Frustrating cleaning dilemmas solved

Four effective ways to quickly do away with dirt

Mikkel VangDisinfectant Wipes for Quick Clean-Up

Dilemma: The kitchen and bathroom need constant cleaning attention.

Solution: For quick clean-ups in the kitchen, bathroom, and even living room, keep Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on hand.

Use on all hard, non-wood surface in your kitchen -- your sink, counters, refrigerator door, and stove tops. Wipe down bathroom sinks, tubs, tile, and the toilet exterior. And in the living room, spot-clean switch plates, phones, and doorjambs. Learn How to Speed-Clean Your Kitchen from Real Simple.

Pet Hair Removal Tricks

Dilemma: Pet hair -- everywhere.

Solution: Try one of these Real Simple reader solutions.

To pick up cat hair, put on a wet rubber dishwashing glove and wipe your hand over surfaces. The hair will stick right to it.
This tip comes from Real Simple reader Theresa Demonte, Long Beach, California.

I have two dogs who love my bed. Rather than constantly removing and washing the duvet cover to rid it of pet hair, I cover it with a matching sheet that attaches with Velcro. When the sheet gets hairy, I just replace it with a clean one.
This tip comes from Real Simple reader Chris McGinness, Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Learn How to Conquer Pet Odors from Real Simple.

Deep-Cleaning Carpet Tips

Dilemma: Dirt has taken up permanent residence in your carpet.

Solution: Follow these steps using the instructions that suit your carpet type. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, it's probably synthetic; an area rug should list the material on its tag. In either case, rule number one: Treat a spill right away; don't let it dry. And before attacking a large stain, test the solution in a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it won't damage the fiber or the dye.

For Synthetic-Fiber Rugs

1. Vacuum any dry dirt to remove as much as possible.
2. Dip a white cloth into detergent solution and dab repeatedly, then press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds. Wait 15 minutes, then soak up the excess liquid with a dry white cloth.
3. Dip another dry white cloth in lukewarm water and dab repeatedly, then press it on the spot for a few seconds.

Detergent solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.

For Natural-Fiber Rugs

1. Vacuum any dry dirt to remove as much as possible.
2. Spray the stain with detergent solution, then blot with a dry white cloth.
3. Spray the stain with vinegar solution, then blot with a dry white cloth.
4. Reapply the detergent solution, then blot with a dry white cloth.
5. Spray the stain with lukewarm water, then blot with a dry white cloth.

Detergent Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Vinegar solution: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 1/4 cup of water.

See Carpet Stain Solutions.

Odor-Eliminating Kit

Dilemma: The odor from the kitchen garbage can is often unpleasant.

Solution: Originally designed for pet odors, SeaYu Petrotech Odor Eliminator ($23 for two cans, www.petfooddirect.com) also works well in garbage cans and diaper pails. The nontoxic spray binds to odor particles and naturally biodegrades the odor-causing bacteria.

To prevent garbage smells from forming, clean and disinfect both indoor and outdoor garbage cans with an all-purpose cleaner at least once a month.

More from Real Simple:
The Best Upright Vacuums
The Most Durable Trash Bags
Best Way to Dust