Cleaning & Laundry

Does Household Ammonia Kill Germs?

266

Ammonia is a common household cleaner used in homes every day. It is a mixture of nitrogen, hydrogen and ordinary water. Household ammonia is a strong chemical that works effectively on tough grime on home surfaces. It has a very strong odor, however, that some people find objectionable. However, ho

Browsing Category

Cleaning & Laundry : Home & Garden

Antiques & Arts & Crafts Architecture Cleaning & Laundry Cooking DIY Furniture Home-Garden Gardening Home Appliances Home Design & Decorating More......

Instructions for Steel Plate Polishing

15
Steel, an alloy consisting mostly of iron, is one of the most popular materials in the world. Carbon, an alloying material which acts as a hardener, is added during the manufacturing process of steel; the more carbon, the stronger the steel. The difference between steel and stainless steel, as far a

How to Clean Shaw Floors

40
The U.S.-based Shaw Flooring Co. manufactures floor covering materials ranging from carpet to tile to hardwood. While each of these materials requires its own distinct cleaning regimen, it's important to use the right tools and techniques when maintaining these floors. Cleaning your Shaw floor prope

How to Use a Hoppes Bore Snake

14
The Hoppes bore snake is an expedient method of cleaning out the barrel of your rifle, shotgun or handgun. Hoppes bore snakes are available to accommodate different sized barrels, and are designed to clean out your barrel with one pass. The front section of the snake has a component to push out debr

How to Remove Old Tea Stains

13
Tea is a popular beverage choice in a variety of countries. It comes in hundreds of flavors and can be served hot or cold. Tea--like other beverages--can stain clothing, fabric, pots and dishes. Simply washing the item typically does not remove the tea stains. The way to treat tea stains depends gre

How to Paint Over Chipped Paint

194
A good paint job can restore an aging house, as well as show off your talents for home repair and design. Poor weather, low-quality paints, old age and even daily distress can cause some paints to peel or chip away over time. Hiring housepainters can be costly and unnecessary. You can repair these e

How to Care for Gold Plated Silverware

12
Gold plated silverware is an elegant addition to a formal table setting. Often used only for special occasions, this type of silverware will retain its beauty for generations with attentive care. The gold plating layer on the pieces of flatware may be only microns thick and is subject to pitting and

How to Get Hair Dye Off of Hands

18
Although the instructions in hair coloring kits state to always use gloves when handling hair dye, getting a stain on your hands is often both unavoidable and frustrating. With permanent hair dye it can be difficult to completely remove the stain due to the dye penetrating the top layer of skin. Acc

How to Clean a Wood Butcher Block

37
Wood butcher blocks make a great style statement in the kitchen as either a countertop or an island, but it is important to keep wooden butcher block surfaces clean to ensure food safety. To avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, only use the wood butcher block surface for non-meat foods. Do not

How to Use a Drain Plumbing Snake

21
When all other methods fail, a drain snake (also referred to as an "auger") can be trusted to unclog even the most stubborn drains. This simple tool is made up of a long, metal cable with a screwdriver-type auger on one end and a handle for cranking on the other. While professional plumbers and sewe

How to Remove a Wine Stain With Salt

20
Red wine is one of the worst stain makers, but it can be removed with the most humble of ingredients: plain kitchen salt. It works on washable and non-washable fabrics and carpet.

White Water Stain Removal for Cookware

16
It's hard to wrap your mind around the idea that plain water can stain your favorite cookware. But plain water has minerals that remain behind when heated, thus staining your cookware with a white film. These stains are unsightly and generally hard to remove.

How to Get Ink Out of Stain-Treated Fabric

13
Many cotton, polyester and other fabrics come pre-treated with stain-resistant finishes. Stain-resistant treated fabric is most commonly used in upholstery, but denim and other apparel fabrics may also be treated to make them stain-resistant. Stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof, however, and i

How to Eliminate the Odor of Rotten Wood

13
Wood is a popular material for crafts, housing, floors and furniture. However, as a natural, organic, absorbent substance, wood is subject to damage and decay. When exposed to high humidity or excessive moisture, wood can grow mold or even rot. When this occurs, the spoiled wood develops an unpleasa

Recipe for Homemade Alcohol Granite Cleaner

19
Purchasing a commercial granite cleaner can cost a pretty penny, but the homemade version is just a fraction of the cost. Do not use just any homemade cleaner, though. Cleaners made from vinegar, lemon or other acidic ingredients can etch and damage granite surfaces. That is why rubbing alcohol, whi

How to Clean ClosetMaid Wire Shelving

19
ClosetMaid wire shelving offers a simple storage solution for many homeowners. These easy-to-install shelves often hold items that can break or leak. This leaves behind a mess that may seem difficult to clean. Easy steps and careful scrubbing can make your shelving sparkle.

How to Clean an LCD Screen Without Streaks

19
LCD screens are not made of glass, like older CRT monitor and television screens. Instead, they are made up of a thin layer of plastic that stretches over the liquid crystals that form images on the screen. Ammonia-based glass cleaners cause streaks on LCD screens and can damage the plastic. You can

How to Remove Decals From a Cargo Trailer

36
Many people place decals on their vehicles or cargo trailers to show their support for a sports team, brand or a cause. Over time, these decals can fade and make your cargo trailer look old and dingy. Tastes also change and you may no longer want the decals displayed. Whatever your reasoning, removi

How to Clean Venitian Blinds

17
Venetian blinds are found in most homes as a window covering. They offer privacy with the ability to peek out when times warrant. The blinds come in horizontal or vertical slats, with horizontal being the most common. Venetian blinds tend to attract and cling to dust, leaving the blinds with a dull