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Cleaning Up/Questions Answered by Expert Jamie Novak
| Subject | Date Asked |
| steel juice/ milk container | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: I recently bought a steel container that I put milk or juice in it. I'm just wondering how I could ... A: I have a similar container and this is how I've successfully washed mine: Take off the cap and ... | |
| only 1 odd shaped closet | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: We recently bought an older house for our retirement years. . . with one bedroom . . . and it only ... A: That sure is an ODD shaped closet :) I have some ideas... 1. Not sure where you live but you can ... | |
| yellowing in nylon | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a formerly white nylon baby garment that has yellowed over 35 years. How may I get the ... A: Woolite is a great product and may work, but I am not able to tell you the best way to use it. ... | |
| Bills and Receipts | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: OK I used to be super organized and kept all receipts organized in a file folder and when I received ... A: Hey Steph, Thanks for the question. Boy can I relate to this! Here's what I'm thinking. #1 ... | |
| Polmer | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: I have been stipping my wifes dance floor for years and she just went to a new wax last year and I ... A: Hey Pete thanks for your question. Wow this sounds like a job! You seem to have thought of ... | |
| White stain on black pants? | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help :( I have a pair of black pants which are branded from Zumba, for my ... A: Hmmm...a mystery :) Here's what I'd suggest: 1. rewash the pants without detergent to try to ... | |
| dog smell in vacuum | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: We have a dog. The dog doesn't seem to smell but when we run the vacuum the smell of dog is really ... A: This is a common problem. I see you empty the bag so that would be #1 and you already do that. Next ... | |
| Mildew in a feather top bed cover. | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a full size feather bed topper. It was cleaned by a professional for pee stains from a dog. ... A: Sorry to hear about the topper. I have three ideas: 1. hang it in bright sunshine - sunlight kills ... | |
| Removal of fabric stiffener | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: How can I remove fabric stiffener? I have tried soaking in hot water, boiling water in microwave ... A: Do you know the brand? Starch will wash out with what you did so I'm guessing it is not starch. ... | |
| Maine liquidators | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: I live in California. But I own a house in Maine I would Like to sell. First I need to empty out ... A: I'm not sure what part of Maine, Harris Group might work http://www.harrisrealestate.net/ Adrian ... | |
| copper | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: I've come across a job that has a huge copper range hood that has years of layered cooked on cooking ... A: me again :) Sorry I was not clear- these solutions are perfect for cleaning the grime. The lemon ... | |
| Barbies | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: My mom has a Barbie collection, the Barbie collection is the holiday barbies from the 1987 holiday ... A: What an amazing collection! Still in boxes is the best part, this is often referred to as NIB (new ... | |
| cleaning cooktop of a Wolf stove | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a Wolf range. Unfortunately, the stainless steel somehow got these small brown spots all ... A: I was just informed you may have never received my answer sent the same day you asked this question. ... | |
| disorganization junky | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: My name is Shelly and I am a disorganizaholic! My mother is a hoarder. I believe that makes me ... A: I think you hit the nail on the head with your last comment "I guess I don't trust my decision ... | |
| Electric Blanket | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: Can I wash an electric Blanket? If so........any special precaution? A: Unless there is a label stitched to the blanket that says not to then washing your blanket can be ... | |
| Re: Organizing computer/living area | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: I need help in organizing our living/computer area. I am a very organized person but my husband is ... A: The pictures are REALLY helpful thanks. So here's my question- what's on the bookshelf? Looks like ... | |
| Re: Organizing computer/living area | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: I need help in organizing our living/computer area. I am a very organized person but my husband is ... A: I do get the idea but I would love to see a few pictures. It sounds like you have a lot of ... | |
| Re: Organizing computer/living area | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: I need help in organizing our living/computer area. I am a very organized person but my husband is ... A: Francesca thank you for your question. I hear your frustration. Pictures may be helpful, before you ... | |
| cleaning a wedding dress | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: My son recently got married in las Vegas and his bride wore a white wedding dress. The bottom of the ... A: Congratulations on the wedding, I hope your son and his wife will have a very happy life. Now ... | |
| Down Sleeping bag | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: James A: I'm not sure if your sleeping bag has a special coating. I treat mine by placing in the dryer on NO ... | |
| Grape juice stains | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm not sure if this is your area of expertise, but... I spilled sparkling grape juice on my green ... A: What a stain- how annoying! The good news is I have a few ideas. Do you happen to live near a Bed ... | |
| moldy bounce house | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I bought a bounce house last summer and when I pulled it out this year it had black spots all over, ... A: sounds like the bounce house had a little moisture on it when it was stored away. The spots sound ... | |
| Cleaning bounce houses | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I hope you can help me. I have a bounce house for my daughter that is getting dirty inside and all I ... A: Trisha thanks for asking. The best thing I've ever used is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. My sister ... | |
| Dryer cleanup | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: Had red fleece that faded onto inside of dryer. Drum is tinted red. How to remove the red color ... A: Good to know, I have not washed mine yet. When I've stained my drum I run 2 Cups of bleach through ... | |
| Housecleaning Costs | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I would like to get my house cleaned bi-weekly. I have gotten bids from a few local companies but ... A: Kim that's a great question. I'm not sure why the estimates would be so different. Have they both ... | |
| clean up mold and mildew in bathroom | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a house. This house is old. The bathroom has mold and mildew everywhere (including ... A: Congratulations on your home. With a little elbow grease sounds like you'll have a home you love! ... | |
| Ceramic Stove Top | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a ceramic stove top. I turned off the burner and as it was cooling down I forgot and put a ... A: Rachelle thanks for the question. I'll start by saying we've all done things like this so you're in ... | |
| ANTS! | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: I don't know if you can help me; i didn't see 'pests' as a topic on Allexperts. We have ants in our ... A: Terri thanks for your question. As you saw I'm not an expert in this area but I can image how ... | |
| Clutter Intervention | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: I need a clutter intervention...My mom's home is full of clutter. I need to find a way for her to ... A: this is one of the top questions that is sent in and I wish I had better news for you. But the ... | |
| I chipped my coffee cup | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: I chipped a few pieces from the top of the cup when I was returning from an overseas trip. However ... A: It sounds like this is a job for Elmer’s Craft Bond Ultra Stix All/Craft Bond Ceramic and Glass ... | |
| Non-phosphate dishwasher soap | 12/2/2008 |
| Q: In the interest of being green, I purchased a non-phosphate dish soap for the dishwasher. It leaves ... A: I've had the same issue and the manufacturer recommended using 1/2 the amount which solved the ... | |
| burnt saucepan | 11/28/2008 |
| Q: Teflon interior)so I soaked it then brought to boil with water and baking soda and used a ... A: Juliet, thank you for your question. I checked with two people who would know better than I do about ... | |
| estate appraisal | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: I read that you have referred appraisers to other people. I am in need of an estate appraiser in ... A: Kathleen thank you for the question. I hope I can help. You are correct that you DO NOT want to ... | |
| cleaning a leather chair | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a black leather chair,that I over sprayed with sun block,now I have white spots on it,do you ... A: Hmmm this is by no means my area of expertise. But I do have a few suggestions to try, of course I'd ... | |
| Closet Question | 9/5/2008 |
| Q: My family and I are moving into a new rental, its a victorian house that has been updated a bit on ... A: It is so common to have an odd shaped closet and I think it is great that you are looking for ways ... | |
| Disposable sponge | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: I thought you may have some idea since you are an expert in this category. About 5 - 6 years ago, ... A: but I have not seen them in a very long time and I do not remember the manufacturer. In case you ... | |
| auto windshield cleaning | 5/10/2008 |
| Q: I noticed the windshield was streaked, so I bought some new blades. Than I noticed the wipers did ... A: I just came accross a great glass/window/mirrow cleaner you may want to try: Put a few ... | |
| Vinyl Pane Windows | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: We have vinyl paned windows on on our lani. I have tried vinyl cleaners & cleaned them three our ... A: Emma, Thank you for your question. I know what you mean about the vinyl panes. Here's what I'd ... | |
| liquidating property | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I noticed that you had given a wonderful list of potential helpful contacts to a person in Maine ... A: In your area I think Molly would be the best person to connect with: Molly Butler, ISA AM 5926 ... | |
| Laundry and Kitchen problems | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: I hope I am in the right spot for these 2 questions. (1) Is there an easy way to put the liquid ... A: I had the exact same problem with the sink soap dispenser. I thought it was such a great idea! But ... | |
| Clutter | 1/12/2008 |
| Q: How do I go about eliminating clutter? Both me and my wife have piles of "stuff" all over the ... A: I think this question in one format or another is the most popular question. Right now if those ... | |
| Cleaning tomato stains off plastic containers | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: I eat a lot of Italian and Mexican foods with tomato based sauces and put them in a Gladware or ... A: Great question- thanks for asking :) I have a few ideas for you to try: 1. spray the container ... | |
| lack of closets | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: Would you know if it would be a good idea to store clothes & paper materials in a garage? We can't ... A: It is a little tricky as you mentioned with the weather and moisture. I know air tight plastic ... | |
| old house weird shaped closets | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: I live in a house that is over 50 years old and the closets (3 in the entire house) are small and ... A: I'm not a big fan of closet doors, lots of times I take them off on purpose. I use the tension ... | |
| old house weird shaped closets | 11/15/2007 |
| Q: I live in a house that is over 50 years old and the closets (3 in the entire house) are small and ... A: Small odd shaped closets must be the question of the month, I just wrote someone else about this :) ... | |
| Estate Appraisal | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: I just finished reading your response to a lady in Maine that needed to liquidate/sell "a house full ... A: Sorry about your loss. It seems like you have a great start with the excel spreadsheet. The first ... | |
| company | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: Help! My boyfriends mom is coming to stay with us for 3 weeks. We have a small home and she will be ... A: Jackie, I’m not sure if you got my original reply, so I’m sending it again. Sometimes emails just ... | |
| How can i make my room nice and fresh air? | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: I have a question to you all i hope you will help me,,uhm my problem is how can i make my room very ... A: I need a little more information before I can make a suggestion. What size air conditioner can you ... | |
| laundry room | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: i think i'm blessed with about the worst laundry room ever. i like my washer and dryer (yea!), but ... A: this time they worked. You have a great space; I’m going to suggest some simple ideas to maximize ... | |
| laundry room | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: i think i'm blessed with about the worst laundry room ever. i like my washer and dryer (yea!), but ... A: I know we'll come up with great ideas for your space. I'd like to see the pictures but the links ... | |
| Housecleaning/Disorganization | 7/27/2007 |
| Q: I'm the world's worst at cleaning and organizing my house. The past few years things have really ... A: Gosh it sounds like things there are a little chaotic and that you are feeling overwhelmed. Just ... | |
| sheets | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: I have a question regarding sheets for a bed. My husband is like the princess & the pea when it ... A: You are not the only one with this challenge. Sheets can be a difficult thing and since you use them ... | |
| a book? | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: I actually need a whole book on this. As there are books on the psychology of budgeting your ... A: Megan thank you for your inquiry. Sounds like you have a lot going on. I agree books can be a ... | |
| mice | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: what is the one foolproof, guaranteed method, (not glue/spring traps, please, they dont work)of ... A: This is not anywhere near my area of expertise. However I do want to try to help you. I asked ... | |
| sheets | 2/26/2007 |
| Q: How often should i change my sheets? A: Dermatologist's suggest once a week. For many of us that is not practical, it's a lot of laundry. ... | |
| Insecticide spill | 2/24/2007 |
| Q: I was leaving the garage tonite,and picked up a can of insecticide powder to brush a dead fly off ... A: Yuck, what a mess! Sorry that happened to you. I guess we should all keep a bag around the container ... | |
| Bounce around Cleaner | 1/30/2007 |
| Q: I have 2 kids (a 9 yr old with cerebral palsy and a 3 yr old) 2 dogs, 3 fish tanks, and a not too ... A: I love that name J Thanks for writing. I think you’ll find other helpful tips on the message boards ... | |
| my fiance is a packrat and a mechanic clutter and organizational issues!! | 1/26/2007 |
| Q: we are planning on moving within the next year but we just put in hardwood floors and have fixed up ... A: I am going to share some ideas here, but there are so many other solutions, you can view them on my ... | |
| my fiance is a packrat and a mechanic clutter and organizational issues!! | 1/26/2007 |
| Q: i was hoping you could help me figure out how to size down the mountains of clutter in our townhome. ... A: I understand your dilemma and have some good ideas. I do have one question first, how long do you ... | |
| Pack-rat syndrome | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: I am a 50 yr. old bachelor who grew up with pack-rats for parents. I guess I inherited the gene and ... A: Happy New Year! Sure sounds like you are starting out on a clutter-busting note :) Sorry I don't ... | |
| Writing a story on "spring cleaning" your home | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: I am a writer for Military Spouse magazine and I am writing a story on "spring cleaning" your home ... A: Just checking to be sure you have everything you need for your article. I'm here if you need ... | |
| Organizing clothing | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: I had included some info about myself in my original question, but took it out cuz I figured it ... A: You are right, having more information helps me, thanks for writing back. I'm sorry to hear about ... | |
| Organizing clothing | 11/12/2006 |
| Q: I am having trouble parting clothing. I am wondering if you have a guideline for how many of each ... A: I think clothing is an area we all struggle with. I do have some ideas, but I also hope you will ... | |
| clutter | 9/22/2006 |
| Q: My name is Sumayyah and I am writing an article for Kuwait This Month Magazine. The article is about ... A: I hope you received my email, I'd love to talk with you. Please call anytime, the office number is ... | |
| Wall Organization | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: We moved into this house 2 months ago and my husband and I have been trying to figure out what to do ... A: I hope you got my answer. If not here it is again (it looks like it might not have been delivered) ... | |
| Living in Clutter Hell and trying to move! | 8/31/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I have lived in a 2 bed 1.5 bath town house for close to 3 years. (My husband has ... A: Jacque, thanks for your question, sorry for the delay in a reply, I was off for the holiday. Well ... | |
| ink on plastic barbie doll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: how do i get ink oof of plastic barbie doll A: Great question, thanks for asking. Here are 4 ideas: Rubbing alcohol, goo gone (the actual name ... | |
| Laundry | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: I have a christening gown that is 30 years old and has yellowed. I would like my Grandson to be ... A: This is not my area of expertise however I did some research and have a few ideas. Personally I ... | |
| upstairs windows? | 7/13/2006 |
| Q: DO you have any ideas about how to clean the outsides of upstairs windows with out having to climb a ... A: That can be tricky. Sometimes you can ball up a piece of newspaper or a rag and tape it to the end ... | |
| Clutter, organisation | 7/3/2006 |
| Q: I live in a small, rented room which doesn't have a lot of storage space. I'm getting down because I ... A: Boy I know what that's like! But small spaces can actualyl work in your favor. I've worked with ... | |
| How do I deep in coming paper organized? | 7/2/2006 |
| Q: I don't know how to teach my family to put things back in there place. I complain about it so much ... A: Great question and you are not alone :) I have lots of great ideas, but I need more information ... | |
| home | 7/2/2006 |
| Q: how do I remove auto oil stain from driveway? it is still fresh A: Good question and thanks for asking. I did not know the answer to this, but I turned to my friends ... | |
| workshops | 4/20/2006 |
| Q: Do you have a schedule of when and where your workshops are? Thanks, carolyn A: Yes, thank you for asking. You can see my in person schedule, as well as my radio tour schedule at ... | |
| Kitchen Cleaning | 3/22/2006 |
| Q: This weekend I am going to clean my whole kitchen from top to bottom. I am going to clean my ... A: Let me say this is a great way to jump into the spring season. A deep and thorough cleaning of any ... | |
| Cleaning Leather | 2/22/2006 |
| Q: I frequent a lot of thrift stores in search of retro style vintage clothes. Most of the clothing I ... A: Jon, Great question. Just to let you know I'm in this cleaning category, BUT because I am a clutter ... | |
| Storing shoes in a dorm room? | 2/13/2006 |
| Q: Aside from the very large drawer beneath my roommate's bed (where the shoes currently reside), I ... A: I didn't hear back from you after I sent the ideas so I'm guessing you are either really busy or the ... | |
| Home Office Clutter | 1/1/2006 |
| Q: My wife and I have a home office set up in a room in our home. I have a nice sized "U" shaped desk ... A: NO FAIL PAPER SOLUTION This is a foolproof system for dealing with all the pending papers in ... | |
| organizing small spaces | 12/16/2005 |
| Q: Our house was built in 1925. Typical to that era, the closets and basement storage areas are not ... A: Great question and one I got often. Here are some ideas, I hope they help. · Use your vertical ... | |
| Fixing up the house and getting organized | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: I am a journalism student at Sacramento State University. I have an article - that is open to ... A: Good luck with the article. Please let me know if I can give you any more information or expand on ... | |
| liquidating an estate | 10/16/2005 |
| Q: I have moved from my Victorian house to my father's early american in Maine. I realize this is all ... A: I can understand your feeling of overwhelm and I agree that looking for people to help is a good ... | |
| Apt odors | 10/9/2005 |
| Q: Jamie, I recently movind into an apt. The people surrounding me smoke and there is just a general ... A: ) I am unable to give you a good answer. But I know who can help. Please email SuzieSikora@aol.com ... | |
| Mildew | 9/20/2005 |
| Q: How do you get rid of mildew on the canvas of a tent trailer? I can not take the canvas outside to ... A: I must admit that I am not a cleaning expert. My postings are for clearing clutter as I am an expert ... | |
| Desk clutter | 9/12/2005 |
| Q: I am a free-lance professional translator and mostly work from home. Most of the time I am working ... A: First let me say what an unusual and fun job you have. As for a great, quick, efficient desktop ... | |
Cleaning Up
Answers by Expert:
Jamie Novak
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Disorganization at home, work or home based businesses and time managemetn. Area include but not limited to: paper bills mail toys closets kitchen garages spouses children to do lists laundry pantry chores errands drawers meal planning house cleaning and much more
Experience
Jamie Novak, Organizing Expert and Motivational Speaker is the resident organizer for NBC’s iVillage and has been a featured organizer on HGTV's Mission Organization with a best selling book 1,000 Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets and the forthcoming 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Time Saving Strategies. Jamie’s tips have been featured nationally in Woman’s World and Family Circle. Her approach is both easy and motivating. She is a natural and her passion for organizing shines through. Jamie promises not to try to reinvent you - instead she helps you find your style and work with it! Jamie's goal is to share real ideas the really work for real life! Visit her website for free resources - http://www.jamienovak.com
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