Kate Van Pelt

Jan 12, 2025 | thespruce.com | Kate Van Pelt

Bathrooms are among the most frequently used spaces in any home, so it's no wonder that they host a variety of unpleasant smells. These odors are often exacerbated by high moisture levels from the sinks, showers, tubs, not to mention what gets flushed down our drains. Fortunately, keeping a bathroom smelling fresh is easier than one might expect.

Dec 15, 2024 | thespruce.com | Kate Van Pelt

Stainless steel appliances, sinks, and cookware are commonly found in many homes, but they're also prone to streaks, smudges, and even scratches. It's important to use the right tools and cleaning solutions when cleaning stainless steel to prevent damaging this material. Fortunately, there are multiple homemade stainless steel cleaners that work just as effectively as store-bought alternatives. In fact, you can typically clean your stainless steel belongings with supplies already in your home.

Dec 13, 2024 | thespruce.com | Kate Van Pelt

Dusting is an important task to help you minimize the amount of germs, mites, and allergens floating throughout your home. However, if you feel like you're cleaning regularly and still facing a ridiculous amount of dust, you are likely making some common dusting mistakes, such as using the wrong tools or skipping over surfaces. Fortunately, it's easy to adjust your dusting habits for a better clean.

Dec 13, 2024 | thespruce.com | Kate Van Pelt

Steam cleaners are effective, non-toxic cleaning tools that can be used on multiple flooring types, especially most tile and vinyl flooring options. Unfortunately, they threaten to do more harm than help when it comes to hardwood floors and other wood-based flooring types like laminate and engineered hardwood. Most experts advise against using a steam cleaner on hardwood floors, however there are also some who say there are exceptions to this rule.

Nov 28, 2024 | thespruce.com | Kate Van Pelt

In This ArticleOverloadingNot Scraping Off DishesLoading Non-Dishwasher Safe ItemsArranging Plastic Items IncorrectlyNot Filling Your Dishwasher to CapacityFailing to Check the Spray Arms for ClogsNeglecting the Dishwasher FilterWrong Dishwasher CycleWrong Detergent LocationToo Much Rinse AidUsing Dish SoapArranging Cutlery Incorrectly Dishwashers save us time and energy every day, but only if we use them correctly.