Clean and Organized FAQs

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Ants: Non-toxic solutions

Our dogs have their own room with a linoleum floor. I've noticed the tiniest ants in their food dishes. Obviously I need an idea that's safe around dogs. Any thoughts?

Cellar Smells

It has been very humid and rainy here for about 2 weeks now with another week to come. My cellar has started to have a very strong musty smell. I searched for a source, but I can't find one, I think it's just the humidity. The smell is coming upstairs, and permeating everthing downstairs. Help! Does anyone have any ideas? Do dehumidifiers work? Is there anthing I can do to combat this while I wait for things to dry up weather wise? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Laundry Problems

Answers to common questions on laundry.

Gasoline in Clothes

How do I get gasoline smells out of my clothing? I was pumping gas yesterday and afterwards my clothes and shoes smelled like pure gasoline. I let them soak in the washer over night, but the smell is still there. Any suggestions?

Hairspray in Clothes

From TNH Reader BrAnDiLeE1026: I work at the local hockey games in town, and for work i have to wear a hockey jersey. Well over the months my jersey got a buildup of hairspray and I cannot get it out! I was wondering if there is anything i can do at home to get it out besides just washing it which did not work. Thank you!

Paint on Clothes

My son got paint (latex, I believe) on his brand new swim trunks. Any suggestions on getting it out without harming the fabric? They are 100% polyester.

Lighting Oil Stains

From TNH Reader Kimberleyn2:

How do I get oil from an oil lamp out of furniture?

Old Grease

I know this doesn't belong here... but I have a huge problem!! WE just moved into another house. The people that lived here before us had left old coffee cans full of cooking oil and fat on the back porch. The oils and fats spilled EVERYWHERE. I CAN NOT get it to come up. Any advice would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Mold on Wallpaper

From TNH Reader squiggyoh:

How can I remove mold on a wallpaper surface?

Musty-smelling Furniture

From TNH Reader DWBrentsmom:

I have a couch and loveseat that has been stored in a building for a few years and they smell musky and just plain stink! How can I clean them to make them smell fresh and clean?

musty furniture

can someone please tell me how to get a musty smell out of my couch.

Removing playdough from surfaces

From TNH Reader ok1:

how do I clean plastelina (like play dough) from a painted wood surface?

Rug cleaner solutions

I am going to clean the rugs in my house with a 'Rug Doctor'. The machine is great but the cleaners are so expensive! Are there any recipes for cleaners I can use in it? I'm guessing maybe something with vinegar or ammonia. Thanks!

Scuff marks on white shoes

From TNH Reader Anna Daley:

I have a pair of white dress shoes, and the first time I wore them, they became "scuffed-up". I've tried white shoe polish, but it didn't help. How can I get rid of these scuff marks? Thanks.

Shining Stainless Steel Counters

I am having a problem. We just moved into a house where all the counter tops in the kitchen are stainless steel. I can get them shiny for the most part. I have rust spots all over though, like where something wet was set on there or the kids spilled something and didn't clean it up or mention it! How do I get rid of those spots? 

Soap scum on fiberglass

How do I get the soap scum and water stains off of our shower bathtub walls? I've tried everything any suggestions?