Karl Benke, a food safety specialist at Purdue University in the U.S., wanted to know how clean his reusable water bottle really was. One day, after wiping the inside of…

It might not be immediately obvious which items we’re talking about. But it’s quite simple: it’s a showerhead and a toothbrush. Bathrooms are often thought of as the cleanest rooms…

Researchers at Flinders University say sink drains harbor dangerous microbes, including pathogens that can cause pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease—which affects the respiratory system—and wound infections that develop when harmful microbes invade…

Most healthy-eating guidelines recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. That means regularly washing your produce. Produce from grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or your own…

Once you discover what this fruit can do, you’ll probably want to grow a little tropical flair at home. The benefits of lemons go beyond their nutritional value—they also work…

There’s a surprisingly popular spot in your home that makes the toilet seat look clean. It can be up to 75 times dirtier than a toilet seat. We’re talking about…

It might not be obvious which items we’re talking about: the showerhead and the toothbrush. The bathroom is often considered the cleanest room in the house — but that isn’t…

Household soap, baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and simple combinations of them can dispel the idea that everyday stains are hard to remove. Understanding the Origins The success of stain removal…

You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of old, stubborn stains—many solutions are hiding in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Dirt and Dust Start by scrubbing the stained area…

Chances are your kitchen has items that look clean but are actually breeding grounds for germs. How often should you replace kitchen towels, and is it really necessary to bleach…

Preventing Glass from Freezing. Before you insulate your windows for winter, clean the glass. Add a few drops of glycerin to the washing water. Then wipe the inside of the…

Here’s how I do it. I mix 50 grams of lighter fluid with an equal amount of acetone and some shampoo. I dissolve all of this in one to two…

Clean car windows are a crucial part of safe, efficient driving. Dirty, splattered glass can obstruct your view and strain your eyes, distracting the driver. Before you hit the road,…

Wipe the furniture thoroughly with a dry cloth. Take a small amount of the ready-made “Polish” mixture — a light-brown liquid — and, using a clean piece of flannel, rub…

Cleaning Sinks Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing sulfuric acid (25–50 grams per 1 liter of water) with copper sulfate, then wipe the bathtub or sink with a cloth wrapped…

Wash the chandelier in hot water with dish soap and a little baking soda. Rinse the chandelier with clean water. Without drying it, sprinkle powdered chalk over the wet metal…

Cover faded oil paintings with a damp, clean cloth for 3–4 hours (preferably soaked in rainwater) to revive them. When the cloth dries, remove it and apply a thin layer…

Wash the oilcloth with milk diluted 1:1 with water, then dry it with a clean towel. Mix paraffin and turpentine in a 1:4 ratio by weight. Use a flannel cloth…

Caring for Jewelry Fashion, that little troublemaker, keeps reaching into the old jewelry chest. Old lace, romantic long skirts—and the jewelry, especially those multi-strand coral necklaces! My great-grandmother’s modest silver…

We Need Helpers! This idea isn’t new, but it’s true — I’ve known it since I was a kid. Think like a first-grader for a moment: “One mom takes five…

Maintaining the longevity of your wardrobe doesn’t always require a trip to the dry cleaners. With the right techniques, you can refresh and deep-clean specialized items at home. 1. Wet…

Cleaning When it comes to renovations, we all approach the task with a sense of responsibility, especially if it’s our own apartment. And if this isn’t our first renovation, we…

I’m cleaning out the closet. Sasha picks out the prettiest sweater, puts it on, and struts into Ivan’s room with a sultry walk: Sasha: “Dad, I’m being fashionable!”