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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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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

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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How to Clean Suede Shoes and Keep Them Looking Sharp

Suede shoes are a timeless fashion statement, but let’s face it: they’re not the easiest to keep clean. Whether it’s
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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7 Easy-to-Fix Reasons Your Dishwasher is Not Cleaning Like It Should

Few things are more disappointing than opening the dishwasher to put away its clean contents, only to be greeted by
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner

You can skip the store-bought stainless steel cleaners, and make your own highly effective cleaner and polish using items you
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How to Wash White Clothes: Expert Tips for Keeping Whites Bright

In the same way that there are rules in life for things like how to drive a car, how to
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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”
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How Can I Get Rid of This Stubborn Toilet Ring?

Toilet bowls develop discolorations for many reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the housekeeping ...
A sink and a mirror

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
A person in a kitchen

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
A cat sitting on a chair

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
Question and Family

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
A room with beautiful luxury vinyl flooring

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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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,
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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,
A plate of food with a birthday cake, with Candle

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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
A little girl standing in a kitchen

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!
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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
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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
A close up of a rug

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
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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 ...
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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
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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.
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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
percolator coffee pot sitting on table

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 from Baking Sheets

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
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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
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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
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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
A person posing for the camera

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
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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
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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,
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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
A piece of luggage sitting on top of a suitcase

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,
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Yes! You Can Clean Silver in the Dishwasher

Can you put silver in the dishwasher? Contrary to popular belief, you can wash silver and silverplate flatware in the
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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
man inspecting HVAC system filter

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
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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
Ugly, grimy, black lines on carpet that are from filtration soil

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,
A house with trees in the background

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
hand pulling dryer sheet from box

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How to Clean a Shark Vacuum and Why You Should

I'm pretty sure you know by now just how much I love my Shark vacuum cleaner. And given all the
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How to Freshen Smelly Towels: A Step-by-Step Guide

If my inbox is any indicator of what’s going on in the world, and I believe it is, smelly towels
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.