Global coverage from our correspondents.
Cleaning
Running out of lint roller sheets doesn't have to ruin your outfit. From tape wrapped around your hand to a damp rubber glove or even your bare hand, these household items can lift lint and hair in a pinch. Cleaning expert James King of DeluxeMaid in Indianapolis shares practical, low-cost alternatives that protect your clothes.
Cleaning
As holiday decorations transform homes into winter wonderlands, they also invite dust and grime. Cleaning professionals share practical strategies to maintain a tidy living space without sacrificing festive charm, from pre-decorating deep cleans to simple tricks like using hairspray on artificial greenery.
Cleaning
Cleaning expert Allison Nelson identifies seven common household products that can harm surfaces, from disinfectant wipes to bleach and essential oils. Learn which alternatives work best and how to protect your home while keeping it spotless.
Cleaning
Professional organizers reveal that several common household items—from dish towels to under-sink bins—should be replaced far more frequently than most people assume. Their guidance covers specific timelines and warning signs to help keep homes clean and functional.
Cleaning
Pool maintenance experts offer practical strategies for clearing sand and dirt from swimming pools, including prevention, robotic vacuums, filter upkeep, and DIY methods. Their advice helps homeowners avoid lengthy cleaning sessions and maintain clear water.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners share five daily habits to keep mudrooms tidy during winter, from using double mats to drying boots promptly. These routines help prevent moisture damage, salt stains, and clutter buildup, making the entryway more functional and inviting.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners offer a step-by-step approach to post-holiday home refresh, focusing on kitchen deep-cleaning, sorting decorations, decluttering, and carpet care. Their practical advice helps homeowners tackle the mess efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
Cleaning
Professional house cleaners focus on routine tidying and high-traffic areas, but certain tasks—such as mold remediation, chimney sweeping, HVAC duct cleaning, gutter and window washing, carpet deep cleaning, and hardwood floor refinishing—fall outside their scope. Experts advise hiring specialized contractors for these jobs to ensure safety and thoroughness.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners warn that hydrogen peroxide, while a popular natural disinfectant, can cause costly damage to certain household surfaces. From hardwood floors to electronics, learn which six items should never be cleaned with this common solution and what to use instead.
Cleaning
After a day in the sun, coolers often trap odors from heat and sealed spaces. Cleaning experts share a five-step method using common household items to eliminate smells and keep your cooler fresh for future outings.
Cleaning
Before heading off on vacation, cleaning experts recommend completing six essential chores to avoid returning to unpleasant odors, pests, or mold. These tasks include emptying trash and compost, washing linens, decluttering common areas, running the dishwasher, doing laundry, and clearing perishables from the fridge. Completing these steps also reduces post-trip cleanup, making re-entry smoother.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners from Maid Brigade and Memphis Maids identify six everyday routines that contribute to persistent household odors, from unwashed pet beds to cooking without ventilation. They offer practical, low-effort fixes, such as weekly pet bed washes and opening windows for 30 minutes daily, to help homeowners maintain a fresher living space.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners identify the areas most homeowners miss when prepping for holiday guests, from entryway mats to shower caddies and behind kitchen appliances. Their advice helps ensure a fresher home and prevents dirt from spreading during festive gatherings.
Cleaning
A pet owner with a heightened sense of smell shares how a spray from Skout's Honor eliminated persistent cat litter odors in her apartment. The product, used after scooping, also proved effective on fabric and vomit stains, becoming a staple in her cleaning routine.
Cleaning
Even a tidy home can appear messy due to overlooked habits like surface overload, visible cords, and entryway piles. Cleaning experts share practical fixes, from limiting decor to using storage bins, to restore a polished look.
Cleaning
A professional cleaner shares why circular wiping motions cause streaks and how to achieve a flawless finish. Key advice includes using an S-shaped motion, cleaning on cloudy days, and finishing with a dry microfiber buff.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners reveal seven popular cleaning products they never buy, from fabric softener to glass cleaner. These items often underperform, waste money, or harm fabrics and surfaces. Learn what to use instead for more effective, eco-friendly cleaning.
Cleaning
After a harsh winter, patios and decks need more than a quick sweep. Professional cleaners share essential steps, from clearing gutters and debris to gentle pressure washing and mold removal, to help homeowners revive their outdoor spaces safely and effectively.
Cleaning
A writer shares how she readied her compact one-bedroom apartment for two overnight guests during the holidays, focusing on deep cleaning, snack restocking, toiletries, and a private sleeping area. Her practical steps highlight how to make limited space feel welcoming without major renovations.
Cleaning
Professional cleaners reveal seven common mistakes that undermine household cleaning efforts, from skipping a plan to neglecting tool maintenance. Their practical advice helps readers streamline routines, avoid cross-contamination, and reduce stress while achieving a genuinely clean home.
