Unexpected guests are always a pleasant surprise, but it always seems like someone decides to stop by when the house (or, in my case, apartment) is at it’s worst. Before shooing them out the door and off to the restaurant down the street, here are a few tips for whipping your house into shape in a jiffy.
more about: cleaning
One Kitchen Item You Should Always Hand Wash
The dishwasher will certainly save time and energy (if you’re lucky enough to have one!), but that convenience can come at a price for your good knives. A dishwasher’s high-pressure water jets can cause knife blades to knock against other utensils in the silverware basket, dulling and damaging them more quickly. Additionally, the heat of the drying cycle can […]
How to Clean an Iron
Cleaning an iron almost seems counter-intuitive. How could that burning hot device that you press against fresh laundry actually get dirty? But as frequent ironers know, the iron’s steam holes have a tendency to get caked up, and the plate itself can become tarnished by mineral deposits (which can stain your clothes). If your iron’s looking a little worse for […]
The Messy Doctor’s Office
A few weeks ago I went to see a new doctor who was recommended to me by one of my regular doctors. (I suppose you have reached a certain age when you can write “one of my regular doctors.” It’s not exactly like I’ve got a corps of doctors at the ready but, you know, it’s a growing list.) This […]
How to Clean and Deodorize Your Microwave
Microwave splatters are one of my least favorite things to clean. (Partially due to the fact that my microwave is on top of my refrigerator, and while I’m many things, I am not tall.) But luckily, most of this cleaning (and deodorizing) routine is hands-off. Cleaning 1. Combine 1 cup water & 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. […]
How to Spot Clean Your Sofa Cushions
If you end up with a spill or a stain on your upholstered furniture, use this trick to remove the stain without damaging the cushion underneath. Before you start treating the stain, unzip the cover and slip a plastic cutting board in between the fabric and the cushion. This will prevent the cushion from getting damp or stain from transferring […]
Trade in Your Electronics
If one of your devices got an upgrade this holiday season, don’t just toss the outdated one. You may be able to collect some cash by trading in your tech.
How to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree—which happens to be just a block from Real Simple’s office—is coming down in just a few days. We can’t even begin to imagine how to safely (not to mention neatly) dispose of an 80-foot Norway spruce, but we do have some tips for getting rid of the Douglas Fir in your living room. When you’re ready […]
