Homeowner Forum / Cleaning / January 2005

I have had a problem with yellow stains beneath the armpits on t-shirts,
etc. I have assumed that they were from using stick deodorant.
How can this be prevented? Is there any way to get rid of these stains on
clothing?

My Son put wax crayons down the sink many years ago. The sink seems to
constantly get clogged up and drains slow. We have had Mr Muscle sink and
plughole unblocker down it a few times but it still does it. Any idea how
to clear it up?

I did  my first ever engine oil change for myself last week but
spilled some on my sweater and pants that would not go away with
normal washing. How do people clean it?
Thank you in advance,

Our young male cat "sprayed" my son's mattress. How do we get rid of that
smell?
Thanks.

I know I will never get the whole story straight as to how it happened, but
a 16 oz bottle of shampoo leaked on my son's carpet.  How in the world do I
get this out?
Thanks

Do those hand held steamers get the rings or dried greasy food stains
out?

I want to start using a microfiber mop to replace my Clorox Ready Mop.  Any
suggestions on the best ones? Any opinion on Don Aslett's
products--specifically this one?  TIA

I wondered why the instructions on every washer I've seen is to fill the washer
with water, THEN add the dirty laundry.
So, I called Whirlpool. They told me that the only way to get the correct
amount of water in the machine is to fill it first.

I was taught to air my bed in the morning.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4181629.stm

We're remodelling our bathroom and decided not to replace the tub.  I gave
it a good clean and it looks pretty good, but the surface is dull in some
areas.
I know there are kits (like Zap Restorer) to recondition porcelain tubs like

I have a Hoover SteamVac Deluxe that I use to scrub my
floors. The problem that I have is what to use as "shampoo."
I have been using regular carpet shampoo, but that leaves a
sort of film on the floors.

What is a good cleaner to take green stains/deposits from copper?
This is the screen inside a water fountain nozzle, hard to reach, so
it would be best if the cleaner were liquid and could be washed away
after I was done**.   The screen is so clogged that barely any water

Hi Gang
A few asked for me to post my findings after using the Roomba Red for
a week.
Amazing, simply Amazing, this little critter is!

By default, I am the owner of a portable zig-zag sewing machine. I
think I could make it work well, but I need a needle plate and would
benefit a lot from an instruction/adjustment manual.
But I don't know what brand it is.  All it shows on the bottom of the

I have 2 fiberglass tubs, 7 years old, that are impossible to keep clean-
they've got layer upon layer of ground-in soap scum and gunk.  I clean them
every week with a liquid non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge, but it
doesn't help very much.  Any tips?