Clever Clarissa's Household Tips & Advice

How To Clean Curtains

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:53:00 +0000

Remove surface dust about once a month using a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment (reduce vacuum pressure, if possible, and go from top to bottom, paying special attention to the top and hem). If the curtains are washable, wash them by hand or by machine about once a year. If by hand, dry them lightly in the dryer and hang them up to finish drying. If by machine, remove any removable metal hook, use the delicate cycle and hang them up without drying. If the curtains are non-washable or lined, send them out to a specialized dry cleaner (the good ones will measure your curtains before and after).

How To Sweep a Chimney

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:52:07 +0000

Even though you may want to sweep your chimney yourself, I certainly don’t recommend it. Call in a professional chimneysweeper once a year if you use the fireplace regularly (or if you haven’t used it for a long time). Burn wood that has been dried for at least 6 months to minimize creosote build-up.

How To Clean An Antique Clock

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:49:26 +0000

Although there are ways to clean them, have your mantelpiece, wall or grandfather clock serviced every few years by a professional to avoid harmful dirt build-up. Regularly dust the exterior with a soft cloth.

How To Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:48:47 +0000

Clean your chandelier on a regular basis to avoid having to take down the crystals and wash them by hand. If the chandelier is not too dirty, wipe the frame and larger pieces with a soft cloth and go over the other parts with a soft white cotton glove sold in home improvement stores. If necessary, apply a vinegar & water solution and dry well to avoid watermarks.

How To Clean Cork

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:47:21 +0000

Cork flooring is usually coated with polyurethane; have heavily trafficked areas recoated by an expert every 2-3 years. After sweeping the surface, mop it with a quick-drying, alcohol-based no-wax floor cleaner using as little liquid as possible to avoid penetration at the seams. Remove spots on cork wall covering with an eraser or superfine sandpaper (0000) using with a very light hand. Spills/spots on uncoated cork floors and walls can also be left untreated, for a ‘distress’ look.

How To Clean Natural Cane, Bamboo, Or Other Vegetable Fibres

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:45:25 +0000

For regular upkeep, use your vacuum cleaner brush attachment. If necessary, wash using a mild detergent solution, rinse well and dry. Remove any stain as quickly as you can; some stains may be impossible to remove (consider painting the item). To firm-up a sagging cane seat, wet the underside thoroughly with a sponge and dry in the sun, if possible.

How To Clean Chrome

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:43:54 +0000

Chrome is a metal plated onto another metal; the plate of chrome can be very thin and there are imitations plated onto plastic. Wipe the surface with a moist cloth dipped in a solution of dishwashing liquid & warm water, rinse and dry/polish with a soft cloth. Remove stubborn spots with baking soda. Use acetone to remove plastic film that may have melted on a toaster/toaster-oven, keeping it well away from plastic parts. Baby oil applied with a soft cloth will restore lustre.

How To Clean Copper

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:42:03 +0000

Copper is sold lacquered and unlacquered. Clean decorative, lacquered copper with a dry cloth; use a damp cloth if the item is dirty. If the lacquer finish breaks down, remove it with acetone or a lacquer thinner. If the copper is unlacquered, as is copper cookware, ketchup (yes!) applied with a cotton cosmetic pad will make it gleam; a commercial copper cleaner is another option. To remove corrosion, wipe the item with salt moistened with a little white vinegar or rub it with a half lemon dipped in salt. Always use a soft cloth/sponge (to avoid scratching), rinse well and dry well. Never use bleach, oven cleaner or window cleaner. Remove the lacquered finish before using a pot for cooking.

How To Clean Bronze

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:41:40 +0000

Bronze is an alloy of copper with any other metal except zinc. The natural process of oxidation gives it a sought-after light green patina called ‘verdigris’; a faux-finish can be applied to various surfaces to give the same look. Remove surface dirt with a soft cloth and use a soft toothbrush to get into crevices and ornamental work. It is best not to use water. To keep real bronze shiny or remove the verdigris patina, use a specialized cleaner.

How To Clean Concrete (Outdoors)

Clarissa — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:40:48 +0000

Attend to serious stains, such as tire marks, grease and oil, as quickly as possible since concrete is a porous material. Sprinkle sand, dry cement or kitty litter over the stain, let it sit for an hour and then sweep up; in extreme cases, use a commercial degreaser. Once or twice a year wash the surface with warm water, scrub the stains with a soft non-metallic brush and rinse with the garden hose; add mild detergent, strong detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) to the warm water if plain water doesn’t do the job. You may be unable to remove stains that have seeped into the concrete. Don’t use harsh products or aggressive techniques on crumbly old concrete.