Get that wine stain out: Easy corner-cutting cleaning tips
You're setting the table for a dinner party and notice that a piece of silverware needs some more polishing. No need to break out the silver polish again.
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute says applying a little toothpaste on a slightly moistened silver piece will remove light tarnish without damaging the surface.
"Use a basic, non-gel toothpaste," said product analyst Christina Peterson. "A toothpaste that has other chemicals and additives, like whiteners, could otherwise be too harsh for the surface."
If you've already squeezed the last of the dish soap, a teaspoonful of liquid laundry detergent will cut grease on these dishes just as well. Even powdered detergent will work. Just be sure it's fully dissolved in the water before adding the dishes.
Carpet spills can be removed with an oil-free makeup-removing wipe. After you've blotted up the spill with a paper towel, use the wipe to blot on the carpet, turning the wipe as it absorbs the stain.
"In our tests, the facial wipe worked great at removing the fresh red wine without leaving a residue on the carpet," Peterson said.
And shampoo is gentle enough to use on your hand-wash delicates. Pre-treat any stains with a drop of shampoo. Then, add a pea-size dollop to a sink of cold water. Wash, rinse and dry as usual. But skip the conditioner. And you'll see that the stain is all gone!
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute says applying a little toothpaste on a slightly moistened silver piece will remove light tarnish without damaging the surface.
"Use a basic, non-gel toothpaste," said product analyst Christina Peterson. "A toothpaste that has other chemicals and additives, like whiteners, could otherwise be too harsh for the surface."
If you've already squeezed the last of the dish soap, a teaspoonful of liquid laundry detergent will cut grease on these dishes just as well. Even powdered detergent will work. Just be sure it's fully dissolved in the water before adding the dishes.
Carpet spills can be removed with an oil-free makeup-removing wipe. After you've blotted up the spill with a paper towel, use the wipe to blot on the carpet, turning the wipe as it absorbs the stain.
"In our tests, the facial wipe worked great at removing the fresh red wine without leaving a residue on the carpet," Peterson said.
And shampoo is gentle enough to use on your hand-wash delicates. Pre-treat any stains with a drop of shampoo. Then, add a pea-size dollop to a sink of cold water. Wash, rinse and dry as usual. But skip the conditioner. And you'll see that the stain is all gone!