Housekeeping

The use of a rubber tub mat can prevent slips and falls in an otherwise dangerously smooth surface of the bathtub or shower floor. But you may have noticed that these same mats are a popular home...

Naugahyde is a stain-resistant, faux-leather upholstery fabric that is extremely popular in the United States. While this fabric is hard to hurt, it can accumulate rust stains if it comes in...

Mold can be found in older homes or in rooms that are not used frequently. Basements are notorious breeding grounds for mold and mildew as they are usually closed off without proper air...

Fruit flies and gnats are some of the most annoying little buggers. Just the thought of them and my mouth closes and my nose starts twitching. Luckily, getting rid of these unwelcomed and univited...

When you buy white socks from the store, it is always a pleasure to see how clean they look. Unfortunately, white socks get dirty so quickly! The first time you wear them, when you take them off...

When you clean surfaces with chlorine bleach, you will likely end up with some of the product on your skin. When bleach splashes on your hands or other areas, you must immediately rinse your skin...

Any area where there is little light or air circulation is a perfect habitat for mold. Once moisture is introduced, mold will thrive. If black mold (which is actually greenish-black) is not...

The roof of a home is exposed to extreme conditions such as rain, snow, ice and heat. It is not uncommon for black mold streaks to form on the roof. Black mold on the roof diminishes the overall...

Mold is an insidious pest that can cause asthma-type symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and even respiratory problems. To maintain a healthy home, it's essential to keep a close...

No one likes to be sick (especially this flu season). Illnesses like H1N1 have people running scared. But with a few extra steps you can keep your house germ free (well, at least cut down on...

Discoloration can occur in the laundry for a variety of reasons. Bleach or cheap detergents can cause discoloration if they are improperly applied, or discoloration can be a symptom of bad water...

Getting even a small stain on an article of clothing will completely ruin it. Having stains on appliances and countertops or in sinks, toilets and tubs will make the house look dirty and sloppy....

Mildew on grout is a common problem in any area that gets wet frequently or if you live in a humid damp area. Mildew stains can be very difficult to remove from grout. Of course prevention is best...

It can be distasteful to open your patio umbrella and discover mildew forming within the folds of the fabric. Mildew forms in damp places where oxygen does not circulate effectively. When you keep...

Dirty wheels can cause your in-line skates to feel "bouncy" while using them and also decrease the spin speed of the wheels. Whenever you notice debris on the wheels of your in-line skates, it's a...

It may be a dirty job that nobody wants to do, but anybody who has young children will eventually have to teach their children how to use the toilet. After the toilet has been used it certainly...

Whether you left a pen in your shirt pocket, accidentally marked on your favorite jeans or your kid made artwork out of your bed sheets, it is possible to remove ink from fabric. Don't throw away...

The term "linens" originated in the 14th century to describe articles of clothing or household goods that were made of yarn spun from flax. The modern meaning of the word describes the collection...

Metal marks on ceramic cooktops can appear as brown or black streaks and spots. Aluminum pans can rub the cooktop and leave marks, as can metal utensils and foil. Always wipe off the bottom of...

Outdoor carpeting makes for attractive decor, but it can take more upkeep than indoor carpet. As green mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, outdoor carpet can be a breeding ground for the nasty...

Almost every guide for the care and maintenance of marble warns that you should not use bleach, vinegar or other harsh cleaners. This is because these cleaners contain acidic materials or...

A cool deck is a concrete deck that has been treated with a coating substance that prevents the surface from becoming hot to the touch. Cool decks are extremely common around pool areas where...

Mixing bleach with your laundry detergent is always a smart way to remove stains from your clothes. Bleach is also perfect for keeping your whites, like t-shirts, socks and underwear, at their...

Mold in bathtubs is a common problem in many homes due to the conditions being ideal in these locations for its growth. Mold grows best in moist and humid areas, a situation common in many...

Mold is much more than a simple nuisance. Exposure to mold spores can cause severe allergic reactions and illness in some individuals--especially those with compromised immune systems. Wood...

You searched endlessly and paid dearly for that waterfront property. Alternatively maybe you just have received a lot of rain in your suburban home. Either way, if mold or mildew has started...

Green stains on a deck are likely caused from mildew, mold or algae. These green stains are a common result of the deck's constant exposure to weather elements. It is important to clean deck...

A spa tub is a terrific way to relax after a hard workout or long day. Spas, however, do not get cleaned nearly enough. If they are not cleaned, they can grow bacteria in the water or on the...

Fiestaware is designed to food service and hotel industry standards and is therefore relatively easy to wash. Most standard methods for cleaning Fiestaware are completely safe and will not damage...

Cleaning mouthguards is often necessary when odor and bacteria build up within the mouthguard. Luckily, since these are not worn all the time, they can be soaked for a few hours in a homemade...

Mold commonly grows in areas exposed to high humidity and water. It is especially prevalent in damp, dark places such as basements, which are prone to flooding. Mold exposure can lead to serious...

Plastic bowls, such as Tupperware, retain the odor of the foods that were stored in them because plastic is a porous material. Although plastic bowls are useful for storing food and leftovers in...

If you have left your wrought iron furniture out in the rain on a slate patio, then you are probably all too familiar with the rusty brown and red stains that form underneath wrought iron...

Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is the primary ingredient in curry. Its distinct flavor and vibrant yellow hue are popular in many Asian dishes and sauces. In fact, turmeric is also used to add...

The problem with pockets is that we can't help but leave things in them. From crayons and lip balm to chewing gum and ink pens, we forget things in our pants pockets before tossing the pants into...

It is not uncommon for mold to grow on wood siding. Weather elements such as rain, snow, humidity and heat create ideal breeding grounds on wood siding for mold to grow, diminishing the overall...

Canvas is a strong fabric that can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. However, the durability of canvas means that it is often used in products that are exposed to dirt and stains. Light...

Oxygen bleach is also known as sodium percarbonate, which when dissolved in water forms a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. Oxygen bleach has many uses...

If it's been awhile since you've cleaned your ceramic floor, then you may have noticed that your formerly white tile has become dingy. Depending on how long it's been, there might even be a brown...

Believe it or not, mold and mildew varieties of fungi are running rampant in many households. Unbeknownst to residents of these homes, it is mold, not contagious colds or outdoor allergens,...

Shingles are installed to protect a roof and house from water and other weather elements. Due to their extreme exposure to the elements, black stains may form on the shingles. These stains are...

Every year tons of toxins are absorbed into the ground as a result of outdoor cleaning, such as deck, car and pet washing. The average American uses about 40 pounds of toxic cleaning products per...

Doing laundry is one of those tasks most people perform without a lot of thought. You may separate colors, whites and delicates; spray stain remover on tough spots; add detergent; and throw your...

This article will help anyone learn how to clean a bathroom properly and sanitize it at the same time. Once you learn the routine, maintaining the germ-free environment will be easy.

Q-Tips are most popular for cleaning ears. But did you know that those little Q-tips can be a big help when you are cleaning around your house. Indeed those Q-tips can help make your house...

You can find rubber all over your house, and in many cases, since it composes a large number of handles, you will also find that the rubber has yellowed thanks to wear, skin oils and general heavy...

Even if you are careful to keep your whites clean, light-colored clothing often can acquire a yellowish appearance over time. Certain soaps, detergents and deodorants contain substances that can...

Retractable awnings can be a great space saver. However, like anything that must endure the elements, these awnings will attract mold and mildew. Mildew will cause a bad odor and can damage the...

If you have noticed your light-colored tiles turning yellow in your bathroom, it is time to bust out all your cleaning tools. Whether it's due to soap-scum buildup, hard water stains or just...

Staph bacteria, which are common bacteria and easily transmitted from person to person, can cause conditions and diseases ranging from minor skin infections, such as boils, to serious conditions...