Home and Garden

1. Minimize Stuff on a Schedule White lives by a schedule of regular de-cluttering - it helps keep things under control. "The less stuff we have in the kids' rooms, the easier it is for them to put things back in order on their own," she notes. 2. Do...

1. Minimize Stuff on a Schedule White lives by a s...

1. Keep a Kids Catch-All Bin If your family room is like Marsh's, chances are that LEGO pieces, cars, and little plastic toys are all over the place. Marsh suggests one designated area for everything: "We have a large plastic tub that perfectly fits ...

1. Keep a Kids Catch-All Bin If your family room i...

1. Keep Washcloths Nearby Moseley keeps one of her kitchen drawers full of white washcloths for quick spills and easy cleaning. "Every morning I pull 2 of them out: one for wiping down kitchen surfaces, the other for cleaning up my daughter after mea...

1. Keep Washcloths Nearby Moseley keeps one of her...

By Jeremy P Stanfords Purchasing a home is considered part of the "American dream." And while it is a great privilege, it is also something that comes with a lot of responsibility, both before and after you close (finalize the purchase). If you have...

By Jeremy P Stanfords Purchasing a home is consid...

MYTH: Club soda removes stains better than plain water.Fact: In GHRI tests, they worked equally well. The most important thing is to treat stains (on washable fabrics) as quickly as possible with a cloth dipped either in cool water or club soda.MYTH:...

MYTH: Club soda removes stains better than plain w...

First, gather the following supplies: Family photos (we used 15), the same amount of frames, a pencil, hammer, nails and a level. Next, scan photos into your computer, and print out black and white copies onto photo paper. If technically-challenged, ...

First, gather the following supplies: Family photo...

If you have time or are inclined to take your drapes down, launder or have them cleaned according to the care label. For a quick fix, use the upholstery attachment of the vacuum cleaner because it does wonders not only to brush away the dust, but als...

If you have time or are inclined to take your drap...

Because phones are used the most and cleaned the least, sanitize all of the phones in your house. Here's a quick way to clean the handset, receiver, and cord: Swipe with alcohol wipes or isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or microfiber cloth....

Because phones are used the most and cleaned the l...

To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep them free-flowing, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes — longer doe...

To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep ...

For even wear, rotate the mattress, foot to head, and then turn, or flip over, so the bottom is at the top. While there, use a microfiber cloth to dust the bed frame and box springs. Also check to see that the screws holding the frame together are se...

For even wear, rotate the mattress, foot to head, ...

Today's mission: to clean underneath the bed. Remove all storage items first. If you can easily move the bed, it will make cleaning a breeze. However, if not, use the long vacuum attachment to pick up the dust and debris, being careful to take notice...

Today's mission: to clean underneath the bed. Remo...

Today we're moving into the family room and tackling your couches and chairs. First, remove all of the cushions and vacuum the furniture as well as the floor underneath. Then use the upholstery attachment to dust both sides of the cushions and all pi...

Today we're moving into the family room and tackli...

To dust your TV and computer screens using a dry microfiber cloth, wipe first right and left, then move it up and down (not in a circular motion). To clean the outside, be sure to pay attention to all the cords. Depending on the surface, use furnitur...

To dust your TV and computer screens using a dry m...

To quick-clean your bookshelves, use a microfiber cloth or a clean paint or makeup brush to dust the tops and sides of the books and then the shelves. If you have more time, remove the books and use the upholstery attachment of the vacuum to dust the...

To quick-clean your bookshelves, use a microfiber ...

Remove the racks and drip pans, and clean them with a damp paper towel. Wipe down all surfaces inside your oven. If you see a small bit of burned-on gunk, remove with a nonabrasive scrubber. Use a scrub brush to clean the racks, dry, and put back in....

Remove the racks and drip pans, and clean them wit...

Sure, a feather duster may look fancy or even fun to use. When you’re tackling serious scuzz, though, skip the classic sweep — it’ll only move particles around, not pick them up. Instead, capture dust with a soft cloth dampened with water or your fav...

Sure, a feather duster may look fancy or even fun ...

Question Is there a way to prevent outdoor fabric from fading? Answer Weatherguarding sprays protect new fabric for a time; be sure to apply before putting furnishings outside. Alas, even treated items will ultimately fade, though moving them to a sh...

Question Is there a way to prevent outdoor fabric ...

Question My husband uses a stainless steel vacuum container for his coffee. I cleaned it some time ago with baking soda and boiling hot water and some other forgotten ingredient. Can you jog my memory? Answer The missing ingredient is one of my perso...

Question My husband uses a stainless steel vacuum ...

01. To avoid a huge weekend laundry day, try to do at least a couple of loads of towels or clothes during the week. 02. Cut laundry time by presorting items into baskets labeled towels, jeans, darks, lights, etc. 03. Before you do a load of wash, wi...

01. To avoid a huge weekend laundry day, try to do...

01. When vacuuming the bedroom, take a few extra moments to clean under the bed so the dust bunnies won't multiply. 02. While you get dressed in the morning, check your nightstand or dresser top and pick three to five items to toss out (ticket stubs...

01. When vacuuming the bedroom, take a few extra m...

01. Go through magazine and catalog piles and discard outdated issues, three or five at a time. Toss junk mail daily. 02. Vacuum just the high-traffic sections of the floor or carpet and do the other areas later. 03. Before you go to bed, do a fast p...

01. Go through magazine and catalog piles and disc...