Nitty-gritty guide to cleaning household surfaces
With just one bucket of supplies, you can scrub the entire house -- here's which products clean what
How to Clean Butcher Block
Use: A few drops of mild detergent, like dishwashing liquid, and warm water. (It coated with urethane or polyurethane, follow care instructions for Hardwood Cabinets).
Tools: A cloth or sponge.
Tips: After cleaning, rinse with plain water and pat dry. Water left on the surface will stain. Replace boards that have cracks, as bacteria can grow there. Sanitize with a slice of lemon, not bleach, which is unsafe around food.
Tough Stains: Unlike most surfaces, butcher blocks can be professionally sanded.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile
Use: For glazed tiles, one capful of isopropyl alcohol in one gallon of water. For unglazed tile, like terra-cotta, a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
Tools: A cloth or mop.
Tips: Rinse with water and a clean cloth. Avoid oil soaps or ammonia, which will yellow grout. Avoid vinegar, which will damage grout.
Tough Stains: Use a scraper or putty knife to remove stubborn debris. Use a nylon scrubbing pad dampened with dishwashing liquid to remove stains from grout. Apply grout sealer twice a year to prevent stains.
Learn How to Speed Clean Your Kitchen at Real Simple.
How to Clean Cork Flooring
Use: A few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleanser and warm water.
Tools: A cloth, sponge, or mop that has been wrung out.
Tips: Sweep or vacuum frequently; grit can scratch the cork's finish. Don't wet-mop, since water and other standing liquids will damage the floor.
Tough Stains: Scrub gently with a mop dampened with dishwashing liquid.
How to Clean Glass
Use: Plain water.
Tools: A microfiber cloth.
Tips: For extremely dirty windows, make a solution of one part vinegar to one part warm water and use a squeegee. To reduce streaking don't clean windows in the heat of the day.
Tough Stains: Rub tough streaks with crumpled newspaper and the vinegar solution.
From Real Simple: 6 Stain-Busters That Really Work
How to Clean Granite
Use: A few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Tools: A cloth, sponge, or mop.
Tips: Sweep or vacuum stone floors regularly; stone surfaces are susceptible to damage from grit. Rinse with a clean, soft cloth. Apply a penetrating sealer, available at stone dealers and home centers, every two to three years to prevent deep stains. Avoid abrasive cleansers, which can scratch, and ammonia and nonchlorine bleach, which can dull the surface.
Tough Stains: Use a ready-made poultice, available at stone dealers.
How to Clean Hardwood Cabinets
Use: A few drops of dishwashing liquid or all-purpose cleanser and warm water.
Tools: A well-wrung-out cloth or sponge.
Tips: Scouring pads or powdered cleansers can damage the finish.
Tough Stains: To remove grease, rub gently with a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Buff lightly with a cloth.
More from Real Simple:
How to Clean Hardwood Flooring, Limestone, Marble, and Much More
Surprising Household Cleaners
Better Ways to Do Dishes
