How to Clean Salt Stains from Leather Shoes

Leather Snow Boots

Lee asked, “Hi. My son has white salt stains on the outside of his black school shoes. How can I remove it and stop it from coming back?” With the winter snow often comes white salt stains on boots. For leather boots, it is especially important to clean the stains off quickly, as the salt can cause the leather to dry, crack or disintegrate over time. Use the steps below to remove the stains.¹ Removing the Stains You Will Need: Water A clean cloth White vinegar An onion WD-40 Steps to Remove the Stain: First, try wiping the stains away with…

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How to Remove Perfume Stains

Perfumes

Dai Ni asked, “Does anybody know how to get a perfume stain out?” Perfumes often contain both alcohol and oils, as well as dyes, any of which can leave a stain. Use the methods below to remove the stain as soon as possible, as any stain is easier to remove when it is fresh.¹ Removing the Perfume Stain Always test a cleaning solution on a small, out-of-the-way area first to look for any adverse reaction. You Will Need: Soda water Cold water Dish liquid White vinegar Rubbing alcohol A cotton ball Hydrogen peroxide Steps to Remove the Stain: Hold the fabric…

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How to Clean Baseboards

Baseboards

Amber asked, “I am a horrible housekeeper. How exactly does one clean walls/baseboards if there are no Magic Erasers in the house??? Walls are painted.” Baseboards often gather more dust, pet hair and scuff marks than the walls, and can make an otherwise clean home seem dirty. Thankfully, they often are coated with an oil-based paint that can tolerate even an aggressive cleaning method. Rooms that are used often should have the baseboards cleaned weekly, whereas ones in less-used rooms can be cleaned every few weeks or monthly.¹ Cleaning the Baseboards Always test a cleaning solution on a small, out-of-the-way…

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How to Clean Tar from Carpet

Road Roller

Hilliards asked, “What to use to get road tar or oil out of carpet?” Road tar is purposely made to withstand water, be sticky and also to be durable. However,  it can be removed even from someplace as delicate as carpet. Select a method below and follow the steps to remove the tar. A fresh tar stain is easier to remove than an older one, so treat the stain as soon as possible.¹ The Glycerin Method You Will Need: Ice Plastic scraper or spatula Vegetable glycerin Shaving foam Water Towel Steps to Remove the Tar: For deposits of tar larger than a coin,…

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How to Remove a Dye Stain from Linoleum

Linoleum

Sarah asked, “Anyone know how to get a dye stain out of a lino/vinyl floor please? Help needed!” Removing a dye stain from a linoleum floor will depend on finding the right cleaner for the specific type of dye. Select a cleaning solution from the list below and continue working through the list until you find a cleaner that removes the stain well. If the stain is older, it may be impossible to remove, so treat the stain as soon as you can. Removing the Dye Stain Always test a cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first to look…

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How to Clean a Doormat

Welcome Mat

Rachel asked, “How do you clean a doormat?” Doormats are handy for keeping dirt out of your home, and particularly off of your carpet. However, you have to keep the mat clean in order for it to work properly. Doormats can quickly become full of dust and debris, so use the steps below regularly to keep your mat (and your house) clean.¹ Cleaning the Doormat You Will Need: Vacuum with a brush attachment Baking soda Broom or scrub brush Garden hose Clothesline Steps to Clean the Doormat: Shake out the majority of debris over grass or another outdoor area.² Vacuum the mat…

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How to Clean an Eyelash Curler

Eyelash Curler

Ness asked, “How do I clean my lash curler?” Eyelash curlers often become coated with mascara, as well as bacteria from your eyelashes and any powdered cosmetics they may come in contact with. Thankfully, they are easy to clean. Use the steps below regularly to keep your lash curler in like-new condition.¹ Cleaning the Eyelash Curler You Will Need: Cotton ball Eye makeup remover Baby oil Dish liquid Water Cloth Towel Steps to Clean the Curler: Moisten a cotton ball with eye makeup remover.² If you don’t have eye makeup remover, you can use baby oil instead.¹ Use the cotton ball…

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How to Clean Milk and Cereal from Carpet

Cereal

Lauren asked, “How do I clean soggy cereal off the carpet?” Even if it’s on your carpet, don’t cry over spilled cereal with milk. Milk stains are often easy to remove, although a sour milk odor can develop if it’s not thoroughly cleaned right away. Use the steps below to clean the spill before it dries.¹ Cleaning the Spill You Will Need: Spoon or dustpan Paper towels Soda water or cold water Enzyme carpet cleaner White shaving foam Old toothbrush Cloth Dish liquid Borax Vacuum Steps to Clean the Spill: Scrape up as much of the cereal as you can with a spoon…

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How to Clean Mold from Upholstery

Blue Couch

Vicky asked, “Anyone ever found white mould on furniture? What did you use to clean it?” Mold is a fungus that can grow virtually anywhere, including on your couch. It is important to remove it as soon as possible, as it can cause the fabric to deteriorate quickly (in addition to causing health problems). Follow the steps below to remove the mold. When using a cleaning solution, always test it on a hidden area first to check for any adverse reaction.¹ Removing the Mold You Will Need: Long sleeves & pants Gloves Mask or respirator Sunlight Broom Vacuum with a…

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How to Clean a Strainer

Colander

Kelsey asked, “How do you clean strainers?” No need to stress over cleaning your strainer! The steps below will help you to remove even the dry, difficult debris that can make strainers seem impossible to clean. Cleaning the Strainer You Will Need: Sink plug or large bowl Dish liquid Scrub brush Old toothbrush Hand towel Steps to Clean the Strainer: Plug the sink and fill it up with water, or fill a large pot or bucket with water in the sink. Mix some dish liquid into the water. Soak the strainer in the soapy water for about 15 minutes to loosen…

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