HOW TO CLEAN APPLIANCE SURFACES

Product:
All-purpose (nonabrasive) cleaners (powder, liquid).
How To Use:
Mix with water or use liquids full-strength according to package directions; generally no rinsing required, except for no-wax floors or when used full-strength.

HOW TO GET RID OF BAKED-ON FOOD

Product:
Baking soda
How To Use:
Paste: Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water Solution: Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda per 1 quart water Dry: Sprinkle straight from box. Rub with damp sponge or cloth; rinse and dry.

Product:
Abrasive cleaner (powder).
How To Use:
Wet surface and apply cleanser; rub/scour gently as needed and rinse.

HOW TO CLEAN BARBECUE GRILLS

To clean the rack at the end of the season, use an oven cleaner or soak it in a household ammonia and water solution; then scrub and rinse.
For gas-fueled grills, follow the directions in the owner’s manual.
To clean permanent briquettes, flip them occasionally, ignite the grill, and, with the cover closed, allow it to burn at a high setting for about 15 minutes.

HOW TO REMOVE ODORS FROM CARPETS, RUGS AND UPHOLSTERY

Product:
Air, fabric, carpet, and room fresheners, deodorizers, and odor eliminators (aerosol, spray, powder, solid, heat-dispersed.
How To Use:
Sprinkle powdered carpet freshener on and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum; for other forms, follow package directions.

HOW TO CLEAN CAST IRON

Never wash a cast-iron utensil in the dishwasher; use baking soda to remove burned-on food residue. Always be sure to hand-dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

HOW TO CLEAN CERAMIC BATHTUBS

Product:
Abrasive cleaner (liquid).
How To Use:
Apply to surface; rub gently and rinse.

HOW TO CLEAN AUTOMATIC COFFEEMAKERS

Product:
Vinegar (white).
How To Use:
Use full-strength or diluted depending on use. To clean automatic drip coffeepots, fill reservoir with vinegar and water and run through a brew cycle; follow with a cycle of clear water to rinse.

HOW TO CLEAN COLLECTIBLES

Try using a dry paintbrush (with bristles at least 3 inches long) to clean both the surface and the little crevices. Wash the paintbrush with hand soap and warm water and air dry before using again.

HOW TO CLEAN COMPUTERS

Never use household glass cleaners on computer monitor screens. Instead, use a static-free product made for cleaning monitor screens. Keep static-free covers on the computer and printer when not in use.

HOW TO CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS

Product:
Abrasive cleaner (powder).
How To Use:
Wet surface and apply cleanser; rub/scour gently as needed and rinse.

HOW TO CLEAN FIXTURES, COMBS AND BRUSHES, AND FLOORS

Product:
Ammonia, to be used on resilient, ceramic, concrete surfaces. Do not use to clean clear plastic windows or surfaces and on aluminum; clouding and pitting can occur. Do not use on brass fixtures; pitting can occur.

How To Use:
You can control the cleaning strength by increasing the ammonia from 1/2 cup to 1 cup per gallon of water as the job difficulty increases. For spray bottle use: Mix 1 part ammonia to 16 parts water. For windows and mirrors: Use 2 tablespoons ammonia per 1 quart water.

HOW TO CLEAN LAMPS AND LAMPSHADES

Dust the base of the lamp, the bulb, and the shade with a soft cloth or the dusting tool on your vacuum cleaner. Clean the base with a damp sponge or cloth an dthe cleaning product appropriate for the material. Do not immerse the base in water since this damages the wiring.

HOW TO CLEAN LEATHER

Dust with a clean, soft cloth. Use a soft bristled toothbrush or paintbrush if the leather is tufted and has buttons or piping. Wipe with a clean, damp sponge or cloth and mild soap. Rise with a well-wrung sponge or cloth. Dry with a clean, soft cloth.

HOW TO CLEAN A MICROWAVE OVEN

If there is a turntable, remove it and wash in warm, sudsy water or in the dishwasher; then dry. To clean the interior, boil a cup of water inside for 3 to 4 minutes. The condensation will loosen any food soil on the walls or ceiling of the oven. Then wipe with a damp sponge or cloth, and dry. Never use a commercial oven cleaner or remove the cover in the top of the oven interior for cleaning. To deodorize, wash the interior surfaces every few months with a solution of 1/4 cup of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water; rinse and dry.

For more on household help, see Good Housekeeping’s The Complete Household Handbook.