Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [cleaning]

For questions relating to the removal of dirt, debris and other unwanted foreign material from various surfaces and porous materials, including methods, tools and supplies, and expected results.

620 questions
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How do I remove polyurethane spray foam from my hands?

I should have worn gloves but sadly I didn't. Now I have yellow stuff all over my hands. I got most of the stickiness to go away by using WD-40. Is there anything that will get this off without giving me chemical burns?
Engineer2021
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In layman's terms how much pressure is 4000 psi?

4000 psi sounds like a lot. That's what some pressure washers can go up to. Just how much pressure is that? What are some real world examples that would help explain that kind of pressure?
Daniel Duckworth
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How do I get leftover tape stickiness off of plastic surfaces?

Okay...there's kind of a long story behind it, but I have left-over stickiness on the front of my alarm clock because it was bright, and I didn't notice a switch on it. It's from scotch tape that's been removed, and it's making the alarm clock…
Ullallulloo
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Is marijuana smoke worse for your house than tobacco smoke?

I live in Oregon, USA, and the state has recently legalized marijuana. I have a tenant who smokes daily. I've visited a few times and the home always smells of pot. I know how tobacco smoke can permeate a house. To be rid of tobacco smell you…
bitsmack
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Spray bottle w/ vinegar solution...eventually makes spray bottle not work...why?

I bought two spray bottles intending on using it for cleaning solutions. I filled one with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution for household cleaning. After a few weeks of use, the pumping action on the handle stopped working. I would squeeze the handle…
milesmeow
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5 answers

Cleaning large amounts of cat urine from an occupied house?

In a fit of altruism, I adopted five stray cats over a period of time. They came with some problems, which I expected, but two in particular have started something new: Urinating everywhere. It's like a contest. Floors, walls, cabinets,…
user1071914
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How can I remove stinky radiator water from a rug?

While I was away I had a radiator leak in my apartment, to the point water was leaking into the apartment downstairs. My rug absorbed most of it, and absolutely stinks. What would be the best way to clean out the rug, or is it beyond saving? I live…
Bill
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5 answers

How do I clean the oven really well?

I need to clean my kitchen's oven really well. It is electric, has a "grill" element on top, and a fan behind a grating which, apparently, cannot be removed. I tried with the spray products for ovens but I cannot reach every part of it, and I always…
Stefano Borini
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4 answers

How does central vacuum suction compare to regular vacuum?

We recently moved into a new home with central vac. The vacuum unit is in the garage, as is typically the case, and seems to be in good working condition. I cleaned the "bucket" underneath and made sure the grid inside is free of dirt/lint etc. It…
Pieter Venter
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2 answers

How do I clean up white dust and spots "blooming" on rubber?

I have a number of designer rubber hooks (Ikea) of varying colors hanging from the wall. The black and red hooks have white spots (not pictured) all over them. I have read that this whiteness appearing on the rubber over time is called "blooming"…
JoshDM
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Why do my clothes smell when I dry them outside on line but they are fine when tumble dried?

When I tumble dry my clothes they smell fine. When I line (outside) dry them they smell quite bad, a musty stale smell. In both instances they have been taken out of washing machine quite quickly after the cycle has finished and smell good coming…
DermFrench
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How do I replace an old Roomba's battery?

I've got an old iRobot Roomba "3100 Pro Elite" whose battery has died. A new Roomba is EUR 300 and upward, so I would prefer to revive the one I have. It's difficult (impossible?) to find replacement batteries in Austria (Europe), and they are so…
Torben Gundtofte-Bruun
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How to Remove Adhesive Residue from New Wooden Table?

I recently purchased and received a brand new black wooden coffee table which arrived with a sticker on top. I carefully removed the sticker itself but it left a adhesive or sticky residue. What can I use to remove this residue without leaving a…
Tony
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How to clean the LCD screen of the television?

Due to my carelessness the LCD screen of the television has developed a sticky layer on some areas. Can I clean it with a cloth and water? Or Any other (less expensive) solution for cleaning it? I don't know much about the chemicals available in the…
Aquarius_Girl
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What is the best way to polish an old brass bed?

I have an old brass bed frame with 15 years of tarnish and I've been trying to use Brasso, but the process is long and tedious. Does anyone know of an easier way to remove tough tarnish from brass?
Adam
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