Barbie hair can quickly become dried and tangled if not cared for properly. Whether it’s a collector’s item or a child’s toy, the hair should be cleaned carefully to keep it moisturized and beautiful. Here are the steps to clean the hair without turning it into a frizzy mess.

• Gentle shampoo (baby shampoo works well)
• Conditioner
• Comb
• Water
• Towels or washcloths
• Leave-in conditioner spray

1. It is helpful to begin with a good combing to remove any snags or tangles in the hair.
2. Work from the bottom to the roots to comb out tangles and remove any loose debris from the hair.
3. In order to keep Barbie’s hair looking smooth and soft, it needs lots of conditioning. Start by applying a conditioner to the hair. Allow it to set on the hair for several minutes.
4. Rinse the conditioner out under running water.
5. Pat dry by wrapping the hair in a towel or washcloth and squeezing gently.
6. Next, apply a small amount of gentle shampoo to the hair.
7. Work the shampoo into the hair to remove any dirt.
8. Rinse with running water.
9. Another round of conditioner will help to restore any moisture that was taken out by the shampoo. Work a good amount of conditioner into the doll’s hair and allow it to set for several minutes.
10. Rinse under running water and pat dry as before.
11. Spray a leave-in conditioner on Barbie’s hair to keep it from drying out.
12. Comb the hair to remove any tangles and allow it to air dry. If you would like to style the hair, it is best to do while wet so it will dry in the desired style. Braids can be added to produce waves or doll rollers can be used to make curls.

• The hair on Barbie dolls will come loose if too much pressure is applied. Comb through it gently to avoid pulling any strands loose from her head.
• Storing the doll in a case or holder when not in use will help to minimize the amount of dirt and dust that gets in her hair.
• To keep hair under control, consider keeping it in braids or pulled back in a ponytail.
• Do not use laundry products such as detergents or fabric softeners on the hair. It is best to use baby shampoo and regular conditioning products.

Related guides:

1. How to Clean Stuffed Animals and Dolls
2. How to Clean Remy Hair Extensions
3. How to Wash Your Hair

Food splatters and general use can lead to a layer of grease build-up on the surface of your toaster oven quickly. Removing this burnt on layer is possible. The longer the grease has been sitting, the more work it will be to remove. Regular cleanings will help make the removal process quick and painless. Here are some simple and easy cleaning steps work take the grease off.

• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Water
• Green scrubbing pads
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Soft cloths
• Small bowl
• Plenty of elbow grease for old grease stains

1. Begin by unplugging the toaster oven. It is never safe to clean an appliance that is still plugged in.
2. Moisten a soft cloth with warm water (soap can also be added) and wipe down the interior to remove any loose food debris.
3. Next, mix baking soda with water to make a paste in a small bowl. It should be thicker than toothpaste. If you find it’s too dry and “crumbles” when you apply it, simply add a little more water.
4. Spread the baking soda paste onto the surfaces that are covered with grease. If the stains are bad, you may want to let it set for a few minutes.
5. Next, moisten a green scrubbing pad with water. Scrub the surfaces with the baking soda and pad. The baking soda is a mild abrasive that will help to remove the baked on grease without damaging the aluminum surface.
6. For added cleaning power, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in place of the green scrubbing pad.
7. Continue scrubbing until the grease is removed. Apply more baking soda paste as needed. It is helpful to keep a thin layer of paste present while cleaning.
8. Once the grease is removed, clean the entire interior with a soft cloth moistened with soapy water.
9. Remove any baking soda or loosened grease particles.
10. Allow the interior to dry completely before resuming use.

• Baking soda can also be used to clean non-stick cookware and aluminum bake ware.
• Be careful when cleaning with chemicals on bake ware. Clean it well afterwards to avoid putting traces of chemicals into your food.
• There are also some chemical products that have been found effective in removing the burnt on grease. Grease Lightning, Comet (this is abrasive, use with caution), Dawn Power Dissolver and Carbon Kleen may be effective in removing the grease. Be sure to wash and rinse the cleaned area well after use to remove any traces of chemicals.
• Though SOS pads and steel wool are sometimes used, they can scratch the surface of the pans. Often, the abrasive surface of the pads is excessive for cleaning aluminum and may do more harm than good.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Scorched Food from a Microwave
2. How to Clean Burnt Oil from Pans
3. How to Clean and Polish Aluminum

Food, grease, drips and streaks can get in between the glass panes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it drips down through vents in the top of the door. Grease from the oven can travel through steam vapors into the door where they settle leaving spots and streaks. Removing anything from in between the glass pieces will be a challenge. Here are a few methods that have been successful.

*Disassembling the door yourself will void the warranty and may require a service technician to repair any damage or put the door back together. It is recommended that a service technician complete this for you. It is not recommended that you disassemble the door yourself.

You Will Need:

• Glass cleaner
• Soft cloths
• Glass stovetop cleaner

Steps to Remove the Glass:

1. Make an appointment with a service technician to remove the glass from the door.
2. Use glass cleaner to remove as much of the debris as possible.
3. For tougher stains and food debris, use a glass stovetop cleaner to aid with removal.
4. Once the stains and debris are removed, allow the service technician to reassemble the door.

When the glass cannot be removed or is no longer covered by the warranty, there are other, more creative, ways that can be used to clean it.

You Will Need:

• Long handled cleaner
  • Bottle brush
  • Yardstick/ruler wrapped in cloth
  • Bent hanger wrapped in cloth
  • Dryer vent brush
• Glass cleaner
• Soft cloths/towels/long socks
• Duct tape (optional)

Steps to Clean Between the Glass:

1. Some ovens have small vents along the bottom or top of the door. These vents go in between the glass (and are likely part of the problem with other materials getting in there as well). By inserting a towel on a long-handled stick, you can gently clean between the glass without disassembling the door.First, find the vents on the door if you have them.
2. It may be easier to remove the door from the hinges and lay it flat on the floor. Many oven doors simply lift right off of the hinges, others will require loosening a few screws first. Replacing the door should be easy to do at the end of the cleaning and will not void the warranty.
3. Start by choosing a long-handled cleaning tool. There are a variety of options available, so be creative.
4. Secure a towel or soft cloth (long socks work well) to the handle with duct tape or other strong tape. Make sure it’s well fastened so it doesn’t come off and become stuck in the door.
5. Moisten the towel or soft cloth with the window cleaner or other cleaning product.
6. Insert the cleaning tool through the vents.
7. Move the cloth back and forth to remove the debris from between the glass.
8. Remove the cloth.
9. Repeat with a clean cloth until all of the debris is gone.
10. Replace the door on the oven and enjoy the clear, clean view.

• Some companies include this disassembly of the door in the warranty, so it will not have to be paid for out of pocket.
• If the glass can’t be cleaned, it can always be covered up with a decorative dish towel.
• If normal glass cleaner does not remove the debris, try the cleaning products designed for glass stove tops. They’re stronger than glass cleaner and designed to remove food debris.

Related guides:

1. How to Open and Clean a Harmony One Remote Control
2. How to Clean Restaurant Brick Ovens and Exhaust Stacks
3. How to Clean Grease Build-Up from a Glass Oven Door

Porcelain tile flooring is one of the easiest floors to care for. It doesn’t require sealants or special cleaners. However, it does need some extra cleaning from time to time. When those times arise, here are the steps to take.

• Water
• Bucket
• Sponge mop
• Porcelain tile cleaner or
• ¼ cup vinegar with 2 gallons hot water or
• All purpose household cleaner (ex: Mr. Clean, Fantastik)

1. Start by vacuuming the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. When cleaning porcelain tiles, it is best to work in small sections to ensure the cleaning product is applied and removed in a timely manner.
3. Apply the cleaning product or vinegar solution with hot water to the floor’s surface.
4. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
5. After the solution has set on the floor, scrub it with a sponge mop to clean away any dirt and/or stains from the surface.
6. Rinse with clear water. Using a wet vacuum works well to remove all of the cleaning solution.
7. Allow the floor to dry.

• For regular cleanings, sweeping and vacuuming is sufficient. Mopping with plain water will help to remove minor dirt and dust.
• Do not allow the cleaning solution to dry on the surface of the porcelain tiles. This can result in staining and streaking.
• If the floor is polished, use half the amount of detergent as described above.
• Avoid staining on the floor by wiping up spills as soon as possible.
• All purpose household cleaners can be used on porcelain tile floors. Soapless detergents such as Spic and Span or 409 can also be used.
• It is recommended that a small test area be conducted with any cleaning product before applying it to the entire floor. This helps to ensure that there are no adverse effects from the cleaning product.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Dishwasher Detergent Stains from Ceramic Flooring
2. How to Clean Non-Slip Flooring
3. How to Remove Floor Wax from Porcelain Tiles

Shelves offer valuable storage room as well as a beautiful way to showcase special pieces all over the house. Whether your shelve are in the bedroom, living room or kitchen, they will need to be cleaned from time to time. Here are some steps to make the job a little easier.

• Boxes
• Paper towels
• Cleaning products:
  • Wooden shelves: Murphy’s Oil Soap or other wood cleaning product
  • Plastic/Resin shelves: all purpose cleaner
  • Glass shelves: Windex or other glass cleaner
  • Metal shelves: Cleaner designed for specific type of metal
• Soft cloths
• Swiffer duster (optional)

1. Begin by removing all of the items from the shelf. If the individual items need cleaning as well, this is a great time to do so.
2. Place the items in a box and set it off to the side.
3. If there are several shelves, start at the top and work your way down. This way, if any dust or debris falls, it will land on a shelf that has not yet been cleaned.
4. Once the shelf is clear, dust it with a soft cloth or Swiffer duster to remove any loose dust. If the shelf is lined (such as a bathroom, kitchen or closet shelf), remove the lining and clean that as well.
5. Now you are ready to clean the shelf itself. Use an cleaner designed for the material that the shelf is made of.
6. Wipe the shelf down with a soft cloth and the cleaning product.
7. Rinse if necessary.
8. Dry with a soft cloth.
9. Replace the shelf liner, if applicable.
10. Return all of the removed items to the shelf.
11. Continue onto the next shelf, repeating the steps above.

• If the shelves have greasy residue or dirt and dust build up, see the guides How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets and How to Remove Dirt Build Up from Wooden Furniture for additional cleaning tips and advice.
• Dusting the shelves periodically (at least weekly) will help extend the time between needed deep cleanings.
• Shelves in high moisture rooms, including the bathroom and kitchen, will need  to be cleaned more frequently.
• When all of the items are removed, it allows for a great time to sort through items that need to be kept or thrown away. These items can be sorted as you are removing them or replacing them, whichever is easiest for you.
• Bookshelves are another area that need to be cleaned regularly. It not only looks better, it helps to make the books last longer as well.

Related guides:

1. How to Clean Inside Double Glass Oven Doors
2. How to Clean a CD-ROM Drive
3. How to Organize Your Pantry

Sisal rugs are constructed from the natural fibers found in the leaves of the Agave sisalana, a plant that is found in Central America. Since the fibers are natural, it is important to clean the rugs immediately to prevent the fibers from absorbing the stains and moisture which can cause distortion and shrinking. Here are some safe cleaning methods for your sisal rugs.

• Mild soap
• Water
• Vinegar
• Soft cloths
• Bucket
• Soft towels
• Vacuum

1. Regular cleanings will help to minimize the amount of dirt that gets lodged in the rug. Vacuum the rugs regularly.
2. When spills and stains occur, it will be necessary to clean the rug further. Always use a minimal amount of water when cleaning to avoid the fibers absorbing the excess liquid.
3. Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of mild soap. A mixture of one part water and one part vinegar can also be used.
4. Use a dry cloth to blot up as much of the spill as possible.
5. For any stains or sticky areas, moisten a soft cloth with a small amount of the cleaning mixture. Wring out the cloth well so the rug does not become saturated with liquid.
6. Blot the area to remove the stain and dirt.
7. Rinse by blotting with a clean cloth moistened with clear water.
8. Finally, blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any remaining water.

• There are synthetic rugs available that are much easier to clean. It is best to contact the manufacturer of the rug to learn more about the recommended cleaning instructions. Each company has their own way of treating the fibers and will have specific cleaning recommendations for your particular rug.
• Avoid setting sisal rugs in high traffic and high moisture areas. The extra moisture leads to staining and when it is absorbed by the natural fibers they can lose their shape or shrink.
• If there are dry stains on the rug, they can be scraped away with a blunt object such as a wooden knife. Simply drag it across the rug and then vacuum away the loosened particles.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Soot from Carpet
2. How to Clean a Swag Lamp
3. How to Remove Ink Stains from Carpet

Hand sanitizer contains alcohol to kill germs. Alcohol is also used to strip finishes off of wood. In this case, the white “stain” that is left is where the alcohol from the hand sanitizer has damaged the finish on the wood. Once this damage has been done, it is not possible to reverse it. It will be necessary to refinish that area of the bench. There are some wood crayons available that may work to “color” over the affected area and help it to blend in better. It may also work to apply a new layer of finish. This can replace the damaged area and help hide the discoloration.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Methylated Spirits from Wood
2. How to Repair Damaged Laminate Countertops
3. How to Clean Sticky Residue from Vinyl

Removing ink from suede is a snap with these steps. The unwanted stain will be gone in no time.

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs

1. Moisten a cotton swab with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
2. Rub the moistened swab over the ink stain.
3. The ink stain will quickly disappear.

• Hairspray can also be used. The cheaper brands work best as they contain the most alcohol. Simply spray the ink area and wipe it away with a soft cloth.
• The stains can also be sanded off with an emery board. Use care when using this method not to ruin the suede.
• Some stains can literally be erased away. Use a white eraser. The coloring from pink ones will transfer to the suede and leave another stain. Simply rub the area until the stain is removed.
• Do not use water on suede as it will damage the texture.
• If the ink area is large, or you are uncertain about removing the stain yourself, have the stain removed by a professional cleaner.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Coffee Stains from Plastic
2. How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood
3. How to Remove Ink Stains from Leather Upholstery

Oily spots on laundry can be caused for a variety of reasons. Look through our reasons below to help identify a possible source of the problem. Following that there is a list of guides that will help remove the stains.

• Sometimes the problem lies in the washer itself. The transmission begins to leak oil and leaves spots all over the laundry pieces. Unfortunately, the only solution is a new transmission. This is a costly repair, and it may be cheaper just to get a new washing machine.
• Dirt and oils can become trapped under the agitator (in top loading machines). If possible, remove the agitator to clean the inside as well as the portion of the tub that is covered by the agitator.
• Liquid detergents can become built up on the outer edges of the tub. As it is drained through the holes, the detergent begins to build up. This can leak back into the laundry and result in spotting on the clothing.
• If there are oily rags or cloths (even kitchen cloths and towels can be the culprit) in the laundry, the grease that is removed from the cloths may be transferring to the other clothing.
• Reactions between laundry detergents and fabric softeners can leave spots on the clothing. If the spots come off with a simple hand washing, this may be the problem.

1. To remove oil spots from food products, see the guide How to Remove Grease Stains.
2. To remove spots caused by oil, see the guide How to Remove Engine Oil and Grease Stains.
3. To remove chapstick grease spots from clothing, see the guide How to Remove Chapstick from Clothing.

• If the oily spots are appearing in the dryer, check for a tossed chapstick or other oily product that may have accidentally found its way to the dryer. An easy test for this is to place a clean, spot-free, damp cloth in the dryer. Check it for spots after it’s dried.
• Sometimes the spots are only noticeable on dark fabrics due to the light colored stains produced by grease. They may still be present on white clothing, but not as noticeable.
• As an additional stain removal method, some have had success soaking the affected items in Oxi Clean and then washing.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Musty Smells from the Dryer
2. How to Remove Kerosene from the Washing Machine
3. How to Machine Wash “Hand Wash” Clothing

There are a couple of ways to remove paint from concrete, though none are quick and easy. The most common way to remove paint is by applying a chemical stripper. Here is how to choose one and remove the paint from your concrete.

• Paint Stripper (see guidelines below on choosing one)
• Scrub brush
• Soft cloths
• Hose

1. All paint companies that make paint, also make products to remove that paint. If you are unsuccessful with traditional strippers such as turpentine or mineral spirits, it is best to contact the manufacturer to see what they recommend. There should be a contact number on the can of paint that can be used to reach customer service. Explain the material you are trying to remove paint from and they will tell you the appropriate product to use.
2. Once selected, the stripper will need to be applied per the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. In most cases, the stripper is applied to the surface and allowed to set for a predetermined amount of time.
4. After the stripper has set, the paint will likely need to be scrubbed off.
5. Once the paint is removed, the entire area needs to be cleaned and washed to remove any remaining residue.

• There are soy-based gel cleaners available that are non-toxic and much easier on the environment than some of the more traditional strippers. The gel is spread onto the paint and allowed to set. Then it is wiped off and the paint comes right off. Since it’s a gel, it can be moved to a new spot and reused. Therefore, it takes less product to strip a larger area.
• Power washers are another option that are commonly used to remove paint. The pressure from the water removes the paint from the surface of the concrete without any chemicals.

Related guides:

1. How to Remove Oil-Based Paint from a Fiberglass Tub
2. How to Remove Paint from Wrought Iron
3. How to Remove Oil Stains from Synthetic Flooring