Hot Housekeeping Posts
How To: Get wax stains out of clothes
Wax is one of those material that you use all of the time that is also nearly impossible to get out of clothes without the right chemicals. Watch this video to learn the steps your need to get wax stains out of clothes.
How To: Make an occupied bed
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an occupied bed. First, gather the supplies from the linen closet. After you have all the sheets and blankets, put gloves on and walk into the room. Now, cover the patient with a bath blanket. After this, remove the top sheets, then roll the patient to the side of the bed. Next, tuck dirty linens close to the patient and then roll clean linens under the dirty ones. Then, fix the clean sheets up and roll the patient towards you and repeat the same as you ...
How To: Get rid of fruit flies cruelty-free
In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of fruit flies cruelty-free. First, you will need to put a sweet mixture of things that the flies like to eat inside of a cup. After this, place a cylinder piece of paper into the cup. The flies will be able to fly into the bottom of the paper to get what's inside, but most likely won't figure out how to get back out of it. After this, you can let the flies go free and you will have let them survive without killing a ton of them! This is also free of ...
How To: Get rid of mice using a mouse trap
In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of mice using a mouse trap with Rick. You will first need to know where to place the traps. Mice like to use the sides of walls to run around and will turn when they reach dead end corners. These are great places to place the traps so you will most likely trap them. If the mice are familiar with an area, they know where to avoid, so using two traps will help you catch them. Next, place the trap perpendicular to the wall instead of parallel so they wil...
How To: Improve the air quality in your home with Lowe's
In this video, we learn how to improve the air quality in your home with Lowe's. First you need to go through your house and search to see how clean the furnace filter is. Make sure this is clean and replace it if it's dirty. Upgrade it to a high performance model if you are able to. You also need to change the filter in your vacuum and make sure it has a HEPA filter installed in it. Also, make sure you check the vents around your home and clean them out or replace them if they are dirty. Doi...
How To: Remove fruit flies from a home
In this tutorial, we learn how to remove fruit flies from a home. If you have a heavy infestation of these flies, you will need to use PT 565 aerosols. Spray the aerosol for around 15 seconds in the spot that the flies are harboring. Open up cabinets so the product can get inside through the air. Then, move to other rooms and fog these with the spray to make sure you get all areas. Leave the area for a few hours to let the spray set in, then use drain gel which will clear out the flies from t...
How To: Get latex paint stains out of carpet
Latex paint is bright and durable, which makes it great on most surfaces but terrible to get on your carpet. Watch this video to learn an involved but not too hard process your can use to get latex paint out of any rug or carpet.
How To: Clean and prevent lime scale in your shower
Lime scale is one of the three most common types of dirt to afflict your shower. It is hard to get rid of and prevent, but not impossible, and this video will teach you chow chemicals and hard work can keep your shower beautiful.
How To: Clean old antique and regular mirrors
If you've got a large antique mirror or maybe just a regular mirror that needs some cleaning, if you just clean it with whatever you feel like you run the risk of smudging or scratching the mirror. In this video you will learn how to properly clean the mirror without scratching or smudging it.
How To: Get fleas out of your house
Fleas carry disease and are a massive nuisance to human and animal alike. If your pet has fleas or your house has gotten infested in some other way, watch this video to learn how to get the fleas out of your house for good.
How To: Remove nasty odors out of leather
If you've been having trouble keeping your leather jacket or other leather items from smelling, it's not your fault. Once an odor gets in there it's tough to get out, especially mold and other odors. In this video you will get some tips on how to remove the odors with general cleaning products and more.
How To: Get gum and melted crayons out of a dryer
Leaving things in your pocket and sending them through the wash is annoying, but gum and crayons can actually become melted into your dryer and damage future loads. This video will show you how to clean up this mess and keep your laundry looking great.
How To: Get gnats out of your house
Gnats are pretty harmless, but they're really hard to get out of your house once they're in. Watch this video to learn about a bunch of different ways you can get rid of gnats in different parts of your house with different homemade tools.
How To: Get mildew out of clothing
If you've ever kept clothes in a wet area for a long time, you know the disgusting and stubborn smell of mildew on fabric. Watch this video to learn how to get mildew out of different types of fabric easily.
How To: Clean and polish antique brass
Brass is one of the oldest workable metals, and some have surpassed it in durability. It remains popular and beautiful, but needs regular cleaning and polishing to maintain it's shine. This video will show you everything you need to know to clean brass.
How To: Keep your granite countertops clean and shiny
Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. Unfortunately it can stain, but you can prevent stains easily by following the instructions in this video. They will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning granite countertops.
How To: Organize your closet by retail folding your clothes
Are your clothes messy and bulging out of your closet space? Then it's time to get organized, and step one to getting organized in the closet is knowing how to fold your clothes. Retail folding is the way to go, if you want to make room and keep up the neat appearance. Plus, it makes things easier to find!
How To: Wash men's dress shirts safely and without fading them
Men's dress shirts are arguably the most important part of their wardrobe, and washing them without shrinking, fading, or fraying is tough. This video will show you just how to do it, ensuring that you look sharp at work and formal events.
How To: Clean baby stains like formula from their clothes the safe and natural way
Babies are pretty adorable, but the many disgusting fluids they intake and excrete make cleaning up after them a nightmare. If you're a new parent, watch this video. It will show you how to use all sorts of cleaning products to clean up different kinds of baby stains, from drool to baby formula to "mystery stains".
How To: Clean wretched vomit smells from carpet with baking soda, water and a vacuum
No sane person likes the smell of vomit. Vomit is especially annoying when the smell lingers and wont leave your carpet. Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of disgusting carpet aromas. It involves the use of baking soda, a vacuum, and a flat tool.
How To: Remove ink stains from cloth using hand sanitizer
If you have little kids, then you probably know that they LOVE drawing and doodling. But it's when that love of doodling extends beyond the preschool classroom and paper to your walls, furniture, and clothes that things go a bit awry.
How To: Remove water spots from chrome
In this video, we learn how to remove water spots from chrome. This is one of the hardest surfaces to get water stains off of, but it can be done easily. First, grab an empty spray bottle, vinegar, water, a rag, and a paper towel. Now, mix two parts of vinegar to one part of water and spray it onto the chrome item. Use the rag to wipe off the mixture, then continue to spray on once more. Do this around five times total, then use a paper towel at the end for the finishing look! You can use thi...
How To: Save time & money at the grocery store
In this video, we learn how to save time and money at the grocery store. At holiday time, grocery shopping can be extra tough. First, make sure you bring your own reusable bags. Then, place in your soda and water in the cart first so you don't have to re-arrange. Make a list before you go to the grocery store so you don't wander around the store. Also, see if you can place your deli order ahead of time so you don't have to wait around. Have your grocery clerk group like items together so unpa...
How To: Kill bed bugs with a ThermaPure heat system
In order to use ThermaPure heat system to eradicate bedbugs, you will need a professional, with the appropriate equipment, including surface temperature readers.
How To: Kill bed bugs in the workplace
Bed bugs appearing in the office space is becoming more and more common. Often, someone brings a bed bug to the office on their clothes, and the bed bug roams away from the garment. These don't normally turn into reproducing infestation.
How To: Treat bed bugs with inspections & follow-up
In this video, we learn how to treat bed bugs with inspections and follow-up. First, you want to take off all your bedding and sheets, then place it into a bag. After this, you need to clean it in burning hot water to make sure the bugs are all killed. After you have removed this, you need to search the mattress to find where the rest of the bed bugs are at. Check around the headboard to see if the bugs are hiding there. Once you find these, you need to use either professional chemicals or a ...
How To: Make your bed super cozy with the proper mattress, sheets & comforter
The foundation of a bed is really the mattress itself. So, that means that money should not matter when dealing with mattresses. You should invest in the best and highest quality mattress you can find. If you can spring for the ultimate mattress, a good option is the featherbed, or a memory foam. Then, to make your bed even more comfortable, there's the sheets and the comforters. To learn more about the blankets and other goodies to make the perfect bed, watch this Chatelaine video. Oh… and d...
How To: Clean hard water deposits in your kitchen or bathroom using home remedies
Hard water deposits suck, but have no fear, this video is here! This video is filled with some great home remedies, mostly involving white vinegar and lemons as a main ingredient. Clean off the sink, the dish washer, toilet and more!
How To: Preserve absorbency in cotton towels
Tired of your bathroom towels turning threadbare? Here's a helpful household hint: use diluted vinegar when you do laundry instead of fabric softener! This tip will keep your cotton towels absorbent and extend the life of the fabric.
How To: Create makeshift laundry detergent from a bar of soap and boiling water
If you need to save your money for bills, then this laundry tip will help keep the costs of laundry to a minimum. It's a really simple and cheap tip if you happen to be out of laundry detergent during a load. Simply grab a bar of soap and cut a third of it off. Then place it in a pot of boiling water and let dissolve for about ten minutes. When it's done, transfer it to a large bowl and stir for about thirty seconds. Then it's ready! Makeshift laundry detergent!
How To: Stop Bed Bugs from Entering Your Suitcase
To prevent bed bugs from entering your suitcase, you will need to pre-treat it, with diatomaceous earth. Bed bugs often hitchhike home with you when you stay overnight in hotels or on long trips. They will normally stow away in your suitcase. To prevent that from happening, dust your suitcase with a diatomaceous earth (DE) compound. For this, you will need a paintbrush, diatomaceous earth, and a large plastic bag. Sprinkle a little onto your suitcase, and use a dry paintbrush to spread the di...
How To: Use Phantom Insecticide to kill bed bugs
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn about Phantom Insecticide for bed bug control. You cannot buy this pesticide over the counter. You will need a license to purchase this. It is very effective in bed bug control. While evaluating a pest control company, check out whether they use this pesticide. It can take seven to fourteen days to kill a bug after it is exposed to this pesticide. So, if you are bitten by a bed bug after applying the pesticide, don't think that it is not wor...
How To: Kill bed bugs with a PackTite unit
A Pack Tite Unit is used to treat items that may be infested with bed bugs. It can be used to treat suitcases and other items that can't be easily washed in hot water. Be careful not to allow any items to touch the heating unit. Place your item in the center of the rack. Place the metal safety rack on top of your item. There are also side racks available. Zip it closed. Make sure it is zipped as far as it will go. This will kill bed bugs and eggs, because it will heat items up to 140 degrees....
How to Kill bed bugs: Climbup™ Insect Interceptor
The Climbup Insect Interceptor is a new monitor for the use of detecting bed bugs. This is a new monitor. It's a passive monitor. You can place the monitors underneath one of the legs of a sofa or bed or other suspicious piece of furniture. This will not rid your home of bed bugs. This is a way of letting you know where the infestation is or isn't. It is a monitor, but it does not control them. Once the bugs fall into the trap, they can't get out. You will need to properly dispose of them, af...
How To: Kill bed bugs using a vacuum
You can use a vacuum to help with bed bug management and control. Some bed bugs are tolerant and resistant to pesticides. So, spraying alone may not be a solution for you. In this case, a vacuum is a good tool. A vacuum alone will not solve all of the infestation problems. Vacuums aren't able to pull up all of the eggs on furniture.
How To: Understand & get rid of bed bugs
Bed bug management requires many levels of attack. Prevention is very important. You should never pick up discarded items on the street. Don't buy used or refurbished mattresses or furniture. Toss out vacuum bags.
How To: Protect yourself & your mattress from bed bugs
In this video, we learn how to protect yourself and your mattress from bed bugs. These bugs live in your bed and hide anywhere in your home and even hotels. To see if you have them, you will see blood stains on your mattress and look on your skin for any bites you may have. If you suspect you have them, you should call a professional to help take care of the problem. Check the edges and corners of your bed to see if you have been infested with bed bugs, and look at the label as well. Be caref...
How To: Kill bed bugs by using boric acid
Boric Acid is often used to treat or eradicate bedbugs. However, it doesn't work particularly well. It has to be ingested to kill them, but they don't necessarily consume it. There would need to be a bait that they can ingest that contains boric acid. Unfortunately, people are the bait that they respond to. Cockroaches, on the other hand, ingest it, because they clean themselves. Therefore, it gets ingested in that way.
How To: Get rid of bed bugs using a steam cleaner
In this video, we learn how to get rid of bed bugs using a steam cleaner. First, you will need to purchase a simple steam cleaner, which will produce steam that is hot enough to kill bed bugs. Now, take your steam cleaner and let it heat up for twenty minutes. Remove all your bedding items, including sheets and mattress covers. Grab your steam cleaner and steam all around the side of the bed until you have reached all of the spots. Go around the entire mattress as well as the box spring and t...
How To: Kill bugs in wall holes with Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth may be useful for killing bugs in walls. Light sockets and phone jacks provide a highway for bugs to travel from one infested room to another or one infested apartment or another. They also function as a hide-out for them during daytime hours, when they might be more visible.