy growth on the roof, you’ve got roof mold or algae. See why it accumulates, plus how to remove algae from the roof of your house.
Recycling Trash 101: How To Dispose Of Things That Can’t Go In Curbside Recycling Or Your Regular Garbage
The following items pose a hazard to the environment and human well-being and, therefore, must be recycled in other ways. Usually, this means taking the item to a Household Hazardous Waste collection center in your community. Extra precautions should be taken when disposing of these items.
Oxygen Bleach vs Chlorine Bleach: See Why Products Like OxiClean Are Best
The advantages of using oxygen bleach products over chlorine bleach products far outweigh the disadvantages. Oxygen bleach is environmentally safe and non-toxic — reasons alone to switch from chlorine bleach to oxygen bleach.
Top Loaders vs Front Loaders: Why I Prefer Front Loading Washing Machines
See, point-by-point, why I — and lots of other people — prefer front loading washing machines. I’ve highlighted 7 key reasons here.
Bona Spray Mop vs Shark Steam Mop – Which Is Best For Hardwood Floors?
Want to keep your hardwood floors looking clean and brand new for years?!… Here are the tips I received from a hardwood floor expert, along with the hardwood floor mop I ultimately decided on… and why.
Leaf Blowers vs Leaf Rakes – Which Is Best & Why?
No matter where you live, or how much you like your neighbors, the minute a neighbor fires up a noisy leaf blower, you’re at their mercy and have to deal with the loud noise & air pollution. Still, leaf blowers are commonly seen as the simpler, faster option when it comes to gathering leaves. But are they really more efficient than raking?…
