For questions relating to the removal of dirt, debris and other unwanted foreign material from various surfaces and porous materials, including methods, tools and supplies, and expected results.
15
votes
11answers
6k views
How do I remove Great Stuff foam from my hands?
I should have worn gloves but sadly I didn't. Now I have yellow stuff all over my hands. I got most of the stickiness to go away by using WD-40. Is there anything that will get this off without giving ...
2
votes
1answer
21 views
How should I clean my slate and stucco outdoor patio area?
I have a patio with a slate floor, with (what used to be) a bright white grout of some sort, surrounded by stucco half-walls that are topped with additional slate. The stucco has a rough surface. ...
1
vote
1answer
76 views
How do I clean a root cellar under my porch to make it suitable for food storage?
I have a root cellar under my porch. How should I clean loose stones on the floor and get rid of a musty smell so I can use the space as a safe food storage area. Small field mice entered and some of ...
1
vote
1answer
45 views
How can I clean tile debris from the bottom of my pool?
After changing tiles, I have lots of tile/thinset debris on the bottom of the concrete pool.
Robot cleaner does not pick it up, since they are too heavy for it.
I did try to manually vacuum it by ...
1
vote
1answer
210 views
How do I clean up linseed oil?
One of the many things I loathe about our kitchen cabinets is that although they're stained to a mahogany tone dark brown, the undersides of the uppers (which are visible from our kitchen table) are ...
1
vote
2answers
131 views
Robotic vacuum for pet owner
I'm trying to select a robotic vacuum that will cleanup my apartment on daily basis (3 cats is a lot :) ). Which one should I try? I was thinking about iRobot but with no mapping mechanism they seem ...
1
vote
2answers
41 views
How do I clean bleach marks off bluestone pavers?
I have bluestone tiles in an under cover outside area. I sprayed a household cleaner on sections of the pavers and used a high pressure washer to clean them. However upon drying they now have white ...
2
votes
1answer
30 views
How do I remove stuck-on stains from laminate flooring?
I recently bought a fixer-upper house that has light-colored laminate plank flooring. It would be really nice, if I could get it clean. It has stuck-on stains, like someone left melted ice cream on ...
-1
votes
0answers
34 views
Detergent powder exclusively for top load and front load washing machines [closed]
So in India, Surf is supposed to be one of the leaders in detergent powder. A few years back they came up with this two products with the selling point that the powder is exclusively for top loading ...
2
votes
1answer
57 views
How do I remove an unknown stain from my carpet?
I just moved into a place and underneath my bed there's a weird spill. I'm Not sure what it is: it's dark red and thick and dry. Is there any way to clean it or if not cover it up so it doesn't spread ...
4
votes
1answer
63 views
What is the proper personal protective equipment and procedures for removing mouse nesting that may contain Hantavirus?
Me and my uncle are working on cleaning stuff (various auto parts and tools built up over the last 60 or so years) out a garage on my parents' property prior to demolishing it.
There are multiple ...
3
votes
2answers
57 views
How can I clean silicone mastic stains from a bath-tub and tiles?
I was redoing the silicone dilation around the bath-tub, using the silicone mastic from a tube. Unfortunately, I stained the tub and a tile with silicone. You cannot see it really, but they got quite ...
2
votes
1answer
49 views
What is the recommended way to clean oil based stain out of a spray gun?
I would like to know what the proper or recommended way to clean the oil based stain out of my spray gun after use is.
I am using this stain product.
I have the following antique spray gun:
7
votes
5answers
3k views
How do I remove moss from an outdoor brick walkway?
I've got a brick walkway that has parts that are in shade most of the day. Our winters are wet and cloudy and during these times it's not uncommon for the shady parts of the walkway to grow a fair ...
3
votes
3answers
3k views
What is an alternative to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpets?
There are reasons we are not interested in a vacuum cleaner at the moment. I'm sure the same applies for other people. Is there an alternative that can get rid of dirt as well as pick up bigger ...
4
votes
6answers
8k views
How to clean rust in hard to reach points on a tool?
I have a cheap tool with some rust on it. It's probably cheaper to buy a new one than to clean it. But I wonder if is there any solution where I can drop it and retrieve it clean. Is there anything ...
0
votes
1answer
56 views
Why do the rotating brushes on my Hoover vacuum only work when it's in the upright position?
I have the blue Hoover pet cyclonic vacuum. It worked fine for a few months, but now when I push the foot lever to lower the handle when I vacuum, the brushes stop spinning on any carpet level ...
2
votes
3answers
9k views
Should tile floors be cleaned with vinegar only? Is the advice against using other solutions a myth?
After we had ceramic tile installed at our house, the company said we should just clean with vinegar and water mixture. However, I haven't been able to find anywhere online that says that using ...
16
votes
11answers
2k views
What should we look for when buying a fixer-upper house?
My fiance and I are considering buying a fixer-upper house rather than an apartment when we get married.
Obviously things like location, neighbors etc. are important, but; what should we be looking ...
4
votes
4answers
3k views
How do I safely clean my paver stone driveway?
I sprayed moss killer to prevent moss from growing between the cracks of my paver stone driveway. I tested a small area first to make sure it wouldn't stain the paver stones. It looked fine after ...
2
votes
1answer
194 views
How can I clear out limescale from inside a bath's pipes?
I have a bath which has accumulated limescale inside the piping system; it manifests itself as a very-slow running tap with a weak stream. The tap itself is removable, and I suspect the limescale is ...
0
votes
0answers
21 views
How do I clean dryer duct that has elbow joints? [duplicate]
I live in an apartment on the first floor and my dryer exhaust is almost on the second floor. My dryer isn't working correctly and I have read that I may need to clean the ducts.
How would I clean ...
2
votes
2answers
294 views
How can I clean oil stains from vitreous floor tiles?
My vitreous floor tile gets dirty very quickly. It retains the stains of oil, or any other wet material. I have even seen water leaving temporary wet stains while cleaning them.
Is this normal ...
0
votes
0answers
88 views
How can I remove paint stains from a bathtub?
I was cleaning my paint brush, bucket and roller in my bathtub. Afterwards I noticed that I stained a couple spots of the bathtub. The stains are a light blue (the paint was a dark blue). I am not ...
5
votes
4answers
9k views
How to fix stinky bathroom sink?
It smells like really musty water, but the water itself does not smell or taste bad at all. Only happens when I run the water, so it doesn't make the room smell, just when you fill something up or ...
5
votes
1answer
495 views
Spray bottle w/ vinegar solution…eventually makes spray bottle not work…why?
I bought two spray bottles intending on using it for cleaning solutions. I filled one with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution for household cleaning. After a few weeks of use, the pumping action on the ...
3
votes
2answers
132 views
What type of cleaner should be used to remove “hand sludge” from a varnished wood railing?
You know what I'm talking about, right? That dark grey sludge that builds up on hand rails over the years? I inherited a case of sludgy hand-rails when I bought my first house and I'd like to clean ...
7
votes
8answers
8k views
How do I clean a very dirty refrigerator?
I just got a new house and inherited a very moldy and mildewy refrigerator. My first though it to get some cleaning spray with bleach and just go to town, but I'm worried the bleach might damage the ...
3
votes
3answers
160 views
How do you properly clean hardwood floors?
I've been cleaning my hardwood floors with all sorts of cleaners for the past 2 years and this has created a thin whitish film covering the floor that I can't wash away. I've tried scrubbing with a ...
0
votes
1answer
65 views
How do you wash brushes? [duplicate]
I know this sounds like a dumb question, but I am interested in any brush washing tips that help prolong the lifetime of my brushes.
Water-based paints are easy, but with paints that require thinners ...
2
votes
1answer
172 views
How can I clean exterior pebble dashing?
The exterior walls of my house mainly consist of pebble dashing. I plan to clean the walls as currently there is a small amount of red dye appearing (I think this is coming from the brickwork ...
1
vote
1answer
179 views
How do I remove spots from my new ceramic tiles?
I just laid dark brown ceramic tile in my kitchen. After grouting and cleaning I still have spots and round circles (from the cleaning bucket's bottom) on the floor. I have tried soap and water and ...
1
vote
2answers
85 views
How can I remove an energy gel stain from my carpet?
I appear to have a small solid 'clump' on my carpet. I'm guessing that it is from an energy gel, which is basically corn syrup mixed with water. Usually I'm pretty good on carpet stains (hey, I'm ...
6
votes
5answers
4k views
How can I remove graffiti from painted walls?
How do I remove graffiti (spray paint and permanent marker) from a wall previously painted with oil-base paint (or perhaps nitro paint - not sure) without damaging the original paint?
I've seen a ...
2
votes
4answers
1k views
How do I clean gutters?
I am trying to clean the gutters of my house. Is there any special ladder that i need to use to do that? Do i also need some other tools? Any reference link or pictures will be highly appreciated. I ...
-1
votes
1answer
61 views
What is the best way to wash away a bleach cleanser in the shower?
When I spray a bleach spray into my shower to destroy mildew growing on my shower tiles, I always have a hard time trying to rinse the cleanser solution off. My shower doesn't have a hose - the nozzle ...
1
vote
5answers
152 views
what is the easiest way too clean adhesive residue from glass?
Stickers have left residue on some windows and old glass jars. I have typically used acetone to clean the residue but is there a better / easier way?
2
votes
2answers
202 views
How do I remove cat spray smell from the exterior of the house?
My in-laws have a cat problem. The neighborhood cat is spraying the outside of their house and evidently it really stinks. How can they get rid of the smell?
1
vote
1answer
169 views
How do I properly prepare newly-finished drywall for priming?
What is the minimum amount of dust that can be left on a wall before it adversely affects primer application? If it has to be completely free of dust, how do you get it all? Taking a damp rag over ...
2
votes
3answers
606 views
How can I remove hair dye stains from a porcelain sink?
Anyone have any suggestions about how to do this? I've tried Comet, bleach and windex, all applied with plenty of elbow grease, but the stains aren't budging.
Any other ideas?
0
votes
2answers
264 views
How can I get my shower tiles really clean?
My shower tiles in my apartment are kind of nasty, and I've tried spraying them with Clorox Bleach Foamer and also Tilex:Mold & Mildew and then scrubbing with a magic eraser thing. I can try ...
7
votes
2answers
199 views
How can I remove a moisture mark from a wooden table?
I have a white mark on my wooden dining table that was caused by a potted plant sitting there for too long without a saucer. Attempts to clean it off have been futile because it seems not to be a ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
How do I remove dried paint from carpet?
I dropped a brush while painting my office. We have brand new carpet and of course, I dropped the paint brush in a spot where there was no drop cloth >:(
I thought since it's latex based paint I ...
7
votes
4answers
2k views
What are the red streaks in my toilet occasionally?
What are the red streaks in my toilet occasionally? It seems to come from where the water flows when flushing and go around the bowl. Sometimes settling in the bottom where the little bit of water ...
3
votes
1answer
100 views
Should I have my old ceiling vacuumed before installing insulation?
My house (built about 1890) has no insulation in the roof and so I plan to put in insulating batts. There is a lot of old dust and a few possum droppings up there, and I have heard that the dust can ...
2
votes
5answers
199 views
Is there an alternative and less toxic way to clean an oven than using oven spray?
I have drippings that have caked on to the botton surface of my oven. Now, every time we use the oven, they start to smoke and set off the smoke detector.
What are some natural ways to clean the ...
3
votes
3answers
296 views
How can I get windshield wiper fluid stains out of my garage floor?
My car's windshield wiper fluid reservoir had a leak and quite a bit of it soaked into my garage floor (which is a light concrete). It happened over night, so it soaked quite a bit. Now the floor is ...
3
votes
4answers
641 views
How can I remove water-based emulsion paint from paving slabs?
On painting the bedrooms in our new house, we've gotten some (mainly) water-based paint on some of the paving slabs on the patio. A little of it may be oil-based gloss we used for skirting boards, but ...
10
votes
7answers
680 views
How do I clean stainless steel?
We have just finished building a house and we have some small stains on a stainless steel door handle.
I was wondering what was the best way to remove them? Unfortunately I'm not sure what's caused ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I clean a sink overflow drain?
I want to clean inside the hole of the bathroom sink that is used to control overflow. I can stick my finger in there, and rub off a small circle's worth of stuff, but I'd like to clean it more than ...
