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Q

2 Questions........

Dallas, TX

1. how do i remove the grungy buildup on the bottom of my bathtub? i clean it weekly but just can't seem to get the bottom of the tub as white as the sides. i've used scrubbing bubbles which i love, but it's not working for this. And I also tried bleach but that didn't help either. 2. Where can i find books for cheap, either online or in store. I've looked at amazon & half price, but they either don't have what i'm looking for or it's too much. thanks!!!

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Q

Better,healthier Way to Clean

Jacksonville, GA

I was wondering if you ladies had any tips on using non-toxic products to clean my house. I would really like to cut back on the cleaning supplies that are harsh that i use. I now use vinagar and water to clean the floors and glass and windows. I use baking soda to scour the pots and clean the stove and fridge. I have visited some organic clening product sites but they are a little expensive. Any home-made solutions you have come up with that work? Thanks so much.

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Q

Chore List for Mom

Los Angeles, CA

does anyone have a cleaning list for moms? I researched and saw kids chore lists but not adult ones for a major house cleaning fest! Needing to get organized and get rid of the things I dont use. Please help!

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Q

Cleaning My Shower

Lakeland, FL

i have tried using bleach and i just bought grease lightning to see if these somewhat black stains would come off the shower floor and it didn't work,can anybody recommend something that will,my shower is made with tiles.

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Q

Cleaning Questions!!

Provo, UT

I have two big problems; One is blue ink pen on a white couch. Does anyone know how to get it out? This is blue writing ink, not marker. The other biggie is old dried up oil in carpet. At the time of the spill, I sopped it up with a towel, and got as much out as I could, but I couldn't get it all. It dried up (while tracking to other steps), and then I tried dishwashing liquid, and that seemed to clean it up pretty well, but weeks later, I still have the dirt and where I put the dishwashing liquid (line) show up! So, I guess the only thing to do is replace the carpet, is that right? thanks for your help!

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Q

Cleaning/Maid Services

San Francisco, CA

Hi everyone, I'm hosting my sister's bridal shower at my house in a few weeks and needless to say, with a new baby around, I haven't really been able to keep up with the housework :) Can anyone recommend their cleaning service/maid? Thanks!

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Q

Dyson Animal Vacuum Vs. Oreck???

Dallas, TX

hi-we are looking to buy a new vacuum cleaner and can not decide between the Dyson Animal or the Oreck XL. does anyone have any experience with either? pro/cons?? we have 2 dogs and a 5 year old and the Windtunnell just isn't cutting it any more! my husband is wanting a Rainbow, but i'm really now interested in a vacuum that cost as much as my 1st car!! any input appreciated!! thanx!

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Q

Dyson Vs. Infinity Vacuum

Minneapolis, MN

Hi. I have a 6 month old son and two cats. I'm looking for a good vacuum cleaner. I was wondering if anybody has an infinity and would you recommend it over the Dyson? I would love a Dyson but money is tight right now. My son is always on the floor and starting to scoot. I want to make sure all the cat hair is out of his way. PLEASE HELP me decide. Thank you!

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Q

Earth Friendly Cleaning Products

Chicago, IL

I am not super "Green", but am trying to do my part. I have decided that as my current cleaning products run out I will be replacing them with more earth (and people) friendly products. My first purchase has turned out to be not so good. I bought Wave dishwasher detergent and was not pleased with the results. A large portion had a haze of detergent that needed to be rinsed off, while others had to be completely washed again. All that extra soap and water really defeats the purpose! I know it is not my dishwasher because I used it yesterday with Cascade and the dishes were perfect. So what have you used that has worked or not...all cleaners, not just dishwasher detergent. Thanks!

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Q

Fire!!

Chicago, IL

Hi Mama's Hope someone out there can help me. Had a little "incident" over the weekend...ended up barbecuing more than our food! House interior is ok, except gaping hole in ceiling from water damage. My biggest problem is getting the smell of smoke out of everything. Just washed some towels, and they still stink. Am I going to have to toss everything out, or does anyone have any tips on removing the smell....detergents to use etc. Don't want to go around smelling like a campfire!!

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Q

Front Loads

Dallas, TX

All you ladies are great with all the experience and info you have, so I wanted to know if any of you have front load washer and dryers. What do you think of them? what brand did you get? is there anything on there that is a waste of money? something that you can't live without? thanks!

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Q

Frontloading Washer Recommendations

Tulsa, OK

Hi Ladies, I am planning to buy a front loading washing machine very soon. I have been doing some research and the options are a little overwhelming. There are so many brands and models. I'd love to know your experience. I need a 4.0 cf washer. Other than that, I am at a loss. Best Buy seems to have the best prices, on-line anyway.

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Q

Grout Cleaning Floors - Worth the Expense?

Dallas, TX

I am considering having Doug's Mighty Clean deep clean the grout in my kitchen, eating nook, laundry room, hall and 1/2 bath. Has anyone ever used this company before or any other company for grout cleaning? Is it worth the money - $.75/sq. ft.? Does it make a difference in the appearance of the rooms? My home is 10 years old and we don't want it to show it's age. Any advice?

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Q

Hand Washing Dry Cleanables

Mobile, AL

Hi all, I'm looking for advice from thrifty, environmently conscious folks out there. I'd like to start hand-washing my "dry clean only" sweaters because I'd like to avoid the chemicals and the cost! Before I dive in, do you have any tips? Can I throw them in the delicate cycle in my delicates bags and lay them out to dry, or should I really hand wash? Any fabrics I should absolutely not wash? I don't know if it makes any difference, but our washing machine is the old, top-loading style. Thanks for your tips! L.

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Q

HELP!! Grease Build-up on Stove Top and Wall Nearest Stove

Dallas, TX

Does anyone have a fool proof way of getting extra grease build-up off of surfaces? The major build-up is on the stove top which I would assume is steel or some other metal. And then the wall directly behind. The wall is painted with a flat enamel paint. I have tried so many different things. Most help, but none actually finish the job. Thank you for any advice. J.

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Q

help...with Potty Accidents

Chicago, IL

my son has been potty trained now for about a year and a half. we still geet the occational accidents though. last nite he crawled out of bed and onto my microfiber recliner. of coarse he peed all over it. he never woke me up but he changed his clothes and went back to bed.(smart kid) now i have to try and get the smell out. does anyone know of anything i can use that is alreaddy in the house? the reclines is a red color so i can't use anything too harsh. please help.. thank you

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Q

House Cleaner Available

Dallas, TX

I am looking for weekend or afternoon cleaning work. I need to make a little extra money and Im really good at doing the dirty work. If anyone needs a little help with those little things they just dont want to do please let me know and I would be glad to do it.

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Q

Housekeeping

Provo, UT

I would like to have someone come into my home every other week to do some basic cleaning (bathrooms/floors, etc) and I would love some recommendations from other Moms who have someone that does a good job at a resonable price. Any information would be helpful. Thanks--

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Q

How Do I Get Lipstick Out of Clothes and What's a Good Plug in Air/room Freshner

Dallas, TX

My little girl found lipstick in my purse--and it ended up all over her shorts!! Can I just throw it in the machine or do I need to pretreat the lipstick mess,and with what(shout,detergent,baking soda,etc?) Also, I live in an older home,it's about 30+yrs,and having hard time keeping it smelling fresh..I use carpet powder when I vaccuum and light candles..With both it's either to strong or not lasting..And with mommy brains,I do not light the candles often in fear that I will leave the candle lit when I leave or when we take naps. Does anyone have any suggestions for plug in air/room freshners that works and that are light in smell and not so overpowering. I've used stick-ums and it just freshened the small space it was in if that. thanks so much!!!

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Q

How Do You Keep Your Clothes in like New Condition?

Austin, TX

Hi, ladies. I do have basic laundry knowledge. I seperate colors, wash darks in cold and I never put the baby clothes in the dryer(there is always a stain I miss). However, I have noticed that other people's clothes are softer, brighter and just look newer than our clothes. I just thought it was part of having children but, we have received some hand me downs from my sister-in-law and they look like they have never been worn. What is the secret? I have been doing laundry since I was 10yrs old and I think I missed something. Also, does anyone know how to get baby carrot food out of clothing? I've tried oxy clean and the stain stick. Thanks.

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Q

How Do You Keep Your Home Clean?

Dallas, TX

My question may not be clear so I will explain. There was another post about housekeeping, how much to pay, etc. but what I didn't see was how often the house keeper come if paid every two weeks? 5 days a week or just once a week? With 3 kids under the age of 7 years old, it really takes up a lot of my time to do laundry, fold clothes, put away clothes, clean the rooms, etc wash dishes, put away dishes, etc. and I have always wanted to have a housekeeper just to do those stuff on a daily basis for up to 2 hours (5 days a week, 2 to 3 hours in the mornings) since my husband and I also run a business so a lot of times, the chores get behind, etc. I take care of the phone calls, schedule appointments, etc and it varies from day to day. We used to have someone to come in every 2 weeks to do major cleaing, but we've been tight with money lately so we've had to cut back. Some days I have more free time than others. I have "projects" that I've been wanting to do but have never been able to get to it because something is always needed to be taken care of. I do the best I can to keep up with the chores, but it can be exhausting too with 3 kids and a business to run. I'm curious what would it cost to have a housekeeper just do the chores and light cleaning for 5 days a week 2 to 3 hours? L.

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Q

How Do You Store Those Gift Bags?

Dallas, TX

We just moved, and I've got a whole bunch of those gift bags for various holidays and special events that I don't know how to store. I made a trip to The Container Store and they have a hanging organizer that looked pretty neat but I don't have a good closet to hang that in. Do you have any good tips or ideas on how to store them so they don't get bent or ruined before I need to use one? I would love to hear your ideas.

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Q

How to Clean Black Tarnished Copper Vent Hood

Killeen, TX

My sister just moved into an older house and is trying to fix some things up. She has a vent hood that is made out of copper but it is sooo tarnished that it is black. She has tried "Brasso" and "Maas" as well as some other suggestions like ketchup. None of them seem to work on this extent of tarnishing. Does anyone have any suggestions or products they have tried that work? Thanks so much.

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Q

How to Disinifect Leather Couch?

Detroit, MI

Hello, my entire family was struck with the stomach flu the other day and both of my kids had vomited on our new leather couch. I admit to using Clorox wipes to disinfect the areas, but I know that if I use Clorox or Lysol wipes again, the leather will most likely dry out and crack. I'm pretty sure the vomiting is done (then again, I never know with my 21 month old daughter who has been VERY sick), but I'd still like to disinfect all of our furniture if possible (as I will be disinfecting the entire house!). We have family coming over next week and I'd like to lessen their risk of catching this terrible virus. Does anybody know of a safe way I can disinfect leather? Does vinegar or baking soda work? What do you use? Thank in advance! D.

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Q

How to Get Paint Out of Clothes

Denver, CO

My kids painted a Home Depot project. My husband bought rustoleum paint to paint with. I covered them in his old shirts - so you could hardly see the kid, but somehow they still got paint on their clothes. Other than kicking myself for going along with using that type of paint (cause I can't change it now), any ideas on how to get it out? I have tried scrubbing. Washing with lots of cleaning spray. Scrubbing with alcohol and nail polish remover. Thanks for any thoughts (again, admittedly I was having an off day that day) H.

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Q

How to Get T-shirts Softer and Athletic Socks Whiter?

Dallas, TX

Hi! Does anyone have a suggestion on how to make cotton t-shirts softer--other than Downy or other fabric softners? Some of my t-shirts are soft on their own, but I like to work out in the cheap Old Navy and Wal-Mart patriotic shirts. They're not so soft. Also, I need to whiten a bunch of athletic socks. Any suggestions besides bleach? Thank you so much!!!

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Q

In Need of a House Cleaner

Dallas, TX

I am disappointed in my current cleaner. She calls and reschedules the day before she is to come. This occurs frequently (probably the last 5 times she has been scheduled to come). I have read about Betty on this site, and have also read that she is booked up! Does anyone else have someone they can recommend? I live in Plano. I do my best at keeping the house picked up while chasing a 21 month old live wire. I just need help with the fun stuff like toilets etc. ; ) Thank you so much for your input. K.

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Q

Laundry Question

San Francisco, CA

Here is my dumb question of the day and I thought there is no better place to ask it then on this site: I was on the phone with my girlfriend this morning while putting a load of whites in the laundry which includes my husband and 8 year old sons dirty, crusty, stinky white socks. I made the comment to her that I hate washing whites because it means I have to stick my hand in their 'icky' sock to turn it the right side out (being they are always inside out). She asked me why I bother doing this because it doesnt make a difference if they are inside out or not as they will get just as clean either way. I replied I wanted to make sure the outsides of the socks were clean (as that is where they are dirtiest) so I turned them the right way before washing. As silly as this sounds (and yes, I have bigger things to worry about) I have found my self wondering am I wasting my time turning their socks the right side out before doing laundry? Does anyone else do this?

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Q

Looking for Help

Chicago, IL

Does anyone know a person I can hire to help me get my house in order?? I don't mean a regular cleaning person. I need someone to help organize, throw out, etc. We have too much stuff and I not good at organizing. We have a big party soon and I would like to make a fresh start.

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Q

My Daughter Wrote All over a Laptop Screen with Ink

Dallas, TX

Two year olds can not be left alone for even one minute!!! My sister left her laptop on the table for a minute and when she came back my daughter had written with a pen all over it. I really can't afford to buy her a new laptop but we can't seem to get the ink off. Does anyone have any tips on what we could do? What we could try to get the ink off? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

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Q

Need Help with Labels for Boys Drawers

Dallas, TX

Hi, My husband and I are currently expecting our third child. We decided to have our boys (a 2 yr old and 10 mo old) share a room. I have consolidated their clothes into one chest of drawers. I would really like some cute picture labels that I could put on each drawer so that everyone in the family will know who's stuff is in which drawer. I thought the pictures might be nice for when my oldest starts picking out his clothes and dressing himself. If anyone has any good ideas about this please let me know. Thanks!!

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Q

Ring Around the Tub

Sacramento, CA

We just moved into a house about 3 months ago. My daughters bathroom seems to get ring around the tub really easy. I was cleaning all the time. This last month I've skipped a couple cleanings (since i'm later in my pregnancy it becomes harder to lean over and clean) and now i cant get it out at all. Does anyone have any suggestions. Anything would help. Dont worry about fumes I'll make my husband clean it. I just wwant it gone.

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Ring Around the Washer!

Chico, CA

Hi ladies! I have a brown ring (like soap scum, but dirty) around the agitator of my washing machine since I washed some very dirty area rugs (gotta love mud!). Aside from scrubbing and scrubbing, is there anything you know that will remove the scum? Can I run an empty load with vinegar without hurting the machine? Thanks in advance for your advice.

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Q

Seeking Good Vacuum

Dallas, TX

My husband and I are moving into a new apartment with pergo hardwood floors. I am looking for a good, quiet vacuum. We have an 11 month old so alot of food will be spilled on the floor so I need something that will pick up big stuff too. Any suggestions?

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Q

Seeking Housekeeper in McKinney

Dallas, TX

Hi moms! I'm looking for a housekeeper I can trust, who is thorough and dependable. I have a 3 yr old son and a 5 month old daughter and I'm getting overwhelmed. I know about FLY lady, but I really have my hands full w/ the kids and need a once a week cleaning. It would be great if the person I find is also helpful w/ organizing, too. I also need a babysitter from time to time, but that's another category! Thanks for your help! God bless, Stephanie

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Q

Shark Steam Mop

Houston, TX

Hello . . .I know I am SOOOOO 44 years old to be excited about a steam mop . . but I had to recommend this to moms - especially ones with crawling babies! My kids got me the Shark Steam mop for my birthday - (I had asked for something more like an electric broom) and was hesitant - but I LOVE this thing, especially since ALL THREE of my boys love to use it to mop my tile floors! It cleans with hot steam and dries almost immediately, and you toss the pad (that velcros on the bottom) into the washer. NO lugging a bucket, or rinsing the mop, or waiting for floors to dry. It SANITIZES and just feels SO CLEAN - and I wish I'd had one when my babies were crawling. I am going to start giving them to new moms as a shower gift! A little pricey - (Mine was from Kohls and was $92, so if I was buying myself I'd watch for a sale .) Just wanted to let you know! Have any of you used this? I love mine!

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Q

Sick Smell Won't Go Away!

Portland, WA

Hey there! So my daughter got a stomach bug this last week, and threw-up in a few places. One of those places was her carseat, and two other places are carpeted areas in my house. I have cleaned with Oxy Clean carpet cleaner and sprinkled baking soda then vacuumed. The smell is still in the carseat and the carpet! I would love to not have this smell in my house anymore! Any ideas on how to get rid of the smell? Oh, and also...her carseat cover is attached to her carseat, and it doesn't come off, so I can't just wash it! Thank you so much!

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Q

Stain Removal on Baby Clothes

Johnson City, TN

Hi ladies! I know there have been posts similar to this before. I was able to find one. Most suggested peroxide. Tried it...no luck! Most of the stains on my babies clothes are from supper. Things like carrots and sweet potatoes or the regurgitation of them! I tried the peroxide, todally toddler spray, gel stain remover with the scrub brush, warm and cold water and different combos of all of these things. I use dreft or store brand baby detergent. I'm at my wits end! I feel like the majority of my days cleaning time is spent doing stain removal! I need something that works great the first time around and that isn't going to irritate my baby. Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom!

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Q

Stair Friendly Vacuum Needed!

Houston, TX

My vacuum has officially bit the dust-no pun intended! I would love to find a new one that is more user friendly. I have seen them with attachments that make cleaning the stairs easier, but can't remember who made it. If you have a vacuum that you love, I would love to hear about it. I have read through most of the other postings on vacuums, but have not seen any mention of stairs. I really appreciate your help! Thanks.

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Q

Stinky Vacuum???

Detroit, MI

we have a vacuum that is about 5 years old. Even when I change the bag the vaccum is still very smelly. Does anyone know what I can do to make the vacuum smell better? Or can yu recommend a new vacuum taht will not get smelly. I think the dyson would probably work but it is very expensive.

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Q

Vacuum Cleaners

Dallas, TX

We need a GOOD new vacuum cleaner that is very inexpensive. Any suggestions? We have a Bissel, but it didn't work very well (only had it about 2 years, and it's dead now). Something very dependable but inexpensive. THANKS!

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Q

Vacuum Cleaners

Dallas, TX

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced (under $200) HEPA Filtration vacuum that uses bags (allergist recommends bags over containers) that does a good job of cleaning your floors (also would be great if versatile from carpert to tile / wood floors)? Thanks!

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Q

Washing Machine Creating Stains on Clothes

Dallas, TX

We have a high efficiency washing machine for about three years. Recently, I have noticed that when I wash light colors some (not all) of the clothes in the machine, most times, leaves brown marks on my clothes. I do not know how to stop the stains from happening nor do I know how to remove the stains once they happen. If any of you can share some insight into what may be causing the problem I would greatly appreciate it. Please help, a lot of good clothes are being stained??????

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Q

What Can I Use to Remove Cat Urine Smell?

Houston, TX

I just noticed that my cat urinated on something that was on my couch and because my couch is microfiber, it rolled right off the cushion and landed on the base of the couch. I can wash my cushion covers, but what can I use to removed the smell from the base fabric? I have tried a pet stain/odor cleaner made for carpet and furniture, but it has just added a chemical smell along with the urine smell. The stain is not fresh, as it was dry when I found it (probably a day or two old). I do have a little steamer that I use to clean the bathroom, but I am not sure if it will remove the smell or make it more noticeable. Any advice would be nice. I am not worried about ruining the color of the base fabric, as it is gray and never seen. Thank you in advance.

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Q

What Household Products Make Life a Lot Easier for You?

Chicago, IL

Hi Everyone, Are there any products you use around the home that you would definitely recommend to others? I'm talking about products that you will not buy any other brand even if another brand has a really good sale going one. I thought maybe we could help each other out a little so we don't have to waste anymore time and money buying products that aren't really good. Okay.... I'll share two products with you: The first is Gorilla Glue. I thought it had a silly name, but I gave it a try and discovered how many uses it has for around the house. To give you an idea on how strong the glue is.... I pulled the bottom part of my microwave handle off and I used this glue and it's still stuck together after a year of gluing. Another example.... I'm really impressed with how this glue has held my gate post together. The wood cracked at the bottom and the post was in two pieces. Due to this glue, my gate is still together since last spring. Just make sure to use a little for your projects. Otherwise, it will foam and run down the sides of the object if you do. It really works, and the brand name has "stuck" with me. :) The other household product I just love is Shout to remove laundry stains. BUT..... wait read on so you buy the right one. It has to be the red spray bottle. (I can only find this bottle in a small size.) It says on the bottle removes 70% more..... and it says gel on the bottle. It comes out "gel like" when you spray. Anyway, I am so happy to have found this particular stain remover product. It really makes life easier in the laundry department. I have removed various stains with it! If you spray the stained clothing within a couple of days and wash it, you'll probably get good results. The best part is there is no rubbing and wearing out the clothes. You just spray the area and let it be for 5 minutes and wash. I have sprayed and waited even a few days before washing, and I still get good results. So.... now it's your turn. Are you a walking/talking commercial for any household products?

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Q

What Is Your Favorite Hard Floor Cleaner?

Dallas, TX

We are moving (hopefully into the house we LOVE in a few weeks) The main living areas are handscraped hardwood floor and tile; only the bedrooms are carpet. So, i need a good hard floor cleaner- mop/broom/etc.. What is your favorite hard floor cleaner? Hoover's spinscrub, cordless impulse, Bissel's flip-it or flip it select hard? Or just a Swiffer? A steam mop? Any other advice is appreciated!! Thank you!!

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Q

White Sheets

Dallas, TX

Moms I need help cleaning my sheets. I have two pairs of 1200 thread count, sateen sheets that are white (well they used to be). I switch the sheets out weekly and try to stay on top of keeping them white, but they are three years old now and the fitted sheets are looking a little ragged. My husbands blue boxers left blue color stains on them, my daughter has over the years spilt things on them and now they look awful. The tag says so not bleach, but I need help. I always wash them with Tide and some Oxy Clean but they are still a mess. Do any mom's have tips on how to make my sheets look new again. I am counting on your moms, you always have good advise.

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