Housekeeping Tips

Instructions Step 1: Unplug the fixture Unplug the fixture or turn off the electricity in the room you’re working in. While you let the bulbs cool, move all furniture and breakable objects out of the work area. Step 2: Put a blanket on the floor Place a thick blanket on the floor under the fixture, …

Instructions Step 1: Put parts in cleaning fluid Disassemble the clock movement and place all the compatible parts in a tray filled with cleaning fluid. Remove the spring from the barrel before placing the barrel in the cleaning fluid. TIP: Check with a professional antique clock repair shop about suitable cleaning compounds and cleaning methods …

Instructions Step 1: Schedule chores Schedule chores, dividing tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly categories to maintain order and cleanliness, and to avoid overwhelming tasks. TIP: Create cleaning checklists for each room. Step 2: Use gravity Use gravity to be a better housekeeper by cleaning from the top down and avoid cleaning fixtures, shelves and …

Instructions Step 1: Disassemble the watch movement Disassemble the watch movement, and place all of the parts except the mainspring, balance, and pallets in a commercial cleaning solution. TIP: Check with a professional antique watch repair shop about suitable cleaning compounds and methods for your watch. The age of and construction materials used in the …

Instructions Step 1: Remove stains as soon as possible Remove stains as soon as possible. If you can’t locate the urine stain, shine a black light on the mattress. The cat urine will glow in the dark. Step 2: Blot the area Blot the area with paper towels or a clean washcloth if the urine …

Instructions : Exercise caution when working with lacquer. It is reactive and flammable. Step 1: Use hot water Try using hot water to remove the lacquer from large objects. TIP: If the lacquer layer is thin, it may peel away. If it is thick, it may crack so you can pull off chunks after the …

Instructions Step 1: Spray fresh Spray the rooms and carpets with freshener and dim the lights to cover the dirt. Use scented candles to enhance the effect. Get the bare floors quickly with a dry mop and, if there’s time before guests arrive, wipe it down with watered oil soap. Step 2: Flip cushions Fake …

Instructions Step 1: Treat spills or mold Treat spills or grime, including mold growth, by brushing the fabric with a cloth or a soft, clean brush. Step 2: Air it out Air out small leather items, like boots and purses, in the sun. Mold and mildew grow in moisture, and leather pores are less likely …

Instructions Step 1: Brush dust off the frame Brush the mirror frame with a soft-bristled paintbrush to remove dust and debris. Step 2: Wipe off dust Wipe the mirror with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any dust. TIP: If the mirror has black marks or voids, it may need to be re-silvered. However, …

Instructions Step 1: Vacuum Vacuum your carpet thoroughly. Step 2: Apply a cleaner Apply a traffic-lane cleaner to areas of the carpet that are stained or heavily soiled with grease, oil, and dirt. Step 3: Deep clean Clean the carpet with a deep-cleaning machine, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The deep cleaner forces a mixture of …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare yourself Be safe by dressing accordingly, covering your arms, legs, and feet. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. Step 2: Prepare your deck Remove your deck furniture and cover shrubs and flowers in the area with drop cloths. Repair damaged boards, sand rough edges, and sweep away debris. TIP: Use a …

Instructions Step 1: Extract debris Put on your protective eyewear, paper mask, and old clothing. With a large pail lined with a garbage bag by the fireplace, and a drop cloth in place, extract large debris from the fireplace. TIP: Wear knee pads to reduce discomfort. Step 2: Sweep and vacuum fireplace Sweep up ash …

Instructions Step 1: Determine if brass is lacquered Determine whether your brass is lacquered, and whether to clean over the lacquer or to remove the lacquer and clean the brass beneath it. TIP: If a piece is particularly valuable, consult a specialist or curator before attempting to clean it. Step 2: Start with soapy water …

Instructions Step 1: Dust blinds, lighting fixtures, and fans Dust your blinds, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans with a lamb’s wool duster. The oils in the wool will hold on to the dust particles. TIP: Always dust from the top down, saving your floors for last. Step 2: Vacuum curtains Vacuum your curtains, especially the …

Instructions Step 1: Cut the wood the same length Use a saw to cut all of the wood a uniform length – long enough to fit in your fireplace – so it will stack well in a single row. Step 2: Encourage drying Locate the stack in an area that gets plenty of sun and …

Instructions Step 1: Soak Soak the ring for 20 minutes in a mixture of 1 cup warm water and ¼ cup ammonia. TIP: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Step 2: Rinse Rinse the ring in a solution of warm water with a splash of dishwashing liquid. Step 3: Scrub gently Gently scrub around …

Instructions Step 1: Place the fitted sheet on the mattress Place the fitted sheet on the bed by securing the corner elastic under the corners of the mattress. Tuck all of the edges of the sheet tightly around and under the mattress. Step 2: Place the top sheet over the fitted sheet Lay the top …

Instructions Step 1: Vacuum Remove the cushions and vacuum everything thoroughly with the upholstery attachment to remove loose dust, dirt, hair, and food particles. Once weekly is recommended. Step 2: Dust Dust non-upholstered parts of the couch, including frames and legs, with a soft cloth. Step 3: Remove stains Read the label on the couch …

Instructions Step 1: Wipe off dust Dust the item with a soft dusting cloth. Step 2: Remove adhesive Use adhesive remover to remove glue or tape residue from the piece. Step 3: Line bins with towels Line each bin with towels. TIP: Covering the sides and bottoms of the bins helps keep your precious antiques …

Instructions Step 1: Marinate meat Marinate meat by placing it in a plastic zipper-top bag with beer. Let the meat marinate for several hours before draining and cooking. TIP: Beer’s acidic nature breaks down the tendons in the meat and acts as a tenderizer. Step 2: Add flavor to food Add flavor to recipes by …

Instructions : Children should not play with fire. Fires should only be made under adult supervision. Melted paraffin wax is dangerous can cause severe burns. Step 1: Secure Close one end of the cardboard toilet paper roll with tape, pack it full of dryer lint, and tape the other end. Step 2: Arrange firewood Arrange …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare dish Cover the bottom of a heat-proof glass dish with a crumpled piece of aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is placed with the shiny side up. TIP: Do not use this method on silver jewelry with porous stones, shells, or pearls, or flatware with hollow handles. Polish by hand instead, …

Instructions Step 1: Hide medicine Hide your dog’s or cat’s prescription medicine in a lump of peanut butter. TIP: Peanut butter helps strengthen your dog’s teeth and keeps their coat shiny. Step 2: Use in mouse trap Use peanut butter as bait in a mousetrap. Mice prefer peanut butter over cheese, plus it’s less expensive. …

Instructions Step 1: Place aspirin in battery Put two aspirin in your car’s battery if it’s dead. The acetylsalicylic acid and the battery’s sulfuric acid may produce a charge good for one more turn of the engine. Step 2: Add to water Add a crushed aspirin to water before adding fresh flowers to extend their …

Instructions Step 1: Remove the meat Remove a large piece of nut from the shell and rub it diagonally into the scratch. TIP: Pecans, almonds, and Brazil nuts will also work. Step 2: Rub with fingers Rub the area with your fingers to warm the area. Step 3: Let the oils soak in Wait a …

Instructions Step 1: Add water Add ½ inch of water to a votive candleholder before inserting the candle. When the candle burns down, the wax will pop out easily. Step 2: Soak in hot water Soak glass candle holders in hot, soapy water for a few minutes. This will soften the wax so that you …

Instructions Step 1: Dampen a rag Dampen a rag and wring out the excess water. Step 2: Mix toothpaste and baking soda Mix a paste of equal parts toothpaste and baking soda in the small bowl. Step 3: Gently rub into stain Gently rub the paste into the stain with the damp rag. TIP: Repeat …

Instructions Step 1: Fill bowl Fill a bowl with two cups warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Step 2: Add jewelry and soak Add all of your jewelry that needs cleaning and let it soak for 15 minutes. Step 3: Brush up Brush gently with the toothbrush around any recessed or …

Instructions Step 1: Remove stains Rub your hands with a raw potato to remove food stains. Step 2: Apply to eyes Apply cut slices of raw, cold potato to your eyes to make puffiness disappear. Step 3: Hold in place Hold a floral arrangement in place by cutting a potato in half lengthwise and placing …

Instructions Step 1: Understand where dust comes from Understand that dust comes from the tiny flakes of skin we constantly shed, fibers shed by fabrics, insect parts, pet dander, hair, pollen grains and mold spores, and dust mites. Step 2: Learn where dust hides Learn the places where dust hides, such as deep inside carpet, …

Instructions Step 1: Dispose of offenders Remove anything growing fur or moss that is not a pet or a house plant. Step 2: Absorb stink Place open boxes of baking soda in the fridge to absorb stinky food odors. To absorb cigarette smoke and other smells throughout the house, place a few drops of lemon, …

Instructions Step 1: Manually clean filter Remove your dryer filter after each dryer load. Scrape lint from the filter with your hands. Step 2: Vacuum filter and filter area Clean the area around the filter and wherever lint is visible using the hand tools on your vacuum. Step 3: Wipe inside of dryer Wipe the …

Instructions Step 1: Remove screen door Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screen door from its tracks. Lay it flat. Step 2: Loosen the dirt Loosen the dirt in the tracks with a utility brush, brushing along the length of the track. Step 3: Vacuum excess dirt Remove the excess dirt with a vacuum. …

Instructions Step 1: Clean paintings Remove dust from water-color and oil paintings by patting them with a slice of bread. Step 2: Clean glass surfaces Use fabric softener sheets to eliminate dust and dirt from eyeglasses, television screens, and monitor screens. TIP: For more efficient general purpose dusting, cover each hand with a wet sock. …

Instructions Step 1: Lower the pollen count Use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters to capture airborne particles such as pollen. Use one filter in your bedroom and the other in the family room or other common space. TIP: HEPA filters are rated for different-sized rooms; buy one that’s big enough for the room you’re …

Instructions Step 1: Grab jar Grab the base of the jar with one hand. With your other hand, firmly grasp the lid and turn it counter-clockwise. TIP: Tap the edge of the lid on the edge of a counter to help break the seal. Step 2: Use towel Cover the jar with a towel to …

Instructions : Never use water or solvent to clean your paintings. Step 1: Decide whether you can do it Decide whether you can clean the painting yourself. If it’s extremely valuable or an antique, use a professional. Step 2: Use a soft-bristle brush Gently dust the painting with a soft-bristle brush. TIP: As you’re using …

Instructions Step 1: Determine the type of keys Determine whether your white piano keys are plastic or ivory. Most modern pianos have plastic keys, which are smoother to the touch than ivory. TIP: Move your piano to a sunny place if the ivory keys have yellowed. Sunlight can help bleach the keys. Step 2: Clean …

Instructions : Never use charcoal lighter, kerosene, or gasoline to start a fire in a fireplace. Step 1: Use an axe to split the softwood into foot-long, inch-wide strips for kindling. Crack the hardwood into large pieces. Place the wood by the fireplace. TIP: Use only dry wood, and avoid wood from chestnut trees, which …

Instructions Step 1: Know when your blow dryer needs a tuneup. Dryers can overheat or shut down if too much lint builds up. If the dryer runs too hot or the airflow seems weak, the filter should be cleaned. Step 2: Unplug your hair dryer. Inspect the front and back grills. Remove any visible lint …

Instructions Step 1: Mix your solution In a bowl, mix together the hot water and lemon oil, which you can find in health food stores. Step 2: Add the cloths Dip some clean, untreated cotton cloths or cheesecloth squares into the mixture. TIP: Tear up some old cotton T-shirts to use as dust cloths. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Turn on the tap Fill the top glass with ice water; the cold will make the glass molecules contract. TIP: Add salt to the ice water to chill it faster. Step 2: Switch to hot water With the top glass still full of ice water, run hot water over the bottom glass, …

Instructions Step 1: Prevent splatters Prevent microwave splatters by covering foods with a filter before nuking them. Step 2: Get streak-free mirrors Use them with window cleaner to wash windows and mirrors; they’re lint-free. Step 3: Protect your china Protect your good china by slipping a filter between each plate. Step 4: Recycle cooking oil …

Instructions Step 1: Dilute cleaning detergent Dilute a tiny amount of the mild cleaning detergent into one of the buckets of water. TIP: Never use acidic detergents on marble surfaces — it will dull and destroy them. Step 2: Soak sponge & wring out Soak the sponge in the detergent water and wring it out …

Instructions Step 1: Make sure brass isn’t lacquered Make sure your brass isn’t lacquered by checking for any discoloration where the lacquer has chipped—or by consulting a professional. You should not polish lacquered brass. Step 2: Wash brass Wash the brass, using mild soapy water and one of the cloths. Step 3: Put on cotton …

Instructions Step 1: Remove stains Get rid of stains on countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and any nonporous surface you can think of with a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste to a damp sponge, scrub away, and rinse. TIP: Baking soda works well on metallic surfaces, like chrome or …

Instructions Step 1: Clean cuts and burns Use mouthwash as an antiseptic: Pour it on minor cuts, scrapes, and burns to prevent infections. Step 2: Tone your face After washing your face with your regular cleanser, wipe it with a mouthwash-dampened cotton ball. It will work like an astringent to tighten pores. TIP: Follow up …

Instructions Step 1: Shine your shoes Rub the inside of a banana peel on anything made of leather—shoes, pocketbooks, jackets. Then wipe away the residue and buff with a lint-free cloth for a glossy gleam. Step 2: Clean your houseplants Wipe down houseplant leaves; the peel removes dust and dirt and leaves them soft and …

Instructions Step 1: Sanitizing the Toilet Drop four tablets into the toilet bowl and leave them for 20 minutes. Brush, flush, and you’re done. Step 2: Making Your Sink Sparkle Fill your bathroom or kitchen sink halfway with water, drop in two tablets. Let stand for 20 minutes, drain, and rinse. TIP: You can even …

Instructions Step 1: Scrape with foil Immediately after you’re finished cooking, make a ball of aluminum foil and scrub the still-warm grill rack surface with it, taking care not to burn your fingers. Step 2: Lay down foil Place a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil across the grill, close the lid, and turn the heat …

Instructions Step 1: Squeeze Squeeze the air out of the bag by flattening it. Step 2: Roll Roll the top of the bag all the way down to just above the chips. Step 3: Fold Fold back an inch or two on each side of the bag. TIP: Use your thumbs to keep the corners …

Instructions Step 1: Fill laundry basket Grab a laundry basket and run around the living room, tossing in everything that’s not where it’s supposed to be. Put the basket in a closet and shut the door. TIP: Open the windows. Research shows bright light gives the impression of cleanliness—even in a dirty room. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Check floor Make sure your floor is sealed. If it’s not, it’s probably waxed and shouldn’t be mopped. Check by rubbing a finger across it. If you don’t leave a smudge, the floor is probably sealed. Step 2: Vacuum floor Vacuum or sweep the floor free of dust and particles. Step 3: …

Instructions Step 1: Vacuum floor Vacuum your floor thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or grime. Step 2: Mix solution For an unsealed floor, mix the vinegar into the bucket of warm water. For a sealed floor, mix the mild soap into the water instead. TIP: Sealed tile floors should be waxed once a year …

Instructions Step 1: Test table Place a drop of liquid detergent on a cotton cloth dampened with warm water to test the table first. Test in a small, inconspicuous place — like along the edge of the table or at a corner. Step 2: Create solution If there is no noticeable damage or discoloration to …

Instructions Step 1: Read directions Read the silver cleaner’s packaging and follow those directions if they vary from these. Step 2: Rinse silver Rinse the silver item in warm water. Step 3: Spread paste Put a dab of silver cleaning paste onto a soft cloth and spread it over the surface of the item. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Check if your item is made of finished leather. To check if your item is made of finished leather, lightly scratch it in an inconspicuous place—if the scratch is roughly the same color as its surroundings, it’s finished leather. : Make sure your product is made of finished leather before proceeding. If …