How to clean curtains

The good thing about cleaning your blinds is that there are no complicated or expensive products involved. Unless they’re really filthy, you don’t even need to take them out of the window.

What you need:

Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
Warm water
Dishwashing liquid
Swiffer duster or microfiber cloth
Baking soda
Dryer or compressed air cans

Lower the curtain.

Curtains are much easier to clean when they are closed so they form an almost solid surface. Curtains that often overlap, like vinyl and aluminum, should be tilted downward rather than fully closed.

Wipe the blinds with a clean microfiber cloth or old socks.

Wipe the crossbars from side to side, starting at the top bar and working your way down to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the areas you’ve cleaned. If you have vertical blinds, wipe each slat from the top, holding the bottom of the panel so it doesn’t move around. You want to wipe in a downward motion so they don’t get stuck. If desired, you can use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner on low suction, gently running along the length of the curtain.

Flip the curtain and repeat.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt.

Just don’t do this on wooden blinds as water can warp them.

How to deep clean curtains?

If your blinds have grease or stubborn stains, it may be time for a deep clean.

Remove the curtains from the windows and gently place them in a bath with warm water, some dish soap, and a cup of baking soda.
Let them soak for an hour or so.
Rinse with warm water.
Wipe off excess dirt and hang again.
How to lighten white curtains

Curtains absorb a lot of sun and can eventually yellow and dull.

Again, remove the curtains from the windows and gently place them in the bath, this time with cold water and 3 cups of liquid bleach.
Let them soak for up to 10 minutes.
Wear rubber gloves and then wipe each slab with water and bleach solution with a clean sponge or cloth.
Wash.
Use a clean towel to dry before hanging.
How to clean umbrellas/honeycombs and fabric curtains

Since dirt and even insects can easily get caught in portable blinds, you should try to clean them quickly once a week.

Use the brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to clean the surface. Gently sweep it through the curtain.
Set your hair dryer on the lowest setting and blow any debris out of the cell. Instead, if you want, you can spray a can of compressed air through the boxes.
Absorb stains gently — don’t scrub hard! —With a clean cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap. Dry by blotting with another clean cloth to prevent water retention. You never want your portable blinds to get too wet.

How to clean drapes

Nets should also be cleaned every two weeks, especially if someone in your home has allergies.

Vacuum screen.

You want to get dust, dirt, and pet hair off the screen before it gets on the fabric, and a vacuum cleaner’s nozzle is a great tool to use. Using the lowest suction level and short swipe, start at the top of the screen and work your way down. If your blinds have embellishments like beading, you can simply wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid damaging them while removing dust.

Wash the curtain.

If your curtain is really dirty or yellowed, you may have to wash it. However, before wetting them, check the care label for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If your blinds are machine washable, use cold water, a gentle detergent, and a gentle wash cycle. However, do not put too many tables at once, or they will not be clean. And, if they’re made from delicate fabrics like lace, put them in a mesh bag in the machine. If you’re going to hand wash, consider using a tub for extra space.

To dry the curtains, hang them on a clothesline to prevent wrinkles and possible dryer damage. If they look wrinkled, you can quickly clean them with a warm iron or steamer. Again, check the care label before doing anything.

Dry clean screen.

Sometimes, the safest thing to do is to simply send the curtains to a dry cleaner to have the professionals take care of them. Do this if your curtain is particularly fragile or dirty. If they are made from expensive fabrics, such as silk brocade, make sure you go to a dry cleaner that specializes in drapes.

This car clever backseat organizer holds your food packets, drinks, gadgets and a lot more. In a nutshell, it helps you declutter your backseat.

2. Car Headrest Hook – Declutter the backseat of your car

Turn your car’s headrest into a storage space with this car headrest hook. You can hang groceries, handbags, water bottles, toys, baby supplies and a lot more. Why clutter your backseat when you can get these hooks installed in your car! Invest in these car headrest hooks and declutter your backseat quick and easy. Built of superior materials, one unit of headrest hook can easily hold up to 13 pounds.

3. Car Ioniser- Deodorises your car

Whether it is the smell of smoke or the stale odour produced by smelly feet, this car ionizer eliminates the peculiar smell. It purifies the air and reduces the chances of general ailments like coughing, sneezing, asthma and so on. This car not just keeps the odour out of the car but also fills the car with fresh air.

4. Car Boot Organizer

Utilize every inch of your car boot space with this car boot organizer. It has large compartments and side pockets to hold car repair tools, general essentials and more. You can even store grocery in this car boot organizer. The non-slip pads prevent any kind of damage to the things stored within. You can fold it when not in use. In addition, this car boot organizer comes with a removable insulated cooler which keeps food and drinks at the perfect temperature.

5 .Car Scratch Remover Pen- Get rid of those little scratches easily

Does your beloved car look a little old because of a few scratches? Don’t worry, we have a permanent solution for you. This car scratch remover pen is a scratch repair filler. It removes scratches from your vehicle easily. Using the car scratch remover is super easy. Apply the pen on scratched areas, buff it in and wipe it. This scratch repair pen is permanent and water-resistant.

6. Set of 2 Hose Pipe with Spray Gun- Why waste your money on car washing services!

Back from a road trip? Your car needs a good wash. This hose pipe with spray gun nozzle delivers a high volume spray which washes away the dust and dirt. Just turn on the nozzle and make your car sparkling clean in a few minutes.

7. Car Air Foot Pump- Maintains the air pressure of car tires

Did you know? Driving with inadequately inflated tires not just hampers the performance of your car but it is also not safe. No matter where you travel, this car air foot pump must be a part of your car emergency kit. With this air foot pump, you can check the air pressure of your car tire and fill it if inadequate. When the tires are properly inflated, they end up saving fuel for you.

8. Car Seat Lumbar Support- Corrects your posture while driving

This accessory can be used not just in the car but at your workplace as well. Simply attach this to your chair and it is ready to use. The mesh framework is flexibles and provides adequate support to the lumbar region. This seat support is meant to correct poor posture which can cause lower back pain. Even if you are already suffering from lower back pain, you can use this supporter to feel comfortable.

9. Car Vacuum Cleaner- Keeps your car dust-free

Keep your car interiors clean and tidy with this car vacuum cleaner. It has a handle like attachment which cleans the most difficult corners of your car with great ease. All you need to do is connect it to your car charger and start cleaning.

The last thing you want to find in your custom closets is mold or mildew. All these fungi need to grow is a damp surface, whether it’s wood, paper, fabric, carpeting, or another material. While mold can grow anywhere in your house, your closets provide the perfect environment — dark, confined, damp, poor ventilation, and no circulating air. 

One of the best solutions for removing mold is to stop it from growing in the first place. 

You can do this by controlling the moisture and humidity levels in your closets.

To protect your closets and wardrobe, follow the tips in this article to keep mold and mildew away.

Do you want to make cleaning easier and dream of the day someone or something will solve all of your messy problems? Of course, you do. Today’s products and cleaning tools are so much better than they used to be with new innovations hitting the market nearly daily to make life easier.

And the internet is brimming with hacks and tips that entice us with visions of better and easier cleaning. Who comes up with these ideas, and why haven’t we seen them before? Some are based on science, but the majority are not.

Here are eight cleaning hacks that are ineffective and will waste your time and money. Some are even downright dangerous! Skip ’em in favor of sound advice that will result in a much cleaner and safer outcome.

Sanitize Sponges in the Microwave

Like many hacks, this one is based on a bit of science. Yes, high heat can kill some bacteria, but recent research shows that the remaining bacteria will recolonize the sponge and can potentially become even stronger.1

Using an Excessive Amount of Laundry Detergent

Many people fill the cap to the brim with detergent when doing laundry. But, as it turns out, there’s something to be said for following the instructions on the package. Too much soap will make your clothes feel greasy, and the suds will trap excess bacteria in the fabric’s creases—yuck!

Cleaning mirrors with too much cleaning spray

You definitely can have too much of a good thing—especially when it comes to cleaning your mirrors. “The secret to streak-free mirrors is very, very little liquid,” says Laura Smith, a cleaning expert with All Star Cleaning Services. “Spray lightly across the bottom where the toothpaste splatters are likely to be, and then wipe upward from there, using a microfiber cloth and that small amount of moisture for the rest of the mirror.”

Washing Your Chicken

When your parents cooked a chicken supper, they most likely washed the raw bird in the sink to kill any bacteria. Experts now advise against this antiquated procedure, citing the risk of hazardous microorganisms splashing on towels, worktops, and other kitchen surfaces when a bird is held under running water. Reduce the danger of salmonella illness by directly transferring the fowl from the packing to the pan.

Mishandling Your Cast Iron

Cast-iron cookware requires regular cleaning to maintain its long-lasting durability, but you should never put cast-iron pans in a dishwasher. Similarly, you should never wash cast iron with dish soap or allow the material to air-dry, since these practices can create rust spots.

Cleaning stainless steel with the wrong cleaner

Just because a cleaner is billed as safe for stainless steel doesn’t actually mean it’s the best product for the job. “Fancy stainless steel cleaners actually compound the streak problem over time,” says Smith. “The best thing to do is to wash it all off with hot water (sometimes it will take a few passes to remove the buildup), and then maintain with plain water on a microfiber cloth going forward.”

Using lukewarm water, scrub your tub

Sure, lukewarm water may be easier on your hands, but if you want to get that tub spotless, it’s time to turn up the heat. “You should be using hot water to really clean your tub,” says Abe Navas, general manager of Dallas-based Emily’s Maids. “[Room temperature] tap water is just not enough to clean all of the buildups that soap and shampoo create over time.”

Putting Knives in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are extremely convenient appliances that save you from having a pileup of dirty dishes in the sink, but you shouldn’t rely on the machine to wash everything in your kitchen drawers—for example, your knives. Running your knives through a dishwasher dulls the blades over time, which can make them more dangerous to use. Carefully hand-wash your knives to keep them sharp and sparkling clean.

Relying on Your Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature

Although many homeowners swear by their oven’s self-cleaning mode to eliminate caked-on food particles, the setting can harm your appliance and compromise your home’s air quality. Keep your oven clean by pouring salt over spills as they happen. At hot temperatures, the salt turns food residue into ash, which can then be wiped away with a towel once the oven cools.

Fabric Softener Drying Towels

Fabric softener makes towels feel really soft, but it can also impair absorbency and retain nasty mildew odors. To extend the life of your towels, omit the softener on laundry day and use only soap.

Washing Hardwood with Water

Though wood floors are more hygienic than carpet, the smooth surface shows every speck of dirt and grime. Resist the urge to wash them with soap and water, which may warp and damage the wood, and opt for a wood-cleaning product instead. Work the product into your floor with a slightly damp rag mop to polish, shine, and deep-clean.

Not Cleaning Your Toilet Brush

After cleaning the toilet, most of us absentmindedly plop our wet scrubber back into its holder on the floor. Unfortunately, the brush can grow bacteria and germs in its container—and a dirty brush will never get the toilet truly clean. Be sure to clean your toilet brush and soak the toilet brush container in an anti-bacterial cleaner once in a while, and ensure that the brush is completely dry before storing.

Ignoring Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are true heroes in the kitchen, yet they often go unnoticed when you’re running through your cleaning routine. To freshen up your disposal, put a few ice cubes or citrus peels in your sink drain and turn on the disposal. This trick will clear out any old gunk and eliminate unpleasant smells.

Using the wrong cleaner on granite counters

More than likely, you are making a point to clean the various surfaces in your home now more than ever, which is a good thing—if you’re using the right cleaner, that is. “Stone countertops are porous, so using a harsh, acidic cleaning agent (like vinegar or lemon juice) can damage these surfaces over time,” says Schulof. For daily cleaning, Schulof recommends a combination of one teaspoon dish soap dissolved in two cups of water, while for disinfecting, a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water will do the trick.

Dusting after you vacuum

There is a right order when it comes to tackling your cleaning tasks—namely, you should dust first and vacuum after. If you do it the other way around, you’re knocking a significant amount of that dust onto your freshly-cleaned floor, meaning you’ve got more work ahead of you next time you clean.

Letting wet clothes sit in the washing machine

Leaving those wet clothes in the washing machine while you’re out for the day may not seem like a big deal, but it could eventually lead to the untimely demise of some of your favorite pieces. “If your clothes are sitting wet in the washer, bacteria and mold are thriving in them,” says Lily Cameron, cleaning professional and supervisor at Fantastic Services. The sooner you transfer those wet clothes to the dryer, the faster you’ll stop that mold and mildew.

Adding fabric softener at the beginning of a wash cycle

According to Alberto Navarrete, another general manager of Dallas-based cleaning service, Emily’s Maids, if your machine doesn’t have a dedicated fabric softener compartment, it will wash off your clothing in the first rinse cycle. To get your clothes soft and sweet-smelling, add your fabric softener before the second rinse cycle instead.

Storing your cleaning supplies in a bucket

Where you keep your cleaning supplies is nearly as important as how you use them. “Tossing your supplies in a bucket, shoving dirty brooms and full vacuum sweepers into a storage closet, and leaving wet microfibers in a wadded mess is sure to create problems,” says Powers. “When you have a spill or see a small mess, you are less likely to take care of it right away if your supplies are not ready for action. The final task of cleaning is always to organize your supplies for next time.”

Not using a degreaser on your tub

Elbow grease isn’t the only thing you need to erase that ring around your tub.

“Soap traps grease little by little, so every time you use soap, some residue is left behind,” explains Abe Navas, general manager of Dallas-based Emily’s Maids. Your best bet for removing it is a degreaser—like the kind you use in the kitchen, he says.

Using lemon-based products on your toilet

Those lemon-scented cleaners may make your house smell good, but using them to clean your toilet will only cause problems in the long run.

“Acid wears down the rubber used in toilets and other parts of your bathroom, like your sink, so avoid them at all costs,” says Navas.

Mixing acidic products with bleach

Bleach can be an effective cleaner on its own—but mix it with vinegar or other acidic products could be a dangerous combination.

“Acidic products may interfere with some widely-used products in bathrooms,” including bleach, says Navas. Combined, the two substances can create toxic chlorine gas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Using a chemical-based drain cleaner

You’ll want to think twice before grabbing any drain cleaner off the shelf of your local home supply store.

Chemical drain cleaners “can cause damage and corrosion in your pipes,” explains Tim Compton, service manager at Compton Plumbing Services. Instead, he recommends using boiling water or snaking your drain to remove any foreign material.

Using in-tank toilet cleaners

You may think it will say you time, but that in-tank toilet cleaner might cause more problems than it offers effective solutions.

“Over time, these in-tank detergent dispensers that turn your toilet water blue are very hard on the plastic and rubber parts inside your toilet tank, causing them to weaken,” says Paul Abrams of Roto-Rooter, who notes that they will also stiffen the tank’s flapper, preventing it from forming a strong seal and potentially setting you up for a leaking tank.

Cleaning the bathroom at room temperature

A chilly bathroom isn’t fun for your feet—and it’s making your cleaning routine less effective, too.

“Certain cleaners, like alkaline cleaners, function better at warmer temperatures since heat helps reduce the oil viscosity and increases the activity of the surfactants,” explains Mike Soto, owner of Madison Water Experts. That’s why he recommends filling the sink and tub with hot water before you begin cleaning to warm the room up.

Forgetting to dust before cleaning

If you’re not dusting before you clean, you’re only adding work to your plate.

“All you will be doing is moving dust from one place to another,” Soto says. “There is also the chance that the bacteria you were hoping to scrub away will remain in the dust.”

Wiping surfaces right after spraying them

You’re better off letting those cleaning products rest for a few minutes instead of wiping them up immediately.

“If you immediately clean up what you just sprayed then it won’t always be able to get rid of the bacteria effectively,” says Soto, who notes that some products are only effective after being left on for a period of time.

Using the same sponge on every surface

Keeping your bathroom squeaky clean means more than just using separate products for separate areas—it also means using separate sponges.

“Rubbing shower, sink, toilet, and mirrors with the same sponge lead to cross-contamination, i.e. transferring bacteria and grime from one surface to another,” explains Dean Davies, cleaning supervisor for Fantastic Services, a cleaning company that specializes in antiviral sanitization.

Putting your toilet brush away wet

If you’re putting your toilet brush away before it has a chance to dry, you’re creating a veritable petri dish in its holder, says Sean Parry, a cleaning expert at Neat Services.

Instead, Parry says: “Simply lay it across the bowl to dry completely before putting it back.” He also recommends giving it a good soak in antibacterial cleaning solution from time to time.

Using an abrasive cleanser or sponge on stainless steel or ceramic surfaces

Harsh scrubbing cleansers can wreak havoc on more delicate bathroom surfaces. “Using a cleaner that is too abrasive on stainless steel, your shower, or the tub floor [causes] damage to the finish,” explains Maid Right franchisee Justin Rowling.

Using toilet bowl cleaner in your shower

So, what’s the problem with using toilet-bowl cleaner as an all-purpose solution? “This is known to ruin natural stone and leaves a trail where the caustic liquid was applied,’ says Roman Peysakhovich, co-founder of commercial cleaning company, One Desk.

Leaving lime scale and bleach products on for longer than indicated

While you don’t want to wipe up most cleaning products too early, leaving certain ones on for too long can cause just as much damage.

“This will always cause damage to your faucets and taps,” explains Peysakhovich, so make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle to keep them from wearing down those surfaces.

Turning your exhaust fan on after cleaning

Turning your exhaust fan after a shower is a great way to reduce the development of mold and mildew in your bathroom. Turning it on after you clean, however, is just putting more work on your plate.

“This causes dust to surface on a freshly cleaned surface,” explains Peysakhovich. To get the space extra spotless, make sure you clean your exhaust filter and vent regularly—ideally before you start cleaning the rest of the room.

1. You store food in plastic bags.

Sure, stashing a sealed sandwich bag of leftover snacks in your pantry may seem like a good way of keeping a potential mess contained, but that habit could leave you with a mouse problem before you know it.

“Mice are constantly looking for sources of food, so to avoid attracting them, it’s crucial to ensure that you haven’t left any food out in the open or stored in unsealed containers,” says Scot Hodges, a certified entomologist and pest expert with Arrow Exterminators.

2. You don’t vacuum frequently.

Vacuuming may not be the most enjoyable chore you do all week, but it’s an essential one if you want to fend off pests. “Keeping your floors clean, whether carpet or hard surface, is vital in preventing mice. The slightest trace of crumbs or food spillage on the floor can attract rodents, so be sure to vacuum frequently and clean up any spills in your home as soon as possible,” says Hodges.

3. You leave dishes soaking in the sink.

Leaving your dishes to soak overnight in your sink may make them easier to clean the following morning, but it could also make your space more attractive to pests.

“An open water source is a factor that makes mice come back, so make sure to cover any possible water source,” recommends Ethan Howell, co-owner of Florida Environmental Pest Management.

4. You leave your laundry in piles before putting it away.

Sorting and putting away laundry can take a surprisingly long time, leading many people to leave their clean clothes in hampers or piles for days at a time—and doing so could be making your space a haven for pests.

“Whether it’s garbage or clothes, as long as the clutter sits in an area, count a few days and you’ll spot a mouse there,” says Howell.

5. You use cardboard boxes to organize your basement.

If you’re using cardboard boxes to keep clutter at bay in your basement, it won’t be long before mice make their way into your space.

“These dark spaces give rodents the opportunity to create a nest out of view of humans and make your home their own,” says Richard Estrada, owner of ATCO Pest Control

6. You leave pet food out overnight.

If your kitchen is an all-night buffet for your cat or dog, it’s serving the same purpose for mice, too.

“If food is left on the ground, mice can easily seek it out and invade your home to try and get to it,” says Estrada. “Make sure to keep pet food in an airtight container and to clean up animal bowls when they’re not eating.”

7. You don’t take out your trash frequently enough.

If you think tying up your trash bag is enough to keep mice out, think again.

“Plastic bags offer no challenge to hungry mice. Make sure that your trash, especially food waste, is in a tightly sealed container and regularly dispose of it,” says Nancy DeWitt, owner of Patriot Pest & Termite Control Co.

By Donna Boyle Schwartz

Lubricating Nonstick Pans with Cooking Spray

Cooking spray is a helpful product to have on hand, but using it on nonstick cookware and silicone bakeware will create a sticky buildup around the sides of the pan. Once this buildup accumulates, the only way to remove it is with extremely hot water, dish soap, and a lot of elbow grease; abrasive scrubbies or sponges will destroy the coating’s nonstick properties and cause it to flake off. As an alternative to cooking spray, use butter to lubricate nonstick pans and silicone baking sheets.

Adding Cold Water to Hot Pans

Never submerge a hot pan in cold water, since the thermal shock of the temperature difference can cause warping or cracking. This in turn could cause the bottom of the pan to wobble precariously on the burner, creating an unsafe cooking situation. Warping can also cause the nonstick coating to delaminate.

Overheating Nonstick Pans

Use only low and medium heat settings with nonstick or ceramic cookware, because high temperatures will cause deterioration of the nonstick coating over time. Nonstick pans exposed to high heat also release noxious fumes that can poison birds and cause flu-like symptoms in people, an illness known as the “Teflon flu.”

Soaking Cast-Iron and Wooden Utensils

“Let it soak” is the usual suggestion for loosening food particles stuck on pots and pans. But certain types of cookware, including cast-iron pans, wooden utensils and cutting boards, and wood-handled knives, shouldn’t be exposed to a long bath in the sink or dishwasher. Excess water can remove the seasoning from cast iron and cause wood to swell and split.

Relying on the Dishwasher for Everything

An impressively long list of things are harmed or downright destroyed by repeated exposure to the high heat of a dishwasher, including cast-iron cookware, nonstick cookware and bakeware, anything aluminum, disposable pans, good knives, wooden utensils and cutting boards, copper pots and utensils, soft plastic food storage items, gold- or silver-plated kitchenware, insulated travel mugs or drinkware, crystal, antique or hand-painted china, ceramics, stoneware, hollow-handled knives, enamel-coated cookware, milk glass, and pewter. Leave the dishwasher for everyday dishes, glasses, and utensils, and wash everything else by hand.

Using Stone and Glass Cutting Boards

Glass, granite, and marble cutting boards look fancy and professional, but they can ruin your kitchen knives by grinding away the edge of the blade. Unfortunately, once the blade is dull, most people have to turn to a professional for resharpening. Use plastic or wooden cutting boards instead to keep your knives in tip-top shape.

Cooking Acidic Foods in Reactive Pots

Never cook up a pot of chili or simmer a wine-based pasta sauce in a cast-iron or aluminum pan. The acid will react with the metal and leach into your food, throwing off the flavor and potentially causing health issues. If you’re planning to simmer anything acidic for more than a few minutes, opt for a ceramic, enamel, or another similarly nonreactive pan.

Mishandling Nonstick Pans

Sharp and abrasive materials should stay away from nonstick, ceramic and enamel-coated cookware. Hard scrubbies and steel wool as well as sharp metal cooking utensils might scratch and damage the coating. It’s always better to rely on wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils for use on any nonstick surface. If the exterior of your pan is pitted and starts to peel, toss it and get a new one—you certainly don’t want bits of nonstick coating showing up in your food!

Improperly Cleaning Cast Iron

Always clean your cast-iron pan with water instead of dish soap. As soap is designed to eliminate oil, it may also remove the necessary seasoning from your pan. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix—simply re-season the pan by applying a thin layer of vegetable oil to the entire surface, inside and out, and placing it upside down in a 350-degree oven for about an hour. Let cool completely.

Practicing Poor Storage Habits

Cookware, knives, and other utensils can be easily damaged by scraping, rattling, or rolling against each other. To prevent storage mishaps, place a few layers of paper towels or a spare kitchen towel in between each pan in the cupboard. A countertop knife block, magnetic strip, or drawer knife organizer is a great investment for protecting your knives from dings, nicks, and gouges. Wooden spoons and other utensils are best stored upright in a countertop crock with plenty of air circulation.

Leaving Cookware and Utensils in Dangerous Spots

Always think twice about where you place your cookware. Leaving the handle of a pot, pan, or knife hanging over the edge of the counter or stove is a recipe for disaster. If a busy cook brushes against the handle of a pot, or a small child reaches up to grab a knife, at the very least you’ll have a mess to clean up—and you could wind up dealing with breakage or injury.

Use shaving cream to remove carpet stains

That product you use to shave with also happens to be the solution to your carpet woes, according to Gary Downing, owner of Happy Happy Cleaning in Glenside, Pennsylvania. Blot up as much of the stain as you can, wet the carpet lightly with a sponge, put a dollop of shaving cream over the offending area, and wipe it up when you’re done—depending on the type of stain, the shaving cream can lift it right out.

Use bleach to disinfect kitchen tools before washing them

Worried about cross-contamination in your kitchen? “You can use bleach to clean up your kitchen utensils after using them on chicken,” says cleaning expert Arthur Ruth, the VP of operations for Memphis Maids, a house cleaning service in Memphis. Just make sure you wash them off thoroughly before you use them again!

Use rubbing alcohol to clean your electronics

Rubbing alcohol isn’t just for cleaning cuts—you can also use it to clean items around your house. “Alcohol is so versatile, you can use it to clean up your electronics, like your phone, keyboard, or even your mouse,” says Ruth.

Use a lint roller to pick up pieces of broken glass

Instead of scooping up pieces of broken glass with a wet paper towel, potentially cutting yourself in the process, use a lint roller, says Maker.

Use dish soap to get oil stains out of clothing

If you got some oil on your clothing while cooking, don’t worry—you can easily get it out with a little dish soap. Just put some over the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then launder as you would normally. Try this on an inconspicuous patch of fabric first to ensure that it doesn’t alter the garment’s color.

Use hydrogen peroxide to clean your counters

You know hydrogen peroxide is frequently used to clean cuts and scrapes, but did you know it can also spruce up your kitchen? “It has strong disinfecting properties, and you can use it to clean kitchen countertops, the dishwasher, and even the bathroom,” says cleaning expert Nathan Ripley, who runs Maid Just Right, a licensed house cleaning and maid service.

Use bleach to freshen up your trash can.

Bleach might just be your best weapon against that pungent smell in your trash can. “Use bleach to clean your garbage can,” suggests Ruth. “You need to clean it once in a while or the smell could build up over time.”

Use glass cleaner to keep raccoons out of your trash

Raccoons aren’t known to be picky about their meals, but a little ammonia-based glass cleaner on your garbage bags can help keep them away. Just spritz the garbage bags (or the bins themselves) with a little glass cleaner and you won’t find those foragers going through your trash again.

Use a Magic Eraser to clean a dirty cooktop

You don’t need to break out the heavy-duty cleaners to get your cooktop clean. If you’re dealing with a moderate level of dirt, a damp Magic Eraser can help you clean up your stovetop in no time.

Use white vinegar to get detergent buildup off of laundry

If your laundry’s feeling sticky after being washed, there’s a simple solution: white vinegar. Just toss a cup into the washing machine with your clothes, run a wash cycle, and the detergent causing those items to feel sticky will be done for.

Use detergent to clean your bathroom

If you’re out of your usual bathroom cleaning supplies, a little detergent can save the day. “It works great when you mix it with a little water and clean your home with it,” says Ruth.

Use bleach to remove mildew from your shower curtains

A little bleach goes a long way when it comes to refreshing that mildew-covered shower curtain. Simply dilute one cup of bleach into a gallon of water, and, wearing gloves, sponge it onto your shower curtain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and the mildew will wipe right off!

Use white vinegar to unclog a drain

Whether you’ve got old pipes or just don’t like the idea of using a caustic drain cleaner, you can still get your drain unclogged with a gentler solution. “White vinegar is fantastic for cleaning surfaces and unclogging drains,” says Ripley.

Use a dish wand to scrub your toilet

To get your toilet and the surrounding area really clean, use a fresh dish brush. “Most people don’t like touching this area when dirty, so a soap-dispensing dish wand can help ensure a heavy-duty clean without the need to touch anything,” says Maker. “Fill the wand with equal parts vinegar and dish soap, scrub, and rinse well with a cloth and water.” Most importantly, however, “Make sure that dish wand is marked for use only in the bathroom!”

Use Ajax as a dusting agent

Ajax powder is good for more than just scrubbing serious messes. “You can use Ajax to clean old dust build-up in your home,” says Ruth. “Put some in a microfiber cloth and rub it on the dusty surface.” 

Use oven cleaner to scrub your tub

That built-on soap scum is no match for your average oven cleaner. Gently buff it into your tub’s surface using a circular motion, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse it—and the offending grime—away.

Use dish soap to kill weeds

“Bought an industrial-sized bottle of liquid dish soap that you’re having trouble using? No problem,” says Derek Hale, editor-in-chief of Modern Castle, a website that reviews cleaning products and home goods. “You can mix dish soap with salt and white vinegar to make a solution that will kill weeds. Spray it using an old bottle of weed killer or get a new spray bottle. Mix one tablespoon of soap with one cup of salt and one gallon of white vinegar.”

Use carpet cleaner to refresh your mattress

If your mattress is looking a little worse for wear, freshen it up in no time with some carpet-cleaning powder. Simply sprinkle it on the mattress, allow it to sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum it up when you’re done.

Use a lint roller to dust off a lampshade

Lampshades seem to collect dust more easily than virtually any household object—but a lint roller can help you out in a hurry, says Maker. Simply clean up the lampshade with one of those sticky sheets—it’ll work much faster and collect more debris than a traditional duster.

Using a paper toilet seat cover

You may feel more comfortable in public restrooms when you can place that thin sheet of paper between the bare toilet seat and your bare behind, but in reality, you might as well sit straight down. Those toilet seat covers, which are often made of tissue paper, are absorbent, and any bacteria or liquids will quickly be wicked up to your tush. But don’t fret. Your skin is all the protection you need. Any potentially problematic bacteria you might pick up would have to find a way into your body through an open wound or, more likely, your hands.

Living by the five-second rule

Everyone does it—scoop up a snack, pacifier, or utensil that just hit the floor and claim that it’s OK thanks to the “five-second rule.” Research shows, however, that this bit of wisdom is a myth. Yes, the longer something stays in contact with a dirty surface, the more bacteria it will pick up. But germs can be picked up in as little as one second, so wash it or toss it—the damage is done.

Using your shirt sleeve to open a bathroom door

Creating a block between a germy door handle and your hands is a good idea, but your own shirt sleeve isn’t idea, says Jessica Pettit with statefoodsafety.com. “Using your own clothing, such as a shirt sleeve, to open doors doesn’t actually help you avoid germs, because any bacteria that are on the door handle will just move to your clothing,” she says. “It can hold on to pathogens easily, and the moment your hands brush against the clothing, they will become contaminated.” Your best bet is to use something disposable, like a paper towel, she adds.

Pressing elevator buttons with your knuckle

Some people, in an effort to avoid bacteria and viruses on public surfaces, will use the back of their hands, forearms, or even elbows to touch surfaces. That’s an admirable effort but not very effective, says Nidhi Ghildayal, PhD, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota. “The thought process behind this habit is likely that less skin is being exposed to the unwanted germy surface,” she says, “but the back of your hand, just like your front, also has a likelihood of subsequently touching your face or other vulnerable areas. So using the back of your hand may or may not actually be helping you.”

Flushing public toilets with your feet

“Flush handles do harbour a lot of bacteria,” Ghildayal says, “but it’s partially due to individuals using their feet rather than their hands to flush. The floor and the bottom of your shoes are generally some of the dirtiest parts of a bathroom.” You can skip this precaution because what’s the next thing you’ll do after flushing? That’s right—wash your hands, which is the best way to avoid transferring bugs.

Another reason to skip this habit, says Ghildayal, is that the bacteria you’re trying to avoid are likely already dead. “Gut bacteria don’t thrive for long on the cold, smooth surfaces of public restrooms, such as bathroom fixtures, as this environment is quite different than inside the human body.”

Holding your breath when someone sneezes or coughs

“Remember when someone last sneezed or coughed in your face and you instinctively held your breath for the germs to pass?” asks Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. “Unless you can manage to rapidly move away from the affected area, the chances of holding your breath long enough to avoid any germs are slim.” The bigger issue is—ick—any droplets that transfer from the sick person to you. Most germs transfer through the hands, so the next time you scratch your nose or rub your eyes, you’ll be giving the germs entry to your body.

Cleaning your kitchen with an antibacterial wipe

Keeping your house clean will help protect you and your family from infectious bugs. However, you may be doing more harm than good if you’re hurriedly wiping down multiple surfaces with one antibacterial wipe. You may end up spreading bacteria around the room if you don’t frequently swap to a fresh wipe; look closely at the directions and you’ll probably see that the surface should stay wet for four or more minutes after wiping if you want them to clean properly. Plus, some harmful bacteria survive a cursory swipe—they need a more potent solution to knock them out.

Wearing gloves indoors

Slipping on a pair of gloves to grip potentially grimy handles, doorknobs, or poles may not achieve what you’re hoping. The material is most likely absorbent, and many of the bacteria and viruses you’re coming into contact with may live just as long on fabric gloves as they do on your hand. When you pull them off or put them back on, you’ll still pick up living germs on your bare hands. Even worse: gripping the fingertip of a glove with your mouth to take it off.

Using hand sanitizers all the time

While these gels are handy when you don’t have access to soap and water, too much sanitizing with these products may actually be bad for your health, Ghildayal says. “While many hand sanitizers have been found to be just as effective as hand-washing,” she says, “overuse can cause your natural skin bacteria to be stripped away, and that leaves you more vulnerable to other bacteria.”

Hovering over the seat to urinate

Women may think it’s safer to hover over a toilet seat than sit down for fear that bacteria on the seat may stick to your skin when you stand up. They will, but as we’ve already learned, that’s OK. The problem with this habit is that, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hovering can make emptying your bladder more difficult. Do that too often, and you could end up with bladder problems.