Marble:
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Here's a stone-cold fact to keep in mind when cleaning marble: Although marble is a heavy stone that may seem indestructible, it is actually porous and far from impervious to harsh treatment.
In general, clean marble with a gentle liquid soap that does not have a grease remover. The safest course is to take it easy. Mix about 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap, Ivory, for instance, in 1/2 gallon of water. Using a soft sponge, or a sponge mop if you're cleaning a marble floor, wipe the marble clean. Follow with two to three water rinses, depending on how soapy the cleaning mixture is. Then dry with a soft cloth.
Clean marble floors regularly, before dirt and grit have a chance to scratch the surface. Wipe up spills immediately. As with a wood surface, avoid putting beverage glasses directly on marble, which can cause water rings. water should bead on the marble. If the marble appears to be absorbing liquid, it's not sealed properly.
Reseal your marble floor annually at least--it's as easy as waxing a floor. Buy a stone sealer in a home improvement store. Take a sponge, sponge mop, or rag and cover the entire marble surface, including corners and the backsplash. There's no need to strip the floor before you seal.
To clean surface stains, use a marble polishing powder, such as tin-oxide, which is available at home improvement stores. Follow the product's directions to the letter. If the marble item you're cleaning is stained but not of great value, you can try removing stains with a thick paste made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain. Cover the paste with a sheet of plastic to keep the paste damp, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off. Rinse with warm water and dry. Repeat the procedure if the first application doesn't fully remove the stain. If stains still remain, it's time to call a professional marble restorer.
Mattresses and Box Springs
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If you never give a thought to cleaning your mattress, here's a wake-up call: Dust mites are almost certainly feasting on dander in your neglected bed, and mold spores may also be multiplying.
Dust mites, tiny organisms that feed on the microscopic flakes of dead skin we all shed, can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with asthma. Washing your sheets with hot water and occasionally vacuuming the mattress will help keep mites under control.
Periodic care and cleaning of a mattress will prolong its life even if you don't have allergies. Here's how:
Every six months, rotate your mattress end to end and vacuum the exposed surface. Run the brush attachment over the entire mattress, including the sides. This will remove not only dust mites, but also mold spores. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors after cleaning or, if the bag is disposable, throw it away.
Once a year, flip the mattress over and vacuum it again. Remove the mattress and vacuum the box springs with the brush attachment as well. If you have the type of box springs with exposed springs, use a bottle brush to reach in there and lift away dust.
Removing stains from your mattress can be tricky, because moisture is a mattress's enemy. Clean with upholstery shampoo, following the package direction. Or you can lift the stains out using dry suds, which are made by whipping a grease-cutting dishwashing liquid or clothes detergent in water. Keep mixing until you have lots of suds.
Using a clean cloth, soft brush, or sponge dampened with warm water, apply the suds in a circular motion to the stain. Then draw out the moisture with a clean, dry towel. Repeat the procedure if necessary, then wipe the area with the clean cloth dampened with clear water. Again, press a dry towel against the spot to draw out the moisture. The key is to leave as little water on the mattress as possible, because moisture in the mattress filling can lead to mold growth.
To speed drying, blow an electric fan toward the mattress, or haul the mattress outside and let the sun do the job. If you've cleaned the entire mattress (one small section at a time), you may want to use a dehumidifier in the bedroom to draw out even more moisture.
Medicine cabinets
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Family safety is the watchword when it comes to cleaning your medicine cabinet. Experts recommend an annual review of the contents of medicine cabinets and urge consumers to get rid of expired prescriptions, leftover antibiotics, cough syrup that has separated, and sterile gauze in broken packages.
Begin your review of medicines by examining the expiration date on each bottle or package and inspecting the contents for signs of deterioration. Pour expired liquids down the drain and flush expired pulls down the toilet to keep them out of the months of children and pets. If you can't find an expiration date, it probably means the product was manufactured before the United States expiration date law went into effect in the 1980s. Which means it's old enough to retire. At the least, expired medications are ineffective. At worst, formulations that have degraded over time can create new problems when ingested. So when in doubt, throw it out.
Developing an annual clean-out habit works best if it's tied to some other event, such as spring cleaning.
Cleaning the medicine cabinet itself is simple. Use a sponge and mixture of mild dishwashing liquid in warm water to clean the interior and shelves. Or remove the shelves and put them in the top rack of your dishwasher.
See also Mirrors.
Microwave Ovens
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Microwave ovens have revolutionized everyday cooking and fast preparation isn't their only virtue. Compared to conventional ovens, microwaves are remarkably easy to clean.
To clean fresh food splatters before they have had time to dry, simply wipe down the microwave's interior with a sponge or paper towel dipped in a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Follow with a clean water rinse. Use the same method for washing removable trays or turntables in the sink.
To remove dried-on food, heat a bowl of water inside the microwave before cleaning. Heat 2 cups of water for three to five minutes on high power. The resulting steam will soften the dried food. Then wipe down the interior with a sponge or soft cloth.
To get rid of odors in your microwave, wipe the interior with a solution of 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse with warm water. Or combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of lemon juice in a measuring cup or bowl and heat in on high for three to five minutes. Let it stand in the microwave for five to ten minutes before removing.
To remove stains from the microwave's ceramic floor or turntable, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit until the stain disappears, then wipe it off and rinse with a wet sponge or cloth.
Clean the microwave door with paper towels and glass cleaner.
Mildew
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It's a home invasion, all right. Mildew is an intruder that can destroy fabric and upholstery, eat through wallboard, disintegrate wallpaper, and trigger allergies. But with some simple tools and know-how, you can defend your home against this micromenace.
Mildew occurs when moisture combines with mold, which is always present in the air. Mildew flourishes in damp, warm, dark places. Moisture can come from dripping pipes, a leaky roof, or simply high humidity. When conditions are right, mildew begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours and will continue unbated until you address the problem.
To prevent mildew, dry out water-damaged areas as soon as you notice them. Keeping your house clean, dry, and well-ventialted will prevent most mildew problems. Cleaning with soap and water will often take care of mildew stains, but actually killing mildew requires the power of bleach. Don't use straight bleach, though--it's too powerful and can create toxic fumes.
To remove mildew from the bathroom--one of the most common areas of infestation--mix 1 part bleach, with 11 parts water. Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush to apply the solution. Rinse with a damp sponge and then wipe down the area with a squeegee. Turning on a vent fan before showering cuts down on moisture retention in the bathroom.
To remove musty odors in the basement--another mildew breeding around--sprinkle chlorinated lime (also known as bleaching powder) over the floor. Let it soak up the odor for a day and then sweep or vacuum it up. If you use a vacuum, dispose of the bag afterward. If you sweep with a broom, collect the residue in a dustpan and dispose of it outdoors. You can also get rid of musty mildew smells by spraying with a bleach solution (see odors)
To remove mildew stains from fabric or upholstery, take the item outside. Begin by knocking off the surface mildew with a stiff brush and then air out the piece in the sun. If spots remain, wash the item according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use hot water and laundry bleach if the fabric can tolerate it.
To remove mildew from leather, use a solution of alcohol and water. Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup of water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring it out, and wipe the affected area. Follow with a cloth dampened only with water and then dry the item in an airy place.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a stone-cold fact to keep in mind when cleaning marble: Although marble is a heavy stone that may seem indestructible, it is actually porous and far from impervious to harsh treatment.
In general, clean marble with a gentle liquid soap that does not have a grease remover. The safest course is to take it easy. Mix about 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap, Ivory, for instance, in 1/2 gallon of water. Using a soft sponge, or a sponge mop if you're cleaning a marble floor, wipe the marble clean. Follow with two to three water rinses, depending on how soapy the cleaning mixture is. Then dry with a soft cloth.
Clean marble floors regularly, before dirt and grit have a chance to scratch the surface. Wipe up spills immediately. As with a wood surface, avoid putting beverage glasses directly on marble, which can cause water rings. water should bead on the marble. If the marble appears to be absorbing liquid, it's not sealed properly.
Reseal your marble floor annually at least--it's as easy as waxing a floor. Buy a stone sealer in a home improvement store. Take a sponge, sponge mop, or rag and cover the entire marble surface, including corners and the backsplash. There's no need to strip the floor before you seal.
To clean surface stains, use a marble polishing powder, such as tin-oxide, which is available at home improvement stores. Follow the product's directions to the letter. If the marble item you're cleaning is stained but not of great value, you can try removing stains with a thick paste made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain. Cover the paste with a sheet of plastic to keep the paste damp, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off. Rinse with warm water and dry. Repeat the procedure if the first application doesn't fully remove the stain. If stains still remain, it's time to call a professional marble restorer.
Mattresses and Box Springs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you never give a thought to cleaning your mattress, here's a wake-up call: Dust mites are almost certainly feasting on dander in your neglected bed, and mold spores may also be multiplying.
Dust mites, tiny organisms that feed on the microscopic flakes of dead skin we all shed, can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with asthma. Washing your sheets with hot water and occasionally vacuuming the mattress will help keep mites under control.
Periodic care and cleaning of a mattress will prolong its life even if you don't have allergies. Here's how:
Every six months, rotate your mattress end to end and vacuum the exposed surface. Run the brush attachment over the entire mattress, including the sides. This will remove not only dust mites, but also mold spores. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors after cleaning or, if the bag is disposable, throw it away.
Once a year, flip the mattress over and vacuum it again. Remove the mattress and vacuum the box springs with the brush attachment as well. If you have the type of box springs with exposed springs, use a bottle brush to reach in there and lift away dust.
Removing stains from your mattress can be tricky, because moisture is a mattress's enemy. Clean with upholstery shampoo, following the package direction. Or you can lift the stains out using dry suds, which are made by whipping a grease-cutting dishwashing liquid or clothes detergent in water. Keep mixing until you have lots of suds.
Using a clean cloth, soft brush, or sponge dampened with warm water, apply the suds in a circular motion to the stain. Then draw out the moisture with a clean, dry towel. Repeat the procedure if necessary, then wipe the area with the clean cloth dampened with clear water. Again, press a dry towel against the spot to draw out the moisture. The key is to leave as little water on the mattress as possible, because moisture in the mattress filling can lead to mold growth.
To speed drying, blow an electric fan toward the mattress, or haul the mattress outside and let the sun do the job. If you've cleaned the entire mattress (one small section at a time), you may want to use a dehumidifier in the bedroom to draw out even more moisture.
Medicine cabinets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family safety is the watchword when it comes to cleaning your medicine cabinet. Experts recommend an annual review of the contents of medicine cabinets and urge consumers to get rid of expired prescriptions, leftover antibiotics, cough syrup that has separated, and sterile gauze in broken packages.
Begin your review of medicines by examining the expiration date on each bottle or package and inspecting the contents for signs of deterioration. Pour expired liquids down the drain and flush expired pulls down the toilet to keep them out of the months of children and pets. If you can't find an expiration date, it probably means the product was manufactured before the United States expiration date law went into effect in the 1980s. Which means it's old enough to retire. At the least, expired medications are ineffective. At worst, formulations that have degraded over time can create new problems when ingested. So when in doubt, throw it out.
Developing an annual clean-out habit works best if it's tied to some other event, such as spring cleaning.
Cleaning the medicine cabinet itself is simple. Use a sponge and mixture of mild dishwashing liquid in warm water to clean the interior and shelves. Or remove the shelves and put them in the top rack of your dishwasher.
See also Mirrors.
Microwave Ovens
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microwave ovens have revolutionized everyday cooking and fast preparation isn't their only virtue. Compared to conventional ovens, microwaves are remarkably easy to clean.
To clean fresh food splatters before they have had time to dry, simply wipe down the microwave's interior with a sponge or paper towel dipped in a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Follow with a clean water rinse. Use the same method for washing removable trays or turntables in the sink.
To remove dried-on food, heat a bowl of water inside the microwave before cleaning. Heat 2 cups of water for three to five minutes on high power. The resulting steam will soften the dried food. Then wipe down the interior with a sponge or soft cloth.
To get rid of odors in your microwave, wipe the interior with a solution of 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Rinse with warm water. Or combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of lemon juice in a measuring cup or bowl and heat in on high for three to five minutes. Let it stand in the microwave for five to ten minutes before removing.
To remove stains from the microwave's ceramic floor or turntable, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit until the stain disappears, then wipe it off and rinse with a wet sponge or cloth.
Clean the microwave door with paper towels and glass cleaner.
Mildew
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's a home invasion, all right. Mildew is an intruder that can destroy fabric and upholstery, eat through wallboard, disintegrate wallpaper, and trigger allergies. But with some simple tools and know-how, you can defend your home against this micromenace.
Mildew occurs when moisture combines with mold, which is always present in the air. Mildew flourishes in damp, warm, dark places. Moisture can come from dripping pipes, a leaky roof, or simply high humidity. When conditions are right, mildew begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours and will continue unbated until you address the problem.
To prevent mildew, dry out water-damaged areas as soon as you notice them. Keeping your house clean, dry, and well-ventialted will prevent most mildew problems. Cleaning with soap and water will often take care of mildew stains, but actually killing mildew requires the power of bleach. Don't use straight bleach, though--it's too powerful and can create toxic fumes.
To remove mildew from the bathroom--one of the most common areas of infestation--mix 1 part bleach, with 11 parts water. Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush to apply the solution. Rinse with a damp sponge and then wipe down the area with a squeegee. Turning on a vent fan before showering cuts down on moisture retention in the bathroom.
To remove musty odors in the basement--another mildew breeding around--sprinkle chlorinated lime (also known as bleaching powder) over the floor. Let it soak up the odor for a day and then sweep or vacuum it up. If you use a vacuum, dispose of the bag afterward. If you sweep with a broom, collect the residue in a dustpan and dispose of it outdoors. You can also get rid of musty mildew smells by spraying with a bleach solution (see odors)
To remove mildew stains from fabric or upholstery, take the item outside. Begin by knocking off the surface mildew with a stiff brush and then air out the piece in the sun. If spots remain, wash the item according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use hot water and laundry bleach if the fabric can tolerate it.
To remove mildew from leather, use a solution of alcohol and water. Combine 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup of water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring it out, and wipe the affected area. Follow with a cloth dampened only with water and then dry the item in an airy place.
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