Tackle Tough Cleaning Tasks

Professional tips to save you time and effort

Rust stains, pet hair, soap scum - some things around the house are just hard to clean. We talked to professional house cleaners to get the inside track on how to tackle tough cleaning tasks.

Tip 1: Scum-Proof Your Shower Door
Soap scum, mildew and mold can be difficult to remove from shower doors. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser ($1) will get between cracks on textured glass doors to remove grime. Use a razor blade to scrape away any stubborn buildup. Then, apply a glass treatment product that increases water repellency (check your local auto parts store or home center) to prevent streaks and buildup.

Get 9 more professional cleaning secrets »

DIY Car Cleaning and Detailing

Get a quality result without a hefty price tag

Tip 1: Finish-Friendly Wash
While dishwasher soap is great for cutting grease and grime, it actually sucks important oils out of your car's finish. Treat your vehicle right and use a cleaner formulated especially for cars (check your local auto parts store). Then, fill a second bucket with clean water. Use the clean water to rinse your wash mitt before reloading with soapy water. This extra step rids the wash mitt of dirt and grit that could scratch the finish as you wash. When you're done, toss the mitt in your washing machine to get it completely clean.

6 more tips to make your car look just-like-new »

Care for Your Carpet

Cleaning tips to double its life

Tip 1: Defeat Dirt
Dirt particles damage carpet fibers by making tiny nicks in the yarn, wearing the fibers down over time and dulling its sheen. Vacuum floors often, targeting high-traffic and entrance areas. Take your time - two slow passes over a high traffic area will be more effective than several speedy ones. Set your vacuum to the right height for your carpet by raising it to its highest setting, turning it on and lowering it until you feel the vacuum try to tug itself forward. You'll remove dirt and save your carpet from unnecessary damage.

See 3 more carpet-saving strategies »

Do you have a great tip to share?

We’re always looking for great tips and we’ll pay $100 for any we publish in The Family Handyman magazine. Submit your tip »