Car Smells Like Gas: Common Causes, When It Is Dangerous and What to Do
A gas smell in your car can be minor or a fire risk. Learn the common causes, the signs that mean stop driving now, and what to do right away.
How to Get a Smell Out of a Car: Find the Source, Then Fix It
Air fresheners only cover a smell. Here is how to track down what is causing it, from sour milk and pet accidents to musty AC, and remove it for good.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in the House in Fall Without the Smell
Remove stink bugs without crushing them, seal the entry points they use in fall, and keep them out for good. Here is a simple, low-odor plan for your home.
Appliances & Gear
All Appliances & Gear
How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (Plus the Drain Pan and Door Gasket)
Dusty condenser coils make a refrigerator work harder. Here's where to find them on your model, how to clean them safely and how often it's actually needed.
How Long Do Appliances Last? Fridge, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher and More
Published lifespan charts are averages, not promises. Here is what the commonly cited figures say and how to tell when an appliance is nearing the end.
How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner: Types, Specs and Filtration Explained
Start with your floors and layout, not the wattage. This guide explains vacuum types, power specs, filtration and the running costs to check.
Stains & Odors
All Stains & Odors
How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor in Sneakers, Leather Shoes, Boots and Insoles
Shoe odor comes from moisture and bacteria. Here is how to clean and deodorize sneakers, leather shoes, boots and insoles safely, and how to keep the smell away.
How to Get Candle Wax Out of Carpet, Wood Floors and Tablecloths
Candle wax comes out in two stages: harden and scrape off the bulk, then melt the thin layer left behind into something absorbent. Dye stains need a final step.
How to Get Gravy Out of a Tablecloth (Cotton, Linen and Blends)
Gravy stains need a two-part attack: something for the fat and something for the protein. Here's the order that works, and why the dryer is your enemy until the mark is gone.
Kitchen
All Kitchen
How to Clean a Dishwasher: Filter, Spray Arms, Door Seal and Smells
Most dishwasher problems, from dirty dishes to a sour smell, trace back to a clogged filter. Here is a monthly routine that takes about 20 minutes, plus what to know before running vinegar.
How to Clean Oven Racks: The Bathtub Soak, Baking Soda and What Scratches
Greasy oven racks come clean with a long hot-water soak, a little dish soap and a baking soda scrub. Here is the method, the dryer sheet question, and how to keep racks sliding smoothly.
How to Clean a Roasting Pan After the Turkey (by Pan Material)
Burnt-on drippings look worse than they are. A soak, a baking soda paste and the right scrubber for your pan's material will handle most roasting pans.
Laundry
All Laundry
How to Wash Sneakers in the Washing Machine and Which Shoes to Skip
Most canvas and mesh sneakers can go in the washer on a gentle cycle. Here is how to do it safely, plus the shoes you should never machine wash.
How to Get the Mildew Smell Out of Towels (and Keep It Out)
Towels that smell sour as soon as they get wet usually hold residue and mildew. A hot reset wash, separate rinses and proper drying get them back.
How Often Should You Wash Sheets, Pillowcases, Duvet Covers and Pillows?
Weekly is the standard for sheets and pillowcases, with hot water if you have dust mite allergies. Here is how often to wash everything else on the bed.
Mold & Air
All Mold & Air
How to Prevent Mold in Winter: Condensation, Laundry and Cold Walls
Winter mold is mostly a moisture problem: warm, damp indoor air meets cold windows and walls. Control humidity and ventilation and most of it never starts.
How to Clean a Humidifier: Daily, Every Third Day and End of Season
A dirty humidifier tank can grow mold and bacteria, and hard water leaves white dust everywhere. Here's the simple cleaning routine the EPA recommends.
How to Get Rid of Mold on a Bathroom Ceiling (and Keep It Off)
Bathroom ceiling mold is usually shower steam with nowhere to go. Clean it safely overhead, then fix the ventilation so you're not doing this every month.
Floors & Carpets
All Floors & Carpets
How to Clean Laminate Floors Without Swelling or Streaks
Laminate looks like wood but hates water even more. A light touch, the right pad and a cleaner your flooring maker approves are all it takes.
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Floors (LVP and LVT) Safely
Luxury vinyl is tough, but its clear wear layer can be dulled, stained or scratched by the wrong products. Here is what flooring makers actually recommend.
How to Clean a Mattress: Vacuum, Spot-Clean Stains and Deodorize
A mattress can't go in the washer, and too much liquid can lead to odor and mold inside the foam. Here is how to clean one with minimal moisture.