The One-Ingredient Litter Box Trick That Costs Pennies
Commercial cat litter deodorizers cost $8 to $15 a box and are mostly baking soda with added fragrance. A homemade
Cleaning
Hacks, Tips, Tricks and DIY Recipes.
Laundry, stain removers, housekeeping, DIY home cleaning products—all of these topics fall into this category here at Everyday Cheapskate.
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10 Everyday Items You Never Think to Wash (But Should)
Some things in your house never see the inside of a washing machine — and you've probably never thought twice
Homemade Laundry Stain Paste That Works for Pennies
Commercial stain sticks like Tide-to-Go run $4 each for a small bottle. The homemade version is just three pantry ingredients,
Why Does My Ice Taste Weird? Here’s the Answer
If your ice tastes strange, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. Bad-tasting ice is one of those sneaky
Homemade Pet Stain Remover That Stops Repeat Accidents
Store-bought pet stain sprays cost a fortune and often just cover the smell instead of removing it — which is
How to Clean and Deodorize Your Cooler So It Doesn’t Stink
That funky smell that hits you when you pop the cooler lid open isn't your imagination — it's a slow
5 No-Brush Ways to Clean Your Grill (Using Stuff You Already Have)
Wire grill brushes are getting recalled, expensive, and increasingly suspect (those bristles end up everywhere). Here are 5 surprisingly effective
Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients
Smudges. They’re everywhere. Your phone screen. Your laptop. Your glasses. If you wear specs, you already know: the moment you
How to Get Rid of a Smelly Kitchen Sink Drain for Good
That faint sour smell rising up from your kitchen sink isn't your imagination — and it isn't going away on
How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture for Almost Free
Patio furniture takes a beating from sun, pollen, and the surprise mildew that shows up under cushion edges. Here's how
How to Wash Painted Walls Without Streaks or Wrecked Paint
Walls quietly collect a lot of life — fingerprints, splatter, dust, and that hazy film you only notice when the
How to Make Beeswax Furniture Polish From Scratch
You know what’s expensive? Furniture polish. You know what’s more expensive? Replacing a dresser because years of commercial spray buildup
The One Cleaning Habit That Keeps Summer Smells From Taking Over
There’s something about summer that makes smells louder. A trash can that seemed perfectly innocent yesterday suddenly greets you at
DIY Laundry Helpers That Beat Store-Bought Add-Ins
Walk down the laundry aisle and it starts to feel like you need a minor in chemistry just to wash
DIY Wood Cabinet Cleaner That Removes Sticky Grease
Kitchen cabinets have a quiet way of telling on us. One day they’re fine… and the next you notice that
How to Remove Stubborn Leaf Stains from Concrete
The worst of winter is finally behind us, and spring has a way of shining a spotlight on everything that
The 10-Minute Friday Reset That Saves Your Weekend
Ever notice how a house can feel messy even when nothing looks that bad? A few papers on the counter.
How to Remove Salt Stains From Car Carpet Easily
Winter can be rough on your car’s interior. Snow melts, road salt dissolves, and before you know it, those chalky
How to Freshen a House After Winter for Almost Free
By the time winter finally loosens its grip, our houses tend to feel a little tired. The air is stale,
DIY Dishwasher Cleaner That Removes Hidden Buildup
Most of us assume the dishwasher is self-cleaning. After all, it washes dishes all day. But if yours smells a
How to Get Rid of Silverfish for Good
You flip on the bathroom light and something small, silver, and shockingly fast darts across the floor. That’s your welcome
Paint on the Carpet? Try These Fixes Before You Panic
Paint on the carpet has a special way of stopping your heart for a second. Before you grab scissors or
The Only Natural Bathroom Cleaning Kit You’ll Ever Need
If cleaning your bathroom feels harder than it should, the problem probably isn’t you. It’s your supplies. I’ve been making
How to Do Laundry When Someone in Your Home Is Sick
When someone in your house gets sick, laundry quietly moves from a routine chore to a health decision. Sheets, towels,
How to Remove Rust Stains From a Bathtub (For Good)
Rust stains are one of those problems that don’t respond to effort. You can scrub until your arm aches and
Are You Washing Everything Too Often… or Not Enough?
From bedding to bath towels and beyond, here’s a practical, friendly guide to how often you should wash just about
How to Properly Load a Dishwasher So It Operates Like Brand New
Loading a dishwasher isn’t rocket science—but it’s not a free-for-all either. Do it right, and you’ll save water, energy, and
Struggling With Pet Hair in Laundry? Try These Tricks
If you share your home with a furry friend, you know the struggle: pet hair on everything, especially your clothes.
The Secret Joy of Owning the Best Steam Iron
Call me quirky, but give me a wrinkled shirt, a hot steam iron, and five minutes of peace, and I’m
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites and Breathe Cleaner Air
You can’t see them, but they’re everywhere—dust mites, the tiny freeloaders living in your mattress, carpet, and favorite recliner. Here’s
How to Make a DIY Heavy-Duty Bathroom Cleaner That Cuts Through Grime
Let’s be honest—cleaning the bathroom isn’t exactly fun. Between toothpaste splatter, mystery gunk, and whatever’s happening in the corners, it’s
The Old-School Toilet Cleaning Trick That Outshines Expensive Products
Cleaning a toilet will never be anyone’s favorite task, but it doesn’t have to involve harsh fumes, chemicals, or expensive
11 Genius Housecleaning Hacks from Professionals You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
I’ve spent years collecting clever cleaning tricks—some through good old-fashioned trial and error, and others from professional housekeepers who could
How to Break the Plastic Wrap Habit in Your Kitchen (and What to Use Instead)
Tired of wrestling with plastic wrap that sticks to everything except what you want it to? You're not alone. In
21 Ways to Use Vaseline That Will Amaze You (Who Knew?!)
If you’ve ever bought a jar of Vaseline, chances are it’s still lurking in the back of your bathroom cabinet,
Choosing the Right Shark Vacuum: A Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right Shark vacuum doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little thought about your needs and a
13 Simple Tips for Repelling Mice Naturally From Your Home and Yard
Mice may look cute in cartoons, but they’re far less charming when they’ve taken up residence in your home. These
Grease Down Kitchen Drain: Should You Really Do It? Plus Answers to Your Burning Questions
Welcome to another round of Ask Me Anything—where your everyday dilemmas, curiosities, and (sometimes) marital disputes land in my inbox.
Seasonal Window Care: Tips for Winterizing, Cleaning, and Maintaining Your Windows
When it comes to home maintenance, windows usually get overlooked. We might clean them occasionally, but they’re the unsung heroes—letting
The Best of Everyday Cheapskate: 10 Must-Read Articles for Smart Living
Welcome to the best of Everyday Cheapskate! Over the years, we’ve shared countless tips, tricks, and DIY solutions designed to
Stain Removal 101: The Ultimate Guide to Conquering Any Stain
Stains… they show up when we least expect them, don’t they? A rogue coffee splash on your favorite white shirt,
DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips
Welcome to another edition of great tips from our clever readers! This week, we’re diving into a treasure trove of
The Ultimate Guide to Using a Pressure Washer Plus Best Inexpensive Pressure Washer Picks
Pressure washers, both gas-powered and electric models, are fantastic tools for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks around a house.
Moving Out? How to NOT Leave Money Behind!
Moving out of a rental property can feel like running a marathon: it’s exhausting, and you might find yourself wondering
How to Clean with Vinegar: The Hero of Budget-Friendly Cleaning
Who says you need to break the bank to maintain a spotless home? Buckle up because we're about to visit
Bar Keepers Friend: The Secret to a Spotless Home
Keeping a pristine home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and products, you can achieve
How to Remove Stains on Aluminum Cookware After An Unfortunate Trip Through the Dishwasher
When aluminum pans, canister, or other kitchen utensils get stained and discolored from frequent use, it's time for a thorough
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Ruining Them
Real life is not kind to suede. One rogue rain puddle, a renegade coffee drip, or that mystery scuff from
The DIY All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner That Simplifies Everything
Homemade cleaners give complete control over the ingredients, they cost pennies on the dollars, and often work better than commercial
Best Homemade Grout Cleaner to Clean Tile Naturally
Grout is like the forgotten middle child of your bathroom—until it’s stained, grimy, and impossible to ignore. I used to
DIY All-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner That Really Works
Let’s talk cleaning, but smarter, cheaper, and just as powerful. My DIY All-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner is proof that you
How to Make a Kitchen Degreaser That Works on Every Surface
Homemade cleaners give complete control over the ingredients, they cost pennies on the dollars, and often work better than commercial
The Ultimate Trick for How to Clean Shower Grout Mold
If you notice unsightly dark spots on your shower grout, it's time to start cleaning. The mold in your grout
Why This DIY Dawn Powerwash Recipe Works So Well at Home
After a good deal of testing, sniffing, researching, questioning, and snooping, here it is—a copycat recipe for Dawn Platinum Powerwash
How to Deep Clean a Stinky Kitchen Sponge
With all those gazillions of bacteria on kitchen sponges that make them stink, some say they can be killed off
Before You List: 12 Easy Wins to Boost Your Sale Price
Selling, soon? You’re about to learn that when it comes to selling a house, you CAN judge a book by
Best Dish Drainer Rack for Every Budget: Top Picks for 2025
After a season of searching, trial, and error, I’m excited to reveal EC's Best Dish Drainer Racks in two choices—Best
How to Remove Stubborn Soot and Smoke Film from Household Surfaces
Lestoil, available in home improvement centers like Home Depot and online, is a powerful cleaner that can be used to
19 Surprising Uses for Chlorine Bleach Around the Home
Think bleach is just for brightening socks and tackling laundry day? Think again. This jug has some serious superpowers when
How to Get Rid of Wasps Safely: 7 Effective Methods to Try
The trendy hack going viral on TikTokto get rid of wasps at home using gasoline is extremely unsafe, if not
8 Surfaces You Should Never Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar might be the darling of DIY cleaning, but it’s not the hero for every job. While it works wonders
10 Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Properly
Few things are more disappointing than opening the dishwasher to put away its clean contents, only to be greeted by
I Tried Dozens of Methods to Clean Kitchen Counters—This is The One I’m Most Excited About
A kitchen counter is more than a surface upon which to cook and prepare meals. In many homes, the kitchen
Absolutely the Best Homemade Stain Remover for Clothes!
I'm excited to tell you how to make a fabulous, if not magical, do-it-yourself homemade stain remover. Compare this SHOUT
Homemade Wood Floor Cleaner: Perfect for Laminate Floors, Too!
Are you searching for the best homemade wood floor cleaner that’s both effective and eco-friendly? This DIY recipe combines alcohol
Your 10-Minute House Rescue Plan That Really Works
The phone rings. Surprise! Long lost friends are in town. They'll be at your front door in ten minutes. You
Best All-Purpose Cleaner Picks for Every Room at Home
All-purpose cleaners are designed to clean everything from dust bunnies to toilet rings and grease spills. We evaluated many commercial
How to Clean Your Keurig Machine and How Often You Should
If your Keurig coffee machine serves up multiple cups daily, you may want to check out this article. While drinking
The Right Way to Clean Hardwood Floors with Hydrogen Peroxide
The finish on hardwood flooring is not fragile, but it is not indestructible, either. Hardwood floors must be cleaned properly
How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Citric Acid for Fresher Coffee
If your morning coffee has been tasting a little “off,” your coffee maker might be to blame. Over time, minerals
28 Genius Aluminum Foil Hacks to Save Time and Money
Using aluminum foil to line cookie sheets and to keep a steak hot while you finish getting everything ready to
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies Fast With This DIY Trap
Conventional wisdom suggests that if you are careful to remove every trace of detectable food source, you will have no
Alvin Corn: The DIY Glass Cleaner That Really Works
Alvin Corn is a homemade multi-purpose cleaner that cleans glass, mirrors, and lots more. Its funky name refers to its
14 Genius Ways to Use Citric Acid for Cleaning, Descaling, and More
For several months running, I was on a tear to discover all I could about citric acid. What I've learned,
Smart Uses for Cornstarch Around the House
Cornstarch doesn’t look impressive. It sits quietly in the baking aisle, minding its business, waiting to thicken gravy once or
How to Clean Wood Floors Naturally & Make Them Shine
Of all the choices in home flooring, wood stands out for many as the most beautiful. Add to that, wood
6 Reasons Why Borax Should Be in Every Laundry Room
Adding 1/2 cup of borax to every load of laundry will do all kinds of wonderful things to keep your
DIY Homemade Carpet Cleaning Recipe: Affordable and Effective Solution for Clean Carpets
This is a homemade cleaning solution to be used in your Hoover SteamVac or other carpet cleaning machine.
How to Make a Homemade Granite Cleaner That Works
Here is my Homemade Granite Cleaner that will not stain nor is it acidic so it will not damage the
11 Things You Should Never Put in Your Garbage Disposal
Most every home has a plumbing system that includes a number of drains. One of those drains may have a
Easy Ways to Clean Cookie Sheets and Keep Them Shiny
They come in sizes big and small, rimmed or without sides. We use them to bake just about anything, but
26 Surprising Things You Can Get Sparkling Clean In Your Dishwasher
That dishwasher in your kitchen is a workhorse. It does a great job of cleaning dishes, of course. But you may
3 Ways to Clean a Bathtub So It Sparkles—While Standing
Cleaning the bathtub is one of those housekeeping chores that's more pain than pleasure for those with health issues that
How to Clean Laminate Floors: Plus, Best Laminate Floor Cleaners
Laminate flooring is a durable and easy-to-maintain option that can give the look of real wood or stone at a
Best Homemade Car Interior Cleaner: DIY Tips for a Spotless Ride
Remember that pristine, fresh, clean feeling of slipping behind the wheel of your new car? Cleaning the interior of your car
Best Grout Cleaner for Tile: Transform Dirty Grout for Just $1.25
Dingy, dirty tile grout. It's a vexing problem. I know. I have a lot of tile and grout in my
How to Make a Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner That Actually Works
Stainless steel has become a popular choice in kitchen appliances, counters, sinks, and other household fixtures for its longevity and
4 Amazing Uses for Dishwasher Detergent That Will Surprise You
It's no secret that dishwasher detergents are specifically formulated to be used in automatic dishwashers. What may surprise you is
40 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda Readers Swear By
You'll find it in small boxes in the supermarket aisle next to flour, sugar, and cake mixes. It comes in
The DIY Recommended Upholstery Cleaner You Need Right Now
While we have lots of DIY cleaner recipes in our EC arsenal, a good quality, a good reliable upholstery cleaner
Spring Cleaning Mistakes You Want to Avoid
The sun is shining; birds are chirping, daffodils and crocuses are pushing their way out of their long winter slumber. Suddenly
How to Keep White Clothes Actually White (Yes, It’s Possible)
In the same way that there are rules in life for things like how to drive a car, how to
DIY Car Detailing: How to Save $150 and Get Your Car Sparkling Clean
When you think of spring cleaning, you probably think of your home. But what about your car? It has served
Easy Homemade Ice Melt for Driveways, Steps, and Frozen Locks
Got ice and snow on top of super cold temperatures this winter? At least one of these recipes for Homemade
The Best DIY Carpet Stain Remover That Works Like Magic
Unlike some other homemade laundry stain and detergent products you'll find here at Everyday Cheapskate, this one is also a
How to Clean Rusty Sinks and Fix Pitted Chrome Fast
Isn't it ironic that the places in our homes that should be the cleanest—the washing machine, kitchen sink, bathroom tub,
The Night Old Faithful Visited San Francisco
Over the past three decades, I’ve logged more than 1.4 million air miles for book tours, speaking events, and television
How to Cook and Keep the Kitchen Clean at the Same Time
I love to cook. And I enjoy inviting guests for dinner parties or more casual meals. What I hate is
Quick Guide: How to Clean a Steam Iron
Before you toss out that steam iron because it refuses to steam and the soleplate is now sporting a brown,
13 Reasons to Use Vinegar in Laundry (and When Not To)
Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothes
Laundry Stripping: The Surprising Fix for Dingy Sheets, Gray Towels, and Sad-Looking Underwear
I can't recall a time when I was excited and at the same time embarrassed to tell you about something
5 Essential Alcohol-Based Cleaners You Need for a Sparkling Home
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is extremely useful around the house because it acts as both a solvent
Secrets for How to Clean Leather, Cast Iron, and Lots More
It's safe to say we're all aware that Italy is where one would find the best leather. I'd just never
How to Clean a Cat Litter Box: Tips for Odor-Free Maintenance
Got cats? Then it's fairly certain you know something about... that odor. Yikes! it can bring tears to your eyes
19 Brilliant Ways to Clean With Denture Tablets
Not many households keep a supply of denture tablets. But every household should because there are so many cleaning jobs
17 Simple Uses for Salt You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Sometimes the very thing you need to solve an ordinary household problem is sitting right in the pantry. Take salt
How to Organize a Refrigerator and Keep Food Fresher
Lately, have you cleaned out your fridge? Once the expired condiments and forgotten take-out containers hit the trash and the
Mold and Mildew No Match for Magic Tub and Shower Potion
The only thing better than figuring out for myself how to do things cheaper, better and faster is when I
Simple Ways to Help Kids Keep Their Bedroom Tidy
With schools in the U.S. schools closing several months before the school year ended and now summer, it does seem
DIY Swiffer WetJet Solution: Make Your Own Multi-Surface Cleaner for Pennies
If you own a Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop, chances are you absolutely love it. But let me guess: You're not
13 Surprising Uses for Borax Around the House Safely
Recently this desperate message with a subject line Dishwasher Disaster! washed up in my inbox. I came this close to ignoring
How Do I Clean a BBQ Grill: Expert Tips for a Spotless BBQ
Grilling season is here, but is your BBQ grill ready? If you’re wondering, “how do I clean a BBQ grill”
The Absolute Best Way to Clean Your Microwave Oven
Face it, a microwave with frequent use, whether at home or at work, isn't going to get a thorough cleaning
Your Phone Is Filthy! Here’s the Fix That Works
I don't mean to gross you out, but here's the truth: It's 10 times dirtier than a toilet—and you're touching
DIY Disinfecting Wipes: Easy, Effective, and Chemical-Free
To prevent the transmission of the virus, pandemic experts are saying that we must ensure that our hands are free
How I Keep My Shower Sparkling with No-Rinse Daily Spray
The only thing better than making my own cleaning products is when what I make turns out to be cheaper,
How to Get Rid of Clutter and Take Back Your Life
Getting organized is like dieting. Everyone knows how to do it—you clear out the clutter, cleverly organize what remains, and
17 Ways to Use Windex That Will Make You Happy
Am I the only one who's been unusually driven to clean and organize these past few weeks? Tackling the storage
14 Things That Should Never Go in the Dishwasher
I have learned the hard way there are certain items that should never go in a dishwasher. They can be ruined or
How to Eliminate Musty Odors and Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh and Clean
When it comes to housekeeping, there's nothing quite so lovely as the smell of nothing. That's the way clean is
Magic Homemade Silver Cleaner: How to Remove Tarnish from Silverware Fast
There's no shortage of commercial silver cleaning products on the market these days. Those that I've tested generally do the
16 Used Coffee Grounds Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you love your morning cup of Joe, it's a pretty good bet you're throwing out spent coffee grounds on
How to Get Rid of Ants with Pantry Items: 14 Easy Hacks
Despite how fascinating ants may be, control and management around the home are important for both health and safety reasons.
How to Make Your Own Powdered Laundry Detergent
Store-bought laundry detergent can be pricey and full of chemicals you can’t even pronounce. But what if I told you
28 Brilliant Uses for Coffee Filters Beyond Brewing
It was a dumb mistake. I grabbed the biggest package of coffee filters—a pack of 1,000—only to discover much later
Why Your Home Feels Sticky and How to Fix It Fast
Recently, lots of readers have inquired about how to deal with high humidity, which can get pretty miserable this time
How to Clean a Jetted Tub in 9 Easy Steps
There are few things as luxurious as taking a bath in a jetted tub. The warm water and body massage
11 Ways To Use A Simple Clothes Steamer to Clean and Freshen Just About Anything
A compact clothes steam cleaner is handy for removing wrinkles and stale odors from fabric, but is that all? Just
Dishwasher vs. Hand Washing: Which Method Saves More on Cost and Effectiveness?
For many readers, handwashing dishes just feels better and something that's hard to let go of, especially for those who
14 Best Homemade Cleaners That Really Work
Items in your pantry like baking soda, vinegar, cream of tartar, lemon juice, and even tea bags, can work as
The Vacuum Attachment That Reaches Places Others Can’t
Today I want to tell you about an inexpensive, super effective tool I that attaches to my vacuum cleaner's hose
12 Laundry Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Years Ago
If you've ever suffered the heartbreak of stains, unbearable stink, or other kinds of annoying laundry issues—or just want to
Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Kitchen for Good
Fruit flies are amazing —amazingly annoying! And those disgusting little flies are no match for these super easy traps and potent
The 8 Best Window Cleaning Hacks That Really Work
Want sparkling windows without hiring a pro? These eight tried-and-true window cleaning hacks will make your glass gleam! From using
How to Remove That Stubborn Toilet Ring (No Scrubbing Required)
Toilet bowls develop discolorations for many reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the housekeeping ...
How to Clean a Tub or Shower—and Keep It Clean
The only thing better than making things myself is when what I make turns out to be cheaper, better and
18 Critically Important Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts
Is there anything more convenient in a kitchen than a garbage disposal? For me, it's right up there with my
How to Clean, Condition, and Maintain Leather Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your home, it’s difficult to find anything more luxurious and elegant than fine leather. With
How to Clean a Glass Cooktop Without Scratching It
When it comes to kitchen appliances, nothing says modern and sleek like a beautiful new smooth, glass cooktop. And nothing
Homemade Furniture Polish: 3 Easy Recipes to Clean and Shine Wood
Some time ago, I got a request from EC reader Kelly for a homemade furniture polish recipe. She said that
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Yard: Effective DIY and Natural Solutions
If the arrival of summer is ushering an ant infestation into your home and yard, don’t panic. You may not
How to Clean and Care for Hardwood, Laminate, and Vinyl Floors
Taking care of the floors in your home can be challenging given the everyday conditions of a family and pets. But
How to Clean Gunk and Grime from Kitchen Cabinets
Got grimy kitchen cabinets? Don't think you're the only one. Unfortunately, wood cabinets—painted or natural with a clear finish—are prone to all
29 Smart and Surprising Uses for White Vinegar at Home
It's cheap. It's available in every supermarket and home center in the universe and so useful around your home, you
Using Too Much Detergent? Here’s the Right Amount
Many people use way too much detergent, leading to dingy clothes, skin irritation, and even a funky washing machine. The
Best Inexpensive Vacuums for Every Home and Floor Type
Keeping a home clean is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Vacuum cleaning plays a vital role in this
Favorite Household Cleaners You Can Make for Just Pennies
Knowing how to make cleaning products for pennies rather than spending dollars for them at the store just makes me
How to Remove Salt Stains from Leather and Suede Boots
Salt. It’s mandatory in a human diet. But in other situations, salt can be as destructive as it is needful
11 Everyday Uses for Nok-Out—the World’s Best Odor Eliminator
I’ve used Nok-Out and now its companion SNiPER continuously in my home for longer than 20 years, and have recommended
Ask Me Anything: Plastic in the Oven, DIY Spreadable Butter and More
I love my overflowing inbox filled with questions from my dear readers. What I don't love is not being able to
20 Surprisingly Effective Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It makes a terrific vinaigrette for salad, but apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good in many other ways around the
How to Organize a Closet: 5 Easy Steps for a Clutter-Free Wardrobe
Want to make your life easier? Clean out, clean up, and get your clothes closet organized! You'll know what you
Do Spices Expire? The Truth About Freshness & Use
When I packed up my kitchen for our big move a few years ago, I was embarrassed to discover what
How to Clean, Restore Dirty Stained Leather
Do you know what I love? Learning insider secrets. I'm not talking tabloid headlines, fake news, or conspiracy theories, which
How to Clean Garbage Disposal: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
According to Prevention magazine, there are more than half a million bacteria in the kitchen sink, about 1,000 times more
DIY Poo-Pourri Spray That Works (For Pennies, Not Dollars)
I have something really fun to share with you today about fragrance, but first a story. About my friend, Herta.
5 Homemade Cleaners that Perform Better Than Expensive Brands
Why bother? Why go to the trouble of homemade cleaners when buying commercial products is so much easier? Here are
How to Clean Your Washing Machine: Easy Steps for Top & Front Loaders
If you assume the inside of your washing machine is the cleanest place in your home because you put detergent
Ask Me Anything: Vinyl Flooring Care, Healthy 5-Min Bread, Stubborn Water Spots
If you've ever dealt with vinyl flooring—especially in an older home where the flooring has not been well-cared for, you
The Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Cleaning and Restoring Old, Stained Carpet
If you hate your carpet because it's old, stained, and bordering on disgusting, I have great news. There are steps
How to Make Homemade Glass Cleaner That Really Works (No Streaks!)
Store-bought glass cleaners aren’t just expensive—they’re often loaded with harsh chemicals and overpowering scents that can leave you reaching for
26 Alternative Uses for Baby Wipes You’ll Love
Ever stumble across a long-forgotten pack of baby wipes and think, “Now what?” I did—and was honestly surprised by just
Castile Soap Cleaning Recipes for Every Room
From time to time, I hear from readers who have sensitivities or allergies to our beloved Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Mastering Your Cast Iron Skillet: How to Season and Clean for Longevity
I really don’t know where I got the thing. It may have been a wedding gift. What I know is
How to Clean Steam Irons and Granite Countertops—Cheap and Easy!
These days its nearly certain that there’s a pricey product available to clean just about anything. But why spend the
Old Dishwasher Not Cleaning? Here’s How to Make It Work Like New
It doesn’t matter how old your dishwasher is. If it will turn on, spray hot water and go through a
Here’s How to Keep White Laundry White & Bright Without Bleach
If you've ever sent perfectly functional household linens or clothing items to the rag bag simply because they turned a
10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets Every Home Cook Needs
If you love efficiency in the kitchen, you’ll adore these gadgets. From cleaning hacks to cooking tools, I’ve rounded up
Here are the Best Homemade Cleaning Recipes
I pretty much hate to buy things I know I can make for less money to say nothing of the
Eyeglass Cleaning Guide: Best and Worst Methods for Crystal Clear Lenses
You just paid a small fortune for new eyeglasses. On top of the cost for prescription lenses and fashionable frames,
Your Cordless Stick Vac Needs a Bath—Photo Tutorial
Rarely do I gush. But gush I do over my Eufy Cordless Stick Vac*. Can’t help it. Eufy is so
Surprising Ways Rubbing Alcohol Saves the Day
Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol is more than a medicinal cooling and soothing liquid for external application. Pour it into a good spray
How to DIY Highly Effective Dusting Spray: Safe on Fine Wood Furniture
I used to buy aerosol cans of Endust, but those days are gone. Now, I make my own dusting spray—cheaper,
How to Get Yellow Pillows White Again (It Really Works)
Favorite bed pillows get a lot of use every night. We keep clean pillowcases on them and don’t think much
Clean, Clear, & Ready to Cook: Your Spring Kitchen Overhaul
Spring is here, and that means it’s time for a fresh start—especially in the kitchen. If your cabinets are overflowing,
Ask Me Anything: Candle Wax Removal, Laundry Sanitizer, Heavy-Duty Window Cleaner
A many-candled birthday cake left you with a mess of melted candle wax, now hardened and hopelessly stuck to your
Best Spray Bottle Picks (That Won’t Quit Halfway Through)
Many commercial household cleaning products—glass and window cleaner for example—routinely come in a bottle with a handy sprayer. And that
How to Eliminate Stubborn, Horrible Household Odors—Pet, Smoke, Mold, Mildew
I love the smell of a campfire smoke mixed with the scent of pine trees on a cool summer night. In
Tub & Shower Soap Scum Cleaner Reader Questions—Answered!
If I were keeping track of the number of responses from my readers that are filled with praise and gratitude,
The Best Spring Cleaning Products & Tools to Make Your Home Shine
There's an illness that has been documented by poets for centuries and I’ve got it. It's Spring Fever, that wonderfully
How to Remove Pen from Leather Without Damage
Because of the variables, there are a number of remedies, all of which do work to remove ink stains from
How to Deep-Clean Kitchen Cabinets and Keep Them Looking Gorgeous
Four methods to get your cabinets clean and gorgeous—plus a bonus for how to keep them looking that way!
Where to Buy Nok-Out Now That NokOut.com Is Closed
Nok-Out and I met quite by accident. In searching for ways my readers could deal with offensive odors, we found
How to Remove Cigarette Smoke Smell Fast
What do vacuum sealers and apartments that smell like a stale ashtray have in common? Absolutely nothing other than these two
How to Remove Stubborn Stains on Carpet and White Grout
Faithful readers will recall a reader tip from a past post, in which Julie shared her simple homemade carpet shampoo
The Ultimate Guide to Microfiber Towels: Cleaning Tips, Uses, and Care
Microfiber cloths get things looking cleaner in less time. Especially windows, mirrors, and stainless steel. It's not magic—it's science ...
When Carpet Stain Removers Fail, Carpet Surgery
Carpet stains are near the top of my personal list of pet peeves. I’m not talking about an accidental spill
Rust on Stainless Steel? This Fix Might Surprise You
If there's one subject that shows up in my inbox more often than any other, it has to be rust.
Ask Me Anything: Concrete Stains, Yellowed Whites, Power Toothbrush
Every day when I open my inbox, I find dozens, if not hundreds, of questions from the audience. Want to
Ask Me Anything: Why is Dip-It No Longer Available, Laminate Floors, Unscented Dawn
Growing up in Boise, Ida. (shout out to all my Gem State readers) my parents had a percolator. I can
Surprising Trick to Remove Hard Water Stains on Glass Shower Doors
Got stubborn hard water marks and stains on your shower doors that simply will not budge no matter what you
How to Remove Burnt-On Food: Effective Tips for Sparkling Clean Cookware
I don’t know how else to describe what happens to beautiful sheet pans once they take up residence in my
How to Clean a Non-Slip Bathtub Bottom Like New
If you have a bathtub with a slip-resistant bottom that no matter what you use to clean, it still looks
The Best Inexpensive Robot Vacuum (It Really Works!)
Vacuuming sucks. Literally. One year, my idea of giving our adult sons robot vacuums for Christmas was intended to help them with that
How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes: The Ultimate Guide with Lestoil
Lestoil (“less toil”) Concentrated Heavy Duty Cleaner is a product that’s been around for at least a hundred years. Your
DIY Natural Ant Killer Spray to Stop Ants Quickly
If ants have started showing up like uninvited houseguests lately, you’re not imagining things. Warmer weather sends them marching indoors
The No-Scrub Method for Sparkling Clean Coffee Carafes and More Great Reader Tips
There exist all kinds of methods for cleaning glass coffee carafes—most of them brought to us by hard working, super
The Best Cordless Handheld Vacuums for Every Budget
Can't anyone make a decent cordless, handheld vacuum cleaner that is convenient to use, holds a charge well, runs for
11 Ways to Use Super Washing Soda to Make Your Life Easier
Washing soda and I go way back. I've been using it as a laundry detergent booster for decades. For years,
The Original Homemade DIY Tub Tile Shower Cleaner (30 Years and Counting!)
Quite possibly one of the best tips to ever land in my mailbox came from a guy who is a
How to Clean and Condition Leather
There’s nothing quite so lovely as soft, supple, beautiful leather. I’ll take it in a handbag, shoes, car seats, jackets,
Yes! You Really Can Put Silver in the Dishwasher Safely
Can you put silver in the dishwasher? Contrary to popular belief, you can wash silver and silverplate flatware in the
7 Essential Tips for a Sparkling Clean Dishwasher
If your dishwasher is not turning out beautifully clean, cloudless, spot-free, sparkling dishes, pots, glassware, and flatware—without handwashing them first—don’t
How Often Do You REALLY Need to Replace Your HVAC Filter?
The dirtier the HVAC filter, the less efficient the system can be—and more likely to develop problems. According to the
Fabric Softener Is Wrecking Your Laundry. Here’s What Actually Works.
When it comes to doing laundry, most of us are prone to overkill. We want beautifully clean, brilliantly white, soft,
28 Remarkable Hydrogen Peroxide Uses for Cleaning Every Corner of Your Home
In today's post I've identified 20 ways to use hydrogen peroxide around the house. Something tells me I may have
How to Clean the Dirty Edges of Carpet
My Dear Readers ... Dark, shadowy, dirty lines on the carpet along baseboards, under doors and draperies, along the edges,
DIY Copper Cleaner That is All Natural, Non-Toxic
There are so many good reasons to make your own household cleaners. It’s cheaper, healthier and greener, too. The homemade household cleaners I share
26 Surprisingly Useful Ways to Use Dryer Sheets Around the House
Dryer sheets have so many other uses around that home that have nothing to do with laundry—indoors, outdoors, and in
The Complete Guide to Cleaning Painted Wood Floors Safely and Effectively
A message in my inbox this week came from Joan who asked, “What is the best way to clean a
Ask Me Anything: Rust Stains, HE Washer, Stained Concrete, More
Every day when I open my inbox, I find dozens, if not hundreds, of questions from the audience. Want to
17 Genius Laundry Hacks and Tips for Cheaper, Better, and Faster Laundry Days
I love to do laundry. I’m crazy that way. Here are some of my favorite laundry tips that just might
Learn How to Get Rid of Gasoline Smell Like a Pro
A message showed up in my inbox that made my heart sink. I couldn’t help imagine what it would be
10 Things You’ll Be Happy to Know About Lestoil
Apparently, Lestoil has been manufactured right here in the USA for decades and loved by many. Curiously, I'd never even
How to Get Outdoor Windows Sparkling Clean—Cheaper, Better, Faster!
You can pay a fortune to have your outdoor windows washed professionally, or let me teach you how to do
Your Shark Vacuum Is Filthy. Here’s How to Fix That
I'm pretty sure you know by now just how much I love my Shark vacuum cleaner. And given all the
5 Best Homemade Cleaners That Actually Work
If there’s one place you can really cut household spending, it’s cleaning products. The cost of most home cleaning products
3 Generic Cleaning Alternatives That Work Just Like the Name Brands (But Cost Way Less)
Most people are well familiar with the term “generic” when it comes to medications, a term referring to any drug
Prevent Costly Water Damage with Critical Washing Machine Maintenance
As wonderful as a washing machine is when it comes to saving time and effort, it can also be a
10 Brilliant Fixes for the Worst Laundry Disasters
Laundry disasters don’t discriminate. From mysteriously shrinking sweaters to stubborn armpit stains, it’s easy to feel like giving up. But
How to Remove Years of Kitchen Cabinet Grit and Grime
When did you last look at your kitchen cabinets? Not a passing glance, but an up-close visual study—paying particular attention
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Fabric—For Good!
If you’ve ever tried washing mothball-scented fabric, you already know—it doesn’t just disappear. In fact, it might make things worse!
How to Wash a Down Comforter the Right Way at Home
If you’ve ever wondered if it's okay to wash your down comforter instead of taking it to the dry cleaners,
Can You Use Regular Detergent in an HE Washer Safely?
If you've ever wondered what's the difference between regular laundry detergents and those designated as "High Efficiency" or HE if
Best Soap Scum Remover: DIY Solution for a Spotless Shower
Tired of battling soap scum that just won’t go away? This DIY solution might be the best soap scum remover
Try This Old Restaurant Cleaning Trick
Ever leave the coffee pot on overnight only to wake to a blackened, disgusting, burnt-on mess? Can't get rid of the
Soilove: The Best Budget-Friendly Stain Remover for Clothes
Finding the best stain remover for clothes can be a game-changer for your laundry routine. Enter Soilove, a budget-friendly and
My Perfect Kitchen Trash Can and Cheap Trash Bags, Too!
I know “hate” is a strong word, but that’s how I feel about trash. The most important trash receptacle is
The Best Inexpensive Car Trash Can for Clean and Organized Vehicles
I’ve always thought that a car should come outfitted with some kind of incinerator that sucks the accumulation of trash
DIY Mold and Mildew Treatment That Really Works Safely
If you've ever called in a professional service to rid your home of mold, you know the meaning of shock
Are You Even Vacuuming Right? The Dirty Truth
Perhaps this has happened to you: You’ve lived with carpeting, then for one reason or another you live with hardwood
How to Get Smell Out of Towels: The 2-Wash Fix That Works
If my inbox is any indicator of what’s going on in the world, and I believe it is, smelly towels
Protect Your Health and Wealth with Natural Cleaning Products
Ever wonder what’s lurking in those store-bought cleaners? We’ll spill the beans on why they could be a sneaky hazard
The Day I Learned How to Stop Using Paper Towels for Good
It was this event, now more than 20 years ago, that served as the catalyst to change my arrogant attitude
The Best Carpet Cleaner and My Simple No-Soap Method
I have a love/hate relationship with carpeting. I love how it looks, how it feels under my feet and how
How to Clean Windows Without Water—The Ultimate Dry Cleaning Method
Looking for a quick way to get your windows sparkling without the hassle of water, buckets, and squeegees? You’re in
Save Money with This Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent might sound like a chore from another era, but it’s actually one of the easiest
A Vacuum Cleaner Story So Disgusting It Is Embarrassing to Tell
Even though not 100% organized, I pride myself on housekeeping to the point of being accused a time or two
11 Brilliant Ways to Use Lemons for Cleaning, Skincare & More
Several years ago, my son gave me the bounty from the two fruit trees that pretty much rule his backyard.