Last week’s project was a two-parter. Which, by the way, that smudge hunt was pretty satisfying, wasn’t it? Especially if you have kids of any age living at home. It’s kind of impressive how much just getting rid of that stuff we don’t typically notice can brighten up a room. It might not be as … Read more
Over the last ten weeks, we’ve tackled the majority of the public areas of your home and last week, your digital life may have endured a deep clean, too. This week isn’t exactly an off week, but it IS a lighter one, as it serves a purpose. You’re going to use a little more mental … Read more
Sorry, my oldest son has been playing football for twelve years. Sports references now slip in whether I want them to or not. It’s been one heck of a year, and we are not quite done with everything COVID has to throw at us, but that light at the end of the tunnel is getting … Read more
If you’re overwhelmed by the process of cleaning your home, quit worrying about finding the best option. Stop trying to learn everything and start doing something. We all know that in a perfect world we’d make our own ecologically sound cleaners—not all homemade cleaners are, you know—always reach for a rag to clean, and never … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, In 2006, we bought several pieces of microsuede furniture in a chocolate brown. Over time, the arms and headrests have become oily and dirty. The code on the label is “WS”. Can we remove the grime from our couch and recliner? How hard is it to clean microsuede without damaging the … Read more
Dear Home Ec 10, My living room desperately needs to be painted and I’ve rounded up a few friends willing to help sell their time for beer and pizza. I really want to do this right, is it true that I have to wash the walls before I paint? Signed, Short-Cut Shelby Heather says: Look at it … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, Really enjoying the website and my house is getting cleaner every day thanks to all the tips and the chore schedule. Now my current issue is HOW to get my hubby and our long-term guest to at least KEEP it clean. What rules should everyone follow to keep the house clean for … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, How long will it take to clean my house? Signed, Curious in Corpus Christi Heather says: Well Curious, what is your favorite color? Blue? Ok. I’ve plugged that variable into the top secret Home-Ec 101 House Cleaning Algorithm and I’ve determined it will take you exactly 18.36 hours to thoroughly clean your house. Oh. … Read more
This reader question came in via email titled: A kitchen cave-in. Dear Home-Ec 101 Yep. That’s right. Lost the ceiling in my kitchen – drop ceiling, light fixture, older (plaster?) ceiling above it, and about 18 inches of blown insulation. I am in the process of getting it fixed. I have shoveled and scooped more … Read more