Litter Boxes
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How, and how often, you clean Kitty's litter box depends on the litter and the box--and, especially on kitty, who's the boss.
Here are the basics for keeping the "boss" happy:
Luggage
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How, and how often, you clean Kitty's litter box depends on the litter and the box--and, especially on kitty, who's the boss.
Here are the basics for keeping the "boss" happy:
- To clean a litter box tray, remove solids daily--and don't slack off, or Kitty may find another spot to use.
- For a clumping litter, remove the poop and the urine clumps with a slotted scoop available at pet and discount stores. Clumping litter should be dumped and the box washed about every two weeks--sooner if your nose or eyes say it's time.
- For nonclumping litter, remove the solids daily with a scoop, and change the litter and wash the box once a week or more often if needed.
- To clean the self-cleaning boxes, which can include motors and other moving parts, follow the manufacturer's directions.
To wash the box, use a little dishwashing detergent and water and scrub with a stiff brush. Avoid using any cleaner with a strong smell, such as scented detergents or ammonia, which could turn up a sensitive feline nose. But to disinfect with a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Rinse thoroughly with plain water--Kitty's nose, again--and if possible dry in the sunshine, a natural
disinfectant. Otherwise, wipe dry with a clean cloth before adding fresh litter.
To stop the footprints emanating from the box area, put a piece of carpet or a rubber mat where kitty leaves the box. This will collect some of the granules. More effective (and more expensive) is the special Litter Welcome Mat, which is a removable grid over a collecting tray. It's available for about $15 at some pet stores and many internet sites. May be you can even teach kitty to wipe its feet. (Fat chance!)
OOPS
disinfectant. Otherwise, wipe dry with a clean cloth before adding fresh litter.
To stop the footprints emanating from the box area, put a piece of carpet or a rubber mat where kitty leaves the box. This will collect some of the granules. More effective (and more expensive) is the special Litter Welcome Mat, which is a removable grid over a collecting tray. It's available for about $15 at some pet stores and many internet sites. May be you can even teach kitty to wipe its feet. (Fat chance!)
OOPS
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Whatever Kitty Wants, Kitty Gets >
You had the best intentions in the world in buying the scented litter, thinking your cat would appreciate the scent as much as you do. But alas, cat's noses are extremely sensitive--and unpredictable. Some cats take offense at even such a mild, inoffensive substance as baking soda.
If kitty suddenly stops using its litter box and has substituted something else--such as the dining room rug--scent may be the problem. Switch to an unscented litter and see if that helps. If not, buy a new box. A lingering, if faint, urine smell embedded in the plastic could also be the cause of kitty's litter issues.
Locks
Whatever Kitty Wants, Kitty Gets >
You had the best intentions in the world in buying the scented litter, thinking your cat would appreciate the scent as much as you do. But alas, cat's noses are extremely sensitive--and unpredictable. Some cats take offense at even such a mild, inoffensive substance as baking soda.
If kitty suddenly stops using its litter box and has substituted something else--such as the dining room rug--scent may be the problem. Switch to an unscented litter and see if that helps. If not, buy a new box. A lingering, if faint, urine smell embedded in the plastic could also be the cause of kitty's litter issues.
Locks
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you may never have given a thought to cleaning a lock. But when turning the key becomes difficult or impossible, dirt may be the problem.
To clean the lock exterior, wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. For more power, use a little dishwashing detergent applied to the cloth. Rinse the cloth before using the lock parts. Wipe dry with a clean cloth and buff.
To achieve more shine, apply a polish appropriate to the metal, or use Simichrome, an all-metal polish available at some auto supply stores and Internet sites.
To clean the inside of a door lock, give it a good dousing with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40. Take the tiny tube that comes with the lubricant and fit it over the spray nozzle. Poke the other end of the tube into the keyhole and spray for 10 seconds. while holding a paper towel underneath to catch excess lubricant. This will flush out any grime and will not attract dirt. Don't use conventional oil inside a lock, as dust will stick to it and gum up the mechanism.
To clean a lock that no longer works, first take it apart. Wash the inside parts with a degreaser, following the label directions. Then lubricate the parts with a multipurpose lubricant. Both are available at hardware and auto supply stores.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
That Hard to-Turn Lock >
To loosen a dead bolt that resists turning, insert graphite shavings in the keyhole. The graphite comes in a tube at hardware stores.
Louvers
you may never have given a thought to cleaning a lock. But when turning the key becomes difficult or impossible, dirt may be the problem.
To clean the lock exterior, wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. For more power, use a little dishwashing detergent applied to the cloth. Rinse the cloth before using the lock parts. Wipe dry with a clean cloth and buff.
To achieve more shine, apply a polish appropriate to the metal, or use Simichrome, an all-metal polish available at some auto supply stores and Internet sites.
To clean the inside of a door lock, give it a good dousing with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40. Take the tiny tube that comes with the lubricant and fit it over the spray nozzle. Poke the other end of the tube into the keyhole and spray for 10 seconds. while holding a paper towel underneath to catch excess lubricant. This will flush out any grime and will not attract dirt. Don't use conventional oil inside a lock, as dust will stick to it and gum up the mechanism.
To clean a lock that no longer works, first take it apart. Wash the inside parts with a degreaser, following the label directions. Then lubricate the parts with a multipurpose lubricant. Both are available at hardware and auto supply stores.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
That Hard to-Turn Lock >
To loosen a dead bolt that resists turning, insert graphite shavings in the keyhole. The graphite comes in a tube at hardware stores.
Louvers
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Louver lovers like the look and the breeziness, but they dread the cleaning. Frequent dusting will postpone the day you have to tackle any heavy dirt buildup.
To dust louvers, you have several options. use these tools separately or in combination:
Louver lovers like the look and the breeziness, but they dread the cleaning. Frequent dusting will postpone the day you have to tackle any heavy dirt buildup.
To dust louvers, you have several options. use these tools separately or in combination:
- The brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner
- A soft paintbrush
- A clean, white cloth wrapped around a ruler or putty knife or other flat object
- A lamb's wool duster
Dust from top to bottom, using a gentle wiping action, not a flicking one that will send dust back into the air. Shake the duster outside, not in the house.
To clean dirt from painted louvers--or louvers that have been coated with varnish or polyurethane--wipe with a damp cloth. For any grime you can't remove that way, rub with a little dishwashing detergent applied directly to the cloth. Rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe again. Some alternatives:
Scrub with a clean, handled paint pad, which should fit between all but the most tightly spaced louvers.
Dampen a cotton glove in water, squirt some dishwashing liquid on it, put the glove on, and slide each finger between a different slat. With this method, you can clean several louvers at the same time. Rinse with another damp glove or a damp cloth.
To clean wood that has an oil finish, wipe with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil, mineral spirits, or turpentine, all available at hardware and paint stores.
To clean jalousie windows, the glass version of louvers:
To clean dirt from painted louvers--or louvers that have been coated with varnish or polyurethane--wipe with a damp cloth. For any grime you can't remove that way, rub with a little dishwashing detergent applied directly to the cloth. Rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe again. Some alternatives:
Scrub with a clean, handled paint pad, which should fit between all but the most tightly spaced louvers.
Dampen a cotton glove in water, squirt some dishwashing liquid on it, put the glove on, and slide each finger between a different slat. With this method, you can clean several louvers at the same time. Rinse with another damp glove or a damp cloth.
To clean wood that has an oil finish, wipe with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil, mineral spirits, or turpentine, all available at hardware and paint stores.
To clean jalousie windows, the glass version of louvers:
- Mix a solution of 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of water
- Open a window to its fullest extent so the slats are perpendicular to the window frame.
- Take a thick white cotton sock and dip it into the solution; wring it out.
- Put the sock over your hand like a mitten and clean the slats on both sides, one at a time, starting at the top.
- Use another clean, dry sock to dry the slats in the same manner.
Luggage
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Space-age technology has improved the materials used in today's luggage, making everything from flight bags to briefcases more durable and easier to clean.
To clean soft-sided luggage, use a mild, all-purpose cleaner mixed with water. One recommended cleaner is Simple Green, sold at supermarkets, hardware stores, drugstores, and auto stores. Mix 1 part all-purpose cleaner to 7 parts water and use a brush, cleaning cloth, or sponge to scrub dirt or spots with a circular motion. working your way outward. Most soft-sided luggage is made of tough nylon materials backed with plastic to repel water, and it is easily cleaned.
To clean hard-sided luggage, use a little dishwashing detergent in warm water. Wipe with a sponge or cloth that's been dipped into the solution and wrung out. Then rinse and dry. You can brighten the piece by waxing with a silicone-based auto or furniture polish, available at hardware stores. Follow the directions on the package. Don't use a combination cleaner-polish.
To clean leather luggage and briefcases, determine whether the leather has a natural or coated finish and follow the directions in the Leather entry.
To clean aluminum pieces, was with a cloth dipped in the dishwashing detergent solution mentioned above. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, as they will darken the metal. For a nice shine and protection, polish with all-metal cleaner Simichrome, available at some auto supply stores and on the Internet.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
For the Infrequent Flier >
To eliminate a musty, mildewy smell from luggage, wipe it with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar in 5 cups of water. Then wipe with a cloth dampened in plain water. Leave the luggage open to air-dry for a few days. Store luggage where it won't be subject to extremes of temperature or humidity and air it out periodically.
Lunch Boxes
Space-age technology has improved the materials used in today's luggage, making everything from flight bags to briefcases more durable and easier to clean.
To clean soft-sided luggage, use a mild, all-purpose cleaner mixed with water. One recommended cleaner is Simple Green, sold at supermarkets, hardware stores, drugstores, and auto stores. Mix 1 part all-purpose cleaner to 7 parts water and use a brush, cleaning cloth, or sponge to scrub dirt or spots with a circular motion. working your way outward. Most soft-sided luggage is made of tough nylon materials backed with plastic to repel water, and it is easily cleaned.
To clean hard-sided luggage, use a little dishwashing detergent in warm water. Wipe with a sponge or cloth that's been dipped into the solution and wrung out. Then rinse and dry. You can brighten the piece by waxing with a silicone-based auto or furniture polish, available at hardware stores. Follow the directions on the package. Don't use a combination cleaner-polish.
To clean leather luggage and briefcases, determine whether the leather has a natural or coated finish and follow the directions in the Leather entry.
To clean aluminum pieces, was with a cloth dipped in the dishwashing detergent solution mentioned above. Never use ammonia-based cleaners, as they will darken the metal. For a nice shine and protection, polish with all-metal cleaner Simichrome, available at some auto supply stores and on the Internet.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
For the Infrequent Flier >
To eliminate a musty, mildewy smell from luggage, wipe it with a solution of 1 cup of white vinegar in 5 cups of water. Then wipe with a cloth dampened in plain water. Leave the luggage open to air-dry for a few days. Store luggage where it won't be subject to extremes of temperature or humidity and air it out periodically.
Lunch Boxes
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With all the foodborne illnesses floating around, don't let any float into your environment via a crumby lunch box.
To clean metal or hard plastic lunch boxes, wash with a sponge or cloth in hot water and a little dishwashing detergent. Rinse and dry. Do this after each day's use.
To clean soft-sided lunch boxes and bags, wipe the inside with a damp sponge or cloth. For spills, use a sponge dampened in hot, soapy water. Allow to air-dry.
To clean a grimy old lunch box, begin by removing any loose dust or dirt with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. You'll want as little scratchy stuff as possible on the lithograph design when you clean and polish it.
wish the box using hot water with a little dishwashing detergent, Mix it in a separate container--not in the lunch box itself. Wash with a sponge or soft cloth, never with anything abrasive, and rinse the sponge under running water frequently. Scrub tough grime gently with a toothbrush, which is also useful for cleaning the handles. Rinse in clear, warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Leave the box open for an hour to let it dry thoroughly. Any wet areas are suscepitble to rust.
To protect and polish the surface, apply a nonabrasive auto polish with a soft cloth, followed by a buffing with another clean, soft cloth. Use a chrome polish on the metal hardware, being careful not to get it on the lithograph. Auto and chrome polishes are available at hardware and auto supply stores.
With all the foodborne illnesses floating around, don't let any float into your environment via a crumby lunch box.
To clean metal or hard plastic lunch boxes, wash with a sponge or cloth in hot water and a little dishwashing detergent. Rinse and dry. Do this after each day's use.
To clean soft-sided lunch boxes and bags, wipe the inside with a damp sponge or cloth. For spills, use a sponge dampened in hot, soapy water. Allow to air-dry.
To clean a grimy old lunch box, begin by removing any loose dust or dirt with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. You'll want as little scratchy stuff as possible on the lithograph design when you clean and polish it.
wish the box using hot water with a little dishwashing detergent, Mix it in a separate container--not in the lunch box itself. Wash with a sponge or soft cloth, never with anything abrasive, and rinse the sponge under running water frequently. Scrub tough grime gently with a toothbrush, which is also useful for cleaning the handles. Rinse in clear, warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Leave the box open for an hour to let it dry thoroughly. Any wet areas are suscepitble to rust.
To protect and polish the surface, apply a nonabrasive auto polish with a soft cloth, followed by a buffing with another clean, soft cloth. Use a chrome polish on the metal hardware, being careful not to get it on the lithograph. Auto and chrome polishes are available at hardware and auto supply stores.
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