Cleaning, furniture care

Hardwood floors can last for generations if they're cared for properly.

Unlike tile or laminate, you want to clean wood only when you really need to.

For regular maintenance, vacuum floors every day or two or use a floor duster.

When mopping a polyurethaned hardwood floor, you can clean the floors with water or a combination of 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon warm (not hot) water.

You can also use a wood-cleaning ...

If you've been avoiding spring-cleaning since the start of the season, you're not alone.

For most of us, the thought of steaming our carpets or cleaning out the crisper section of the refrigerator makes us want to crawl under the covers and wish for winter. Almost.

Since we all can use some extra motivation to get our rubber gloves on, we've rounded up the leading expert advice about how often you should clean everything and, more important, ...

Does your home have a mysterious bad smell? If you've already checked the fridge and your trash bins and can't find the source, it could be that you're in need of a carpet cleaning or carpet deodorizer.

Just like stains, carpet fibers can trap odors, making them linger in your home indefinitely.

If you think your carpet could be the problem, consider the possible sources of the odor.

Moisture or dampness

Sometimes, ...

Clean windows can make your home brighter and improve its overall appearance.

A professional window cleaning can also provide an early warning of potentially dangerous problems.

Here are some reasons you should consider hiring a professional window cleaning service to keep your windows sparkling and functional.

1. Saving time

Cleaning your windows can be a time-consuming project.

2. Spotting general problems ...

With proper care, a leather sofa can last for years - or even decades - but to keep it looking its best, you'll want to make sure it's free of dirt and stains.

If staining is minimal, you can clean your sofa or leather sectional with just a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth. You can make a cleaner by adding a few drops of moisturizing soap to a damp washcloth. Gently wipe off the cleaner and rinse with another damp washcloth. Buff with a dry washcloth. ...

Ah, spring cleaning. All the tasks you pushed aside earlier in the year now await you - a seemingly never-ending list of chores.

However, not everyone has the time or energy to scrub their house from top to bottom. For those who need to abbreviate this seasonal ritual, housecleaners say the following areas are the most essential:

Baseboards

I think the thing people have the hardest time keeping up with is the baseboards. ...