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Miscellaneous CleaningAll Questions Ask a Question Follow

This page contains miscellaneous tips and ideas for cleaning a wide variety of items.

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Keeping Water Fountains Free of Mineral Deposits

Keeping Water Fountains Free of Mineral DepositsThis is a page about keeping water fountains free of mineral deposits. Mineral deposits can mar the beauty of your decorative fountain.

 

Motor Oil on Concrete

Cleaning Motor Oil Stains From ConcreteThis is a page about cleaning motor oil stains from concrete. Whether from a spill or engine leak, motor oil stains on concrete can be a cleaning challenge.

 

WetJet Package

Unclogging a Swiffer Wet JetWhen the jet nozzles on your Swiffer mop are not spraying correctly, they are usually clogged. This is a page about unclogging a Swiffer Wet Jet.

 

Super Glue on Eyeglasses

Removing Super Glue from EyeglassesThis page is about removing super glue from eyeglasses. Finding a way to clean this glue off your glasses can be a challenge.

 

Cleaning a Dooney and Bourke

Cleaning a Dooney and Bourke PurseThese popular purses can look great again with proper cleaning. This page is about cleaning a Dooney and Bourke purse.

 

Cleaning Artificial Flowers

Cleaning Artificial FlowersThis is a page about cleaning artificial flowers. Artificial flowers can become dusty or dingy over time.

 

A blue above ground swimming pool.

Cleaning an Above Ground Pool?This is a page about cleaning an above ground pool. Above ground pools do not always have all of the filters that in-ground pools do, so they can get quite dirty. It is important to clean your pool properly so that you don't damage the liner.

 

Moss on Headstone

Cleaning Moss and Stains off Headstones?This page is about cleaning moss and stains off headstones. Being exposed to the elements, marble and other stone grave markers can become discolored and grow rootless plants.

 

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front of box

Magic Eraser Left Marks?This page is about what to do if a Magic Eraser left marks. These erasers can be helpful to remove a variety of things, but can damage some surfaces.

 

Photo of the exterior of a house.

Finding the Source of Black Soot in a House?This is a page about finding the source of black soot in a house. Soot could come from a furnace or from a fireplace and chimney.

 

garden statue

Cleaning Garden StatuaryThis is a page about cleaning garden statuary. The elements can take a toll on your garden decorations.

 

Artificial Tree

Cleaning Artificial TreesFaux trees can collect a lot of dust on their leaves that requires cleaning. This is a page about cleaning artificial trees.

 

Hand holding a permanent marker

Removing Marker From Photos?This is a page about removing marker from photos. Removing marker from one of your treasured photos may seem impossible, but don't despair there may be a solution.

 

House With Vinyl Siding

Removing Wood Stain From Vinyl Siding?This is a page about removing wood stain from vinyl siding. Spills happen, but can be very frustrating and often difficult to clean up, especially when they involve wood stain type products.

 

Ball Point Pen Writing on Paper

Removing Ink From a DocumentMistakes can happen when you are preparing a document. Depending on the type of ink used there may be a way to correct the error. This is a page about removing ink from a document.

 

A collection of old fashioned photos.

Removing Ink from a PhotoMany times, pen ink has been added to a photo for identification but this can cause damage. Care must be taken when removing ink from a photograph. Sometimes, it is better to scan and digitally repair the photo instead to prevent damage.

 

hands of someone dyeing cloth

Removing Fabric Dye From Skin?This is a page about removing fabric dye from skin. When dyeing cloth you want to avoid getting the color on your skin, as it can be a challenge to remove right away.

 

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Removing Tape Residue From PVC Fence?How can I remove tape residue from my PVC fence?

 

Stone Coasters

Cleaning Stone CoastersThis is a page about cleaning stone coasters. Porous stone can absorb stains and may be a challenge to clean.

 

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Cleaning Brake Fluid Off Pavement?I recently moved into a new area which seems like a new planet. We are on a roll lately with problems and have already annoyed a neighbor. All of that aside My sister came to visit and her brake line busted and spilled brake fluid all over the place and I have no clue how to remove it from the pavement. I really do not want any more complaints so if any one has a clue please let me know. Jen from Michigan

 

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Removing Sharpie Marker from Paper?Does anyone know how to remove Sharpie from areas under which there is text I would like to read? This is on copy paper.

 

A woman holding a blank coffee cup.

Removing Advertising Logos From a Coffee Cup?Sometimes a good mug has a logo printed on it that you may find undesirable. Removing the logo can really improve the look of the mug. This is a page about removing advertising logos from coffee cup.

 

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Two hair brushes and a comb.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Brushes and CombsThis is a page about cleaning and disinfecting brushes and combs. Combs and brushes can accumulate hair and get grimy quickly. Also, if someone in the household gets lice it is important to disinfect all the brushes and combs that person may have used.

 

Old, dirty wood doors.

How to Remove Grime from Wood Doors Without Refinishing?Wood doors can become grimy over time. Here is some information about how to remove grime from wood doors without refinishing.

 

Gas pump with fuel spill

Removing Diesel From Block Paved Driveway?This is a page about removing diesel from block paved driveway. Removing diesel fuel that has accidentally spilled or leaked onto your block driveway may require special treatment.

 

Birds

Removing Bird Poop Stains?This page is about removing bird poop stains. Bird nests can be built in places that leave unwanted excrement in odd places.

 

Tarmac Driveway

Cleaning Tarmac?This is a page about cleaning tarmac. Tarmac is a type of road surface often found at airports and also used on private home driveways.

 

Silk flowers.

Cleaning Silk Flowers, Swags and WreathsThis page is about cleaning silk flowers, swags and wreaths. Dusty artificial flowers and greenery need special care when removing the dirt.

 

Permanent Markers

Remove Permanent Marker From StoneIf you have to get permanent marker off a stone surface, such as a fireplace, countertop, or figurine there are several ways to get this done. This is a page about remove permanent marker from stone.

 

Cleaning a Vinyl Record

Cleaning Vinyl RecordsThis is a page about cleaning vinyl records. Vinyl records are known for their wonderful warm tone and nostalgic sound. However, a dirty record will not have those desirable qualities.

 

Removing Permanent Marker from Hair

Removing Permanent Marker from HairThis is a page about removing permanent marker from hair. If your or your child accidentally or intentionally got permanent marker in your hair it can be a chore to remove.

 

Clean Scissors

Cleaning ScissorsThis is a page about cleaning scissors. Scissors often need cleaning after using them, especially if used to cut tape. Keeping your scissors clean helps to maintain their efficiency when used.

 

Printer ink on a hand.

Removing Printer Ink From Skin?This page is about removing printer ink from skin. When filling an ink cartridge it is easy to get some on your hands.

 

Man cleaning a counter with a sponge.

Cleaning Greasy Residue Left by Goo GoneDepending on the material, you can use rubbing alcohol or an acetone nail polish remover for the Goo Gone residue. This is a page about cleaning greasy residue left by Goo Gone.

 

Beige Corian Counter

Removing Stains from CorianThis page is about removing stains from Corian. An acrylic composite that is very durable, but can occasionally become stained.

 

Loctite Super Glue

Removing Super Glue from EyeglassesThis is a page about removing super glue from eyeglasses. Super glue is meant to be permanent, so when you get it on something accidentally, it can be frustrating.

 

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Mouth Guard

Cleaning a Smelly Mouth Guard?It answers the question about how to keep your mouth guard smelling nice and clean with daily maintenance. This page is about cleaning a smelly mouth guard.

 

washing coins

Cleaning CoinsCoins can get grimy over time, changing hands year after year. Coins that are found on the ground are even dirtier and may require cleaning before adding them to your change purse.

 

sliding patio door

Cleaning a Sliding Door TrackThis is a page about cleaning a sliding door track. To keep your door opening and closing smoothly it helps to keep the track clean.

 

A photo with tape on it.

Removing Tape Residue on Photos?This is a page about removing tape residue on photos. Care must be taken when trying to remove tape residue on photos.

 

moss on a driveway

Removing Moss from a Driveway?This is a page about removing moss from a driveway. Moss on your driveway can be dangerously slippery when wet in addition to unsightly.

 

Cleaning Paint Brushes, A paint brush being rinsed off in a sink.

Cleaning Paint BrushesThis is a page about cleaning paint brushes. It is important to properly clean your paint brushes right away after any painting project.

 

Cleaning Hair from a Brush

Removing Hair from BrushesThis is a page about removing hair from brushes. Trying to remove hair from your brush or a pet brush can be frustrating.

 

A ball point pen writing on paper.

Removing Ball Point Pen From PaperIsopropyl alcohol is usually the best way to break down ink, however it does depend on the type of ink. Removing ball point pen from paper can be a very difficult task but it's not impossible.

 

Man Pressure washing his Wood Deck

Cleaning a Wood Deck This is a page about cleaning a wood deck. Your deck is a great place for friends and family to gather in your home. However, the elements and general use means you will need to clean on occasion.

 

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How Can I Remove the Ink from Newspaper?Are there any chemicals which can erase all the words of a newspaper?

 

A Sharpie marker with its lid off.

Removing Permanent Ink (Sharpie) from a CD or...This is a page about removing Sharpie from a CD or DVD. Removing permanent ink from a CD or DVD can be difficult. When removing the ink you need to be careful to not damage the disc.

 

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Cleaning Beaded Flowers? How can I clean beaded flowers?

 

Cleaning a Thermos

Cleaning a ThermosThis page is about cleaning a thermos. Whether stainless steel or glass, these insulated containers need to be rid of prior food or beverage odors.

 

Old glass perfume bottles

Cleaning Old Perfume Bottles?Ornate glass perfume bottles have been collected for generations. They can be difficult to clean safely and thoroughly. This is a page about cleaning old perfume bottles.

 

Outdoor Play Equipment

Cleaning Outdoor Play EquipmentThis is a page about cleaning outdoor play equipment. Play structures, sand boxes, and other types of play equipment need periodic cleaning because of use and exposure to the elements.

 

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Removing Nail Polish from a Dolls Face?My mother has a doll that is at least 50 years old, when I was a little girl I got into my mom's nail polish and decided to paint the doll's eyes and some of her face. What I would like to know is this... Would it be ok to use polish remover on this doll or would it destroy it, and if this would do damage to the doll then is there something out there that I can use to remove it? Wendy from Missouri

 

Terra Cotta Pots

Cleaning Terra Cotta Pots?This is a page about cleaning terra cotta pots. Terra cotta is used to make many flower pots and other outside garden items. Usage and the elements can leave them dirty and stained.

 

Cleaning Flip Flops

Cleaning Flip FlopsThis page is about cleaning flip flops. A favorite summertime slip-on foot covering for many people.

 

Motorhome

Removing Decals From a Motorhome?This is a page about removing decals from a motorhome. Removing decals from a motorhome can be done without damaging the paint using a few different methods.

 

Microfiber Pillow

Cleaning Microfiber Pillows?This page is about cleaning microfiber pillows. Maintaining the right shape can be a challenge when cleaning pillows.

 

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Cleaning Wax Off CountertopsAnyone who's ever said "just wait for it to dry and chip it off" has never actually tried to clean wax off a nice shiny countertop. I spilled candle wax and it wasn't the kind of wax that gets hard.

 

Artificial Calla Lilies in a glass vase.

Cleaning Artificial Calla Lilies?Calla lilies are beautiful and artificial ones look real, especially from a distance. However, they do get dirty over time and require cleaning. This is a page about cleaning artificial calla lilies.

 

A pine cone dripping tree sap.

How to Remove Tree Sap from Just About...Spring and late summer are the prime seasons for sticky, gooey, tree sap. The stuff seems to ooze onto everything with ease. Getting it off, however, can be a whole different matter. Here are some sure fire methods for removing tree sap from just about anything.

 

A bottle with the label removed.

Removing Jar And Bottle Label GlueSaving that jar or bottle for that special use you've found can be nice until you try getting all the label glue off it. Then it can be a pain. Not any more!

 

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Removing Rubber Shoe Marks From Bouncy Castle?Any way to remove rubber shoe marks from a bouncy castle. Brand new 4 weeks old white rubber marks on red slide.

 

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Disinfecting a Backyard?How do I disinfect my backyard? It is all dirt.

 

Using a spray bottle to sanitize hands.

Rubbing Alcohol for Hand SanitizerInstead of buying bottle after bottle of hand sanitizer which can go fast with a lot of kids, I save old spray bottles that give a mist like hair spray pump bottles. I refill them with rubbing alcohol.

 

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Alternative Scents for Rainbow Vacuum?Does anyone know of any alternatives that can be used instead of the regular scents that you put into your rainbow vacuum cleaner? I don't have any stores near me that sell them and don't want to buy them online without being able to smell them first.

 

A man using a toilet plunger.

Cleaning a Toilet Plunger?Soaking a toilet plunger in a bucket with added bleach will help to remove the odor and debris. Be sure to air dry thoroughly before storing.

 

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Removing Pine Tree Sap from Trex Decking?I have a Trex deck how do I remove tree sap from it?

 

Cleaning a Kitchen Faucet Head - head removed from pipe lying on the counter

Cleaning a Kitchen Faucet Head?My kitchen faucet head is sealed and can't be taken apart. This is our second faucet head. We have a lot of earthquakes and constantly have a churned up well. Can I still soak the head in vinegar and loosen the hard water inside it?

 

Removing Gorilla Glue from a Guitar?It is a challenge to remove excess ugly glue without removing the lacquer finish on a guitar. This is a page about removing gorilla glue from a guitar.

 

An old toy rubber duck.

Cleaning Sticky RubberA small amount of baby oil can help clean sticky rubber whether a handle or possibly an old doll. This is a page about cleaning sticky rubber.

 

Water going down the sink drain.

Cleaning Sink DrainsWhile exceedingly convenient, indoor plumbing can require some routine maintenance not only to keep it clear, but also to reduce the possible odors that result from mold growth on debris lodged in the pipes. This is a page about cleaning sink drains.

 

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Cleaning Smoke Damage and Odor on a Concertina?What can be used for cleaning smoke damage to a musical instrument, a concertina (similar to accordian)?

 

Sofa bed pulled out.

Keeping A Hide-a-Bed CleanIf you have a sofa that converts into a bed, keeping it clean and ready for the next guest is preferred. This is a page about keeping a hide-a-bed clean.

 

Humidifier in a bedroom

Removing Vaporub from the Inside of My Humidifier?This is a page about removing Vaporub from the inside of my humidifier. Cleaners such as Dawn or a mix of water and alcohol can be sloshed around the inside of a humidifier to remove the greasy residue of Vicks Vaporub.

 

Knick Knacks on a window sill.

Cleaning Knick KnacksBeautiful or whimsical figurines and keepsakes can get very grimy after time spent on a shelf or in a curio cabinet. This is a page about cleaning knick knacks.

 

Smoke drifting up to a smoke alarm on the ceiling of a home.

Smoke Smell on Belongings After a House FireRemoving the strong smells of a fire can be a challenge on a variety of things. This is a page about smoke smell on belongings after a house fire.

 

Woman Using Body Spray

Uses for Body SprayA body spray with an undesirable scent can help lift ink stains on skin and other surfaces. This is a page about uses for body spray.

 

Brick Fireplace with Fire Burning

How to Clean Fireplace Bricks?Soot and dirt can stain the bricks on a fireplace, but there are ways to get them surprisingly clean. This is a page about cleaning fireplace bricks.

 

Wooden Cutting Board

How to Remove Sharpie From a Wooden Cutting Board?Sharpie pen ink can really soak into wood. Isopropyl alcohol may help remove some of the ink, but it may be necessary to take more drastic measures. Here are some ideas about how to remove Sharpie from a wooden cutting board.

 

Close up of a red brick patio.

Cleaning White Substance Off a Brick Patio?Depending on what it is, washing a white substance off of brick may require a solvent of some sort. Cleaning a white substance off a brick patio can be a chore but with the right equipment and cleaners it can be done.

 

Cleaning Cigarette Tar Off an Oil Painting

Cleaning Cigarette Tar Off an Oil Painting?Cigarette tar can be nearly impossible to clean from an oil painting yourself. It may require professional cleaning. This is a page about cleaning cigarette tar off an oil painting.

 

A Pop-up Camper at a camp area.

Cleaning a Pop-up CamperPop-up campers can get dirty if they are left open for weeks or months at at time. This is a page about cleaning a pop-up camper.

 

Canvas
Patio Umbrella

Cleaning a Canvas Patio UmbrellaAn outdoor canvas umbrella can get dirty over time from exposure. This is a page about cleaning a canvas patio umbrella.

 

A rubber duck floating in a swimming pool.

Algae in an Above Ground Swimming PoolFilter systems in above-ground pools are often not as robust as in-ground pools. This can make algea growth more of a possibility. This is a page about algae in an above-ground swimming pool.

 

Cleaning Black Prickly Stuff on Wooden Porch - black spots on ceiling of wooden porch

Cleaning Black Prickly Stuff on Wooden Porch?My parents have a wooden backyard porch that has grown some black stuff on the ceiling of it. It's not flat; it is tough and prickly and hard to scrape off. Is this mold also? It's outdoors so I wondered if it can still be mold.

 

Cleaning Vinyl Clad Wire Shelves

Cleaning Sticky Vinyl Clad Wire Shelves?Wire shelving is very common in appliances, kitchens, closets, and elsewhere. Keeping them clean can be a challenge. This is a page about cleaning sticky vinyl clad wire shelves.

 

A tent set up below tall cedar trees.

Removing Tree Sap from a Tent?If your tent is under a tree for a while, it may get some tree sap on it. Isopropyl alcohol, preferably 99% or 91%, can be very useful for removing tree sap from things. This is a page about removing tree sap from a tent.

 

A candle that has been lit for awhile.

Cleaning CandlesIf your candles have sat around for a while without use, they can get dusty. This is a page about cleaning candles.

 

applying varnish to wood

Removing Varnish from HandsWoodworking crafts or furniture refinishing can leave you with varnish on your hands. There are solvents that will remove it easily. This is a page about removing varnish from hands including a tip about using baby powder.

 

Person cleaning eyeglass lenses with a cloth.

Cleaning Coated Eyeglass Lenses?Many eyeglasses have anti-reflective and protective coatings. When cleaning you need to make sure you use a cleaner that won't damage these coatings. This is a page about cleaning coated eyeglass lenses.

 

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Cleaning Antique Doors?I have a pair of antique doors that have not been finished, painted, or stained. They are just the old plain wood. They are very dirty and aged, but no soft spots or sign of bugs, etc. It looks like they were buried and then dug up. What is the best way to clean the doors?

 

Candle on wrought iron scroll design holder with imitation grape vines

Cleaning Grape Vine Decorations?This is a page about cleaning grade vine decorations. Grape vines are used as the base for wreaths and other decorations. They will periodically need cleaning.

 

Above ground pool off of a deck with sparkling clean water

Cleaning a Backyard Swimming PoolThis is a page about cleaning a backyard swimming pool. Keeping your backyard pool clean is an important part of being able to enjoy it at any time.

 

A whiteboard with scribbles all over it.

Cleaning Permanent Marker Off a Dry...Writing on a white board with a permanent marker is common mistake. The good news is that the permanent marker can be easily removed.

 

Preventing Wax Residue in Candle Holders

Preventing Wax Residue in Candle HoldersThis is a page about preventing wax residue in candle holders. Cleaning the wax residue out of your candle holders is not a fun task.

 

Well Water

Cleaning A Well Water FilterThis is a page about cleaning a well water filter. You may need to clean the pump filter to increase the water flow, if your well is not pumping properly.

 

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Cleaning Outdoor Lights?I am looking for a solution for cleaning the outside lights that have become pitted and yucky looking. They look like brass. They aren't the really expensive kind.

 

nubby purple Christmas ornament

Cleaning Christmas OrnamentsThis is a page about cleaning Christmas ornament. Whether made of glass, plastic or Styrofoam holiday ornaments can need to be cleaned.

 

Vinyl Fence

Cleaning Vinyl Fences and Deck Railings?This is a page about cleaning vinyl fences and deck railings. Vinyl is a durable material when used for deck railings and fences, but it does need periodic cleaning to look its best.

 

Laundry Line

Cleaning a Laundry Line?This is a page about cleaning a laundry line. Keeping your clothes line clean is necessary to prevent getting marks and stains on your clean laundry.

 

brightly colored hammock

Cleaning a HammockThis is a page about cleaning a hammock. Hanging in the outdoors, hammocks can get dirty very easily. Cleaning your hammock regularly will keep nice and ready to use at any time.

 

granite basin

Cleaning Black Granite Fixtures?This is a page about cleaning black granite fixtures. Rock sinks and tubs may need some special care to maintain their surface color. Acidic cleaners may dull it.

 

Man Cleaning a Vintage Chandelier

Cleaning a Vintage ChandelierThis is a page about cleaning a vintage chandelier. These delicate lighting fixtures can become very dirty. To clean it easily and safely, can take some creative ideas.

 

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Cleaning an Above Ground Pool?We have an 18x48" above ground pool. I started to notice that there is white stuff floating at all levels in the water. Could this be white mold and if so how do I treat it and also the water gets cloudy once in the pool. I have been trying to vacuum up the discolored cloudy spots. How long should we actually have the pump on for and how often should we clean the filter.

 

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Removing Grout Haze on Formica Countertop?My husband removed ceramic tile from our kitchen backsplash and replaced it with new mosaic glass tiles and grout. The grout residue will not come off my formica countertop.

 

Removing a Stain on a Corian Sink - stains on Corian sink

Removing a Stain on a Corian Sink?I have an ivory Corian sink with a brass faucet. I need to replace the faucet, but there is now a greenish stain around the old faucet base. I am not sure if it is cleaner buildup or calcium or?

 

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Cleaning Weather Stained Patio Stones?My concrete patio stones are discoloured from the weather, sun and rain. What would you suggest to clean them, without damaging the surrounding grass? Or maybe there is a paint option?

 

Cleaning a Cotton Boll Wreath

Cleaning a Cotton Boll Wreath?I plan on buying a cotton wreath, but how do I keep it clean? I thought of using a portable vacuum and with the hose attachment just vacuum each cotton flower. Any other ideas? It will be inside and hanging on a wall.

 

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Using a Shop Vac to Empty an Above Ground Pool?Is it safe to use a shop vac to finish emptying an above ground pool to get all the algae out before you refill it?

 

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