You can clean quicker, faster and better - you just need to know how. Here are handy household hints and cleaning tips from the pros.
(Photo: iStock )
How can I dry a damp load of laundry quickly?
To dry a damp load of laundry faster, add a dry bath towel to the mix.
(Photo: iStockphoto)
Does vinegar stop colored clothes from bleeding?
Unfortunately, no. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tried soaking a garment in a vinegar or salt-and-water solution to stop the bleeding, but with no success. The best you can do is wash in cold water, separately or with other similar colors.
(Photo: iStockphoto)How can I avoid fuzz balls on my towels?
Abrasion during washing and drying is one culprit that causes small fuzz balls to cling to cotton towels.
To prevent these from forming, place a large piece of nylon netting in the dryer along with the towels; this will cause the fuzz balls to fall off. To prevent this from happening in the future, buy towels that are labeled "combed cotton."
This fabric is made with the longest length of fibers, which are looped and do not break easily.
(Photo: M. Eric Honeycutt/iStockphoto)
What's the best way to clean marble?
Marble surfaces can be scratched by grit and absorbs moisture, so you should immediately wipe up any spills.
Clean marble regularly by using a soft cloth or sponge with a mild solution. Do not use lemon, vinegar, or any other acidic cleaner; it will eat into the marble. Remove stains with a marble polishing powder such as tin oxide.
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Can toothpaste clean silver?
Yep! Toothpaste will remove tarnish, but here's the catch: It's more abrasive than silver polish, so you should use it only in a pinch and only on a small area.
Follow these steps:
Moisten the silver, gently rub on a little paste with your finger, rinse the spot thoroughly with warm water, and dry with a soft, clean cloth. What you should not use: toothpaste that contains tartar-control substances or whiteners.
(Photo: Knape/iStockphoto)Is it necessary to wash my dishwasher?
Yes! Even the inside of your dishwasher accumulates dirt and gunk.
Inspect the bottom reservoir and drain hose, where grease and food particles could get trapped. Push a wad of paper towels or a large sponge into the bottom to absorb any of this stuff. Then pour several cups of household vinegar into the bottom and run a cycle.
(Photo: Corbis )
What's the best way to clean the toilet tank?
When you remove the lid, you may be surprised by what lurks underneath. Sand and other debris can accumulate and prevent the flapper from working correctly.
To clean, turn off water at the base. Flush the toilet, which will empty the tank, then wipe the inside with paper towels.
(Photo: iStock)How can I remove a stuck lightbulb?
Very carefully. First, unplug the lamp or turn off the power at the breaker box. Then, wearing thick gloves and eye protection, gently wiggle the bulb to loosen its base. If the bulb is still stuck, place a cloth over it and break it off, along with the filament. Then insert a rubber jar opener into the base and slowly twist counterclockwise to remove it. This may take several tries. Before replacing the bulb, wipe the empty socket with a dry cloth.
Note: The old trick of using a raw potato for this job isn't smart; the moisture could cause the fixture to short out.
If you have any great ideas, we'd love to hear them! You've Got Maids of Cherry Hill
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