How to Clean

Are you ready to tackle the cleaning jobs in your house? Whether it's your floor or your washing machine, we are here to help you with step-by-step instructions of exactly how and what you'll need to do to get started. Check out our DIY video tutorials, discussion boards, slideshows, and top cleaning projects. Welcome to Hometalk. Happy cleaning!

What do you want to clean?

Top Projects for Cleaning

Check out our top DIY cleaning projects. Your house will be sparkling in no time.

Removing Tough and Odd Stains

Stains can be such a challenge to remove and I put some to the test. Here are a few ways I found to remove these stains with inexpensive and easy to find ingredients. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

How to Clean Your Front Loader Washing Machine

Like all things that have anything to do with water, if you are not keeping your washing machine clean and dry, the smells will come- and let me tell you those smells won’t be pretty. Just like stripping your laundry, your washing machine needs to be deep cleaned too. Over time, washing machines build up sludge from detergents, fabric softeners, and different fibers from our clothing. This sludge then gets trapped in a warm, damp machine.

Adrienne Carrie Hubbard | Crafty Little Gnome

Easy Toilet Fizzy Bombs

Everyone loves a clean toilet, right? And no one likes cleaning their toilet, right? If you answered "wrong" you're invited to visit me and scrub anytime. If you said "right" you're in luck, my dear, 'cause I have THE BEST solution. These fizzy toilet bombs are easy to make and will look cute sitting in a jar on your toilet.Bonus: These double as laundry cleaners! Scroll down to the end for that little trick!

Elena K, Hometalk Team

DIY Natural Toilet Cleaner + 6 Bathroom Toilet Cleaning Tips

Make an all-natural toilet cleaner + 6 places you're NOT cleaning at your bathroom toilet! Time to step up spring cleaning!

Raising Whasians

DIY Dust Removal Guide: How to Effortlessly Banish Dust

Hi everyone, and welcome to my guide on dust removal! Dusting is one of those tasks that can be really annoying, but it's essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home.Did you know that the dust that builds up in your home, like on your upholstered furniture, fans, and floors, can contain dust mites that can cause pesky allergies and asthma? Plus, let's be real, nobody likes a dusty and unsightly home.This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

3 Non-Toxic Household Ingredients to Unclog Your Drain in 4 Easy Steps

The only time I remember to clean the drains is when water starts going down slowly. Then I freak out! (Plumbers are one of the least favorite people in my “contacts” list.) Sounds familiar? But keeping the drain clean ’n smooth is easier than you think: All you need to do is to use a couple of my two favorite cleaning ingredients regularly. So. Ready to save some money on plumbing? Read on to find out how to unclog a bathroom sink or tub!

Elena K, Hometalk Team

How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Shower Caulking

If you don't want to take the time and the expense to remove and replace your shower or bathtub caulking that is currently moldy, then this is a great way to remove the mold and mold stains that is very affordable and easy! Plus, it works amazing!

Katelyn Fagan

How to Quickly Clean Your House From Top to Bottom

You’d love to know how to quickly clean your house, but it’s easier just to daydream about it, right? It’s more simple than you think with the right tools and supplies—and a plan.No matter how large or small your home is, there is a way to declutter and de-grime without breaking too much of a sweat. It’s important to know that a quick cleaning session and a deep cleaning session require similar tools and supplies, but different plans of attack.Our guide will give you the best ideas and three simple cleaning plans to make your home sparkle, along with some DIY cleaning solution recipes using common household items for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to run to the store.

Marilyn Syarto

Cleaning Yellowing Pillows (and More)

I have washed pillows in the past but my latest challenge was to not only clean them but also whiten them. Our pillows, pillow covers, and mattress pads turn yellow over time due to our body oils, sweat, etc. I tried a few different techniques and wanted to share my results. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

How to Clean Down Pillows

My sister got me hooked on down pillows. It was after I noticed the poly-foam-filled pillows in the wash cycle. When the pillows were immersed in water the pillow fill resembled the underside of the carpet pad of a twenty-five-year-old, damp basement carpet.With that visual in my head that cannot be undone, I was done with those mystery fill pillows.

Everyday Edits

DIY Natural Toilet Cleaner + 6 Bathroom Toilet Cleaning Tips

Make an all-natural toilet cleaner + 6 places you're NOT cleaning at your bathroom toilet! Time to step up spring cleaning!

Raising Whasians

DIY Dust Removal Guide: How to Effortlessly Banish Dust

Chas' Crazy Creations

3 Non-Toxic Household Ingredients to Unclog Your Drain in 4 Easy Steps

Elena K, Hometalk Team

How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Your Shower Caulking

Katelyn Fagan

How to Quickly Clean Your House From Top to Bottom

Marilyn Syarto

Cleaning Yellowing Pillows (and More)

Chas' Crazy Creations

How to Clean Down Pillows

Everyday Edits

Slideshows of cleaning projects for everything from your dishwasher to your gutter.

Cleaning Videos

Watch our step-by-step DIY video tutorials on how to clean your house.

Stencil Powerwash Hack

Chas' Crazy Creations

6 Dryer Sheet Hacks; The Secret to Effortless Cleaning

The humble dryer sheet can do so much more than just soften and scent our clothes. These versatile laundry supplies have many other uses around the home, and today I'm going to share some clever dryer sheet hacks to keep your house clean and fresh.This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

Dusting Hacks

Chas' Crazy Creations

Clean your stovetop and greasy cabinets like a PRO!

12/5/2019 19:00:00

Chas' Crazy Creations

Hometalkers' Favorite Cleaning Projects

We've gathered he best cleaning projects on Hometalk. Take a look!

Easy Grout Cleaner (and Swiffer Hack) for Under $8

If you’ve read my other posts, you know by now I’m into DIY green cleaners: easy to make using household ingredients. I’m sure you’ll also notice I like to reuse and upcycle. Why purchase a new swiffer when I can turn the old into new? With that in mind, I decided to tackle a long due bathroom project: A DIY Tile & Grout Green cleaner to make my floors shine again! Read on to learn how to make yours.

Elena K, Hometalk Team

7 Money Saving Cornstarch Cleaning Hacks for a Spotless Home

If you're looking for an affordable and non-toxic way to keep your home clean and fresh, look no further than your pantry! Cornstarch, a common kitchen ingredient, can be used in many surprising ways to keep your home looking and smelling great.This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Theartge

DIY 3-Ingredient Tub and Tile Cleaner

Cleaning your home doesn't have to be toxic! This easy and inexpensive tub and tile cleaner cleans just as effectively as commercial products - without the addition of harsh chemicals. And, it smells great too!7-9-17 Update: This project is no longer published on To Work with My Hands. Proportions are included below.

To Work With My Hands

Homemade Grout Stain Remover

Today we are sharing with you are wonderful two ingredient grout stain remover! Perfect for basic grout cleaning, but also stains, mold or mildew.

Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet

Vinegar Cleaning Gel (Great for Showers and Tubs)

Do you love cleaning with vinegar, but need a product that will more easily stay on surfaces such as shower walls? All it takes is two ingredients from the kitchen to make this gel cleaner.

Kimberly Button

The Most Effective Homemade Cleaner In My Arsenal

Until you've tried this cleaning solution, you don't *really* know how clean your tub or shower can actually look!

Jillee

Easy Grout Cleaner (and Swiffer Hack) for Under $8

Elena K, Hometalk Team

7 Money Saving Cornstarch Cleaning Hacks for a Spotless Home

Theartge

DIY 3-Ingredient Tub and Tile Cleaner

To Work With My Hands

Homemade Grout Stain Remover

Today we are sharing with you are wonderful two ingredient grout stain remover! Perfect for basic grout cleaning, but also stains, mold or mildew.

Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet

Vinegar Cleaning Gel (Great for Showers and Tubs)

Do you love cleaning with vinegar, but need a product that will more easily stay on surfaces such as shower walls? All it takes is two ingredients from the kitchen to make this gel cleaner.

Kimberly Button

The Most Effective Homemade Cleaner In My Arsenal

Until you've tried this cleaning solution, you don't *really* know how clean your tub or shower can actually look!

Jillee

Popular Cleaning Discussions

Visit our popular discussions on how to clean your whole house.

How to get this big water stain out of my couch?

/> Teresa Williams

I have a big water stain from a cloth my daughter placed on the arm of the chair. I tried getting it out as you can see it got worse. Any ideas on how to clean my couch?

How to get this big water stain out of my couch?

View discussion

How can I clean burnt sugar off glass stove top?

/> Megquinn

I was boiling sugar and water on the stove and it boiled over on my glass stovetop, and of course immediately hardened. Now I can't get burnt sugar on the glass stove top off and it is ruined! I tried glass top cleaner but it made no difference :(. Help, does anyone know how to get burnt sugar off stove top?

View discussion

Removing melted plastic from oven racks and oven interior

/> Beth

I had been storing plastic bins in my oven and then, without thinking (obviously). I turned on the oven. There was plastic melted over the racks, coils, and floor. How do I remove the plastic without damaging the oven?

Removing melted plastic from oven racks and oven interior

View discussion

Black scratch marks on sink

/> Vicki Wagner

We have a new white porcelain sink and somehow someone made marks that look like scratches, but you can't feel them, it's just that they are visible. I have tried everything to clean them, but nothing works.

View discussion

New Cleaning Projects

New cleaning projects from Hometalk. Get that home sparkling!

Aluminum Foil Life Hacks

This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.Today we're gonna talk about aluminum foil or tin foil hacks and these hacks are perfect for anyone with a roll of foil in their house. You can see more of my crazy creations here

Chas' Crazy Creations

10 Magic Eraser Hacks That Will Transform Your Cleaning Routine!

Whether you are new to Magic Erasers or have used them before, today I am going to blow your mind with a variety of ways to use this multipurpose tool. These Magic Eraser hacks are quick and easy and will most definitely make cleaning a lot more bearable. You can see more of my crazy creations hereThis post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Chas' Crazy Creations

The 6 Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners Money Can Buy

By Corrie PelcDespite how busy our lives can get, dirt doesn't seem to care. And whether it be commonplace dust bunnies, kids leaving trails of food crumbs, or pets and their never-ending hair, sometimes it would be nice if the dirt would just go ahead and clean itself!With robot vacuum cleaners, that wish can be pretty much granted. And there’s even better news — with robot vacuum cleaners having now been around for quite a few years, the technology has gotten better and smarter, meaning they last longer, clean better, and no longer get stuck under furniture or banging endlessly into walls. Some robot vacuums on our list can even learn the layout of your home, allowing you to tell them exactly what room you want cleaned and where to stay away from (if only kids were that simple to program!).And splurging on a robot vacuum cleaner doesn't have to mean spending big bucks as well — efficient robot vacuums can be purchased for as little as $200 if not less during great sales. Just remember you pay for what you get — more expensive robot vacuum cleaners will come with less fancy bells and whistles such as smart home connectivity, self-cleaning bases, and the ability to tell the vacuum exactly where in your house you want it to clean, and even when. So when budgeting for your robot vacuum, keep in mind what’s most important to you.

Hometalk Product Reviews

How to Clean Battery Corrosion, Which Isn't as Scary as You Think

By Sharon BrandweinAt some point in your life, you’ve probably opened a remote control to change the batteries only to find that they have corroded inside the battery compartment. Yes, bad things happen to good people, but this isn’t one of them.The truth is, battery corrosion is a fact of life for alkaline batteries, and while it may look a bit gnarly in there, corrosion isn’t the death knell of your device. With a few pantry and household staples, you can clean a corroded battery and get your devices back up and running in no time. This guide will show you how!

How-To Guides

How to Clean Stained Glass So It Looks Good As New

By Judy SchumerStained glass windows add breathtaking beauty to your home. You can acquire these works of art anywhere from a local artisan to an auction house specializing in vintage salvaged pieces.No matter where you get it from, stained glass needs special care. If you use the wrong cleaning methods, you’ll do far more damage to the piece than you would have if you left it dirty. You also don’t want to leave grime and dirt on the stained glass and have it work its way to the leaded framework, which can lead to corrosion.Learn how to safely clean stained glass to keep it sparkling for many years to come with this guide; you’ll not only learn how to clean stained glass, but we'll also walk through the telltale signs that your glass needs a good cleaning and how to remove corrosion from the framework.

How-To Guides

How to Remove Double-Sided Tape Stuck on Household Surfaces

By Marilyn SyartoIt’s inevitable that you’ll likely break or chip a few of your fingernails trying to fully remove double-sided tape from surfaces such as wood, wallboard, metal, glass, or plastic. Double-sided tape—which is a tape that has glue on both sides—can be ideal in many situations when you want to join two surfaces without using nails, staples, or tacks. Or, maybe you’re trying to repair broken latches or secure a rug to the floor.There are a few types of double-sided tape, including sticky cellophane tape, double-sided tape specialized for carpet, outdoor tape, and double-sided foam tape. Each is equally frustrating when trying to cleanly remove the high-tack material.One thing that can make double-sided tape tougher to remove is its exposure to high heat in the summer or in hot environments. The heat makes the adhesive dry out, which cements the tape to the surface it’s on. Luckily, there are a few proven techniques for how to remove double-sided tape that’ll make this job easier to tackle. We’ll cover all of those ways in this guide, so read on!

How-To Guides