Some tough cleaning questions answered
A few months ago, we asked our readers about their worst cleaning issues. We wanted to know what made them crazy and what problems just stumped them. Well, more than 700 of them got back to us with questions about how to clean everything from toilets to grout to kitchen cabinets.
We picked 39 of the questions and brought them to our cleaning experts, and we asked them about the best products we’ve tested, and about greener, less-toxic cleaners. Here’s just some of what they said. For all the answers, look for our April issue, on newsstands March 15.
Q What’s a good cheap way to prevent or get rid of hard-water stains on stainless steel?
What to do White vinegar is a mild acid that’s good at removing residue from hard-water deposits on teakettles, faucets, shower heads, and coffeemakers. For coffeemakers, add a cup of white vinegar and run it through a regular hot water cycle. You can also unscrew a grungy shower head and soak it in vinegar.
Q How do you get the ring out of the toilet bowl?
What to do Use a cleaner with some abrasive muscle to attack rust and stains. We like Comet. It’s cheap, and in our tests of toilet bowl cleaners, it beat out the liquid cleaners and a competing powder cleaner by Kaboom. Also clean your bowl more often to keep stains from building up.
Q What’s the best way to clean dark stains like grape juice on light carpet?
What to do For wine or grape juice, first blot with water, then blot with a solution made from 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent mixed with a cup of warm water. If that doesn’t work, dabbing on some 3 percent hydrogen peroxide from the drugstore may lift it. (Just be sure it’s a fresh bottle.) If that fails, call in a professional cleaner.
CLEANERS TO AVOID
• Antibacterial products such as those with tricoslan may contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Undiluted ammonia can burn skin on contact. Do not mix with products that contain chlorine bleach—it makes a poisonous gas.
• Undiluted chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is extremely irritating to eyes and lungs.
• Drain, metal, and oven cleaners with sodium hydroxide (lye) can burn eyes, nose, and throat tissue on contact.
• Toilet bowl cleaners with hydrochloric acid can cause serious eye damage and skin burns.
• Furniture, floor polish, and glass cleaners with naptha can cause headaches and nausea.
Making everything sparkle
By Sue Perry on March 14, 2011 06:02:00 pm
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K
06:32:01 PM on Sat Mar 19 2011
Hi - I was just reading the full article in the print magazine. For stainless steel you recommended a handful of cleaners; I have tried out a few myself and have found that plain old baby oil works perfectly. I just wipe down the appliance first with a soft damp cloth, and then wipe a paper towel with a little baby oil on it in the direction of the "grain".
Robin Melen
03:59:38 PM on Mon Mar 21 2011
Thanks for the tip! We're always interested in learning what our readers know!
robin
Becky Guinn
04:10:50 PM on Fri Apr 15 2011
Can someone let me know of the web site that had custom made blinds? You can order them with one of your own pictures on or choose one they have on their site. I loaned a friend my magazine and now it's gone...thanks for the help!
Robin Melen
09:47:49 AM on Mon Apr 18 2011
Hi Becky~
In our May issue, we did a story on home decor —is that the story? We mention SmithandNoble.com for custom-looking window treatments—is that the one you were thinking of? Let us know how it works out for you!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Lindsay M.
05:24:40 PM on Sat May 14 2011
Hi there!
I love the simplicity of this magazine. I just now found out about it. I was able to pick up the April and May issue and am now subscribing for future issues but I am curious.. How can I order back issues? Is there any way I can see a list of all of the issues there have ever been? Sorry to seem obsessive but I wanna know what I have missed! How long has the magazine been in print? Thank you for all of your answers! Keep up the GREAT work.
Lindsay
Robin Melen
09:54:45 AM on Mon May 16 2011
Hi Lindsay~
We sent your request over to our Customer Relations folks! Someone should be in touch with you soon. Thanks for being such a fan!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Felicia
06:40:14 PM on Wed Jun 22 2011
Has anyone weighed in on the effectiveness of steam mops? If so, can you tell me where to find the reviews?
Carol Reinertsen
10:39:04 AM on Fri Jun 24 2011
Hi,I subscribe to Shopsmart, and love it. I have kept some past issues, but can't find the one that tests the top loading washing machines. We are in need of a new one, and want to read your report. Thank you in advance for your help.
Carol Reinertsen
Merrylynn Mozingo
02:14:12 PM on Fri Jun 24 2011
My hairdresser got bleach on a favorite brand new shirt of mine that is dark purple. Is there any way at all to get it out?
Robin Melen
10:01:41 AM on Tue Jun 28 2011
Hi Merrylynn~
That's a great question for our experts. I think it's probably a lost cause, but I will check and answer as soon as I can. I hope your hair came out right, though!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Robin Melen
10:04:11 AM on Tue Jun 28 2011
Hi Felicia~
I'll get back to you ASAP -- I don't have access to issues right now, but when I'm back in the office, I will.
Thanks for reading ShopSmart!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Robin Melen
10:04:57 AM on Tue Jun 28 2011
Hi Carol~
As soon as I'm back in the office on Thursday, I'll post an answer!
Thanks for reading ShopSmart!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Robin Melen
12:01:48 PM on Thu Jun 30 2011
Hi Felicia~
You can find steam mop ratings at CR.org, of course, if you're a subscriber. The top-rated one was the H2O Ultra. Enjoy, and thanks for reading ShopSmart!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Robin Melen
12:05:29 PM on Thu Jun 30 2011
Hi Carol~
Our top loader, in the May issue, was the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5700X. Happy washing, and thanks for reading ShopSmart!
Robin Melen
managing editor
Kerstin
05:28:34 PM on Sat Jul 16 2011
My husband, who is the 'floor' man in our house, has finally conceded that liquid ammonia cleaning solutions are not necessarily the "best" (guy talk for most powerful) since they can leave a slight cat pee smell behind if the rinsing is not even more agressive and thorough than the original mopping or scrubbing. Is there a product or product type out there that will clean normal accumulations of dirt on vinyl flooring without making the house reek of pine oil, ammonia, excessive perfumes afterwards?
(The vinyl flooring was replaced about 6 years ago with a highly rated (by Consumer Reports) vinyl brand from Congoleum, and since we are two retirees, it does not get the same wear and tear that a family with children might impose.)