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Cleaning Up/Questions Answered by Expert Jan Hayner
| Subject | Date Asked |
| tile cleaning | 1/27/2012 |
| Q: Can you recommend a product for cleaning kitchen and bathroom ceramic tile? My cleaning lady (just ... A: There are things on the market that is made especially for cleaning grout HOWEVER, the thing that I ... | |
| windows | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: Can you recommend a product and technique for cleaning windows that won't leave streaks? I spray on ... A: Streak free windows are here for you. Simply mix 1/4 cup vinegar and 3 cups if water, put into ... | |
| household cleaning | 11/18/2011 |
| Q: Have been really going crazy with my disorganized house things strewn around the house all the time. ... A: Let me see if I can give you a few suggestions. You say that you are not 'in the habit' of doing ... | |
| Cleaning product | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Some years ago I used a product for floors that had the best, cleanest smell and worked great, too. ... A: Boy, this was a hard one!! :) I spent a ton of time looking this one up. Isn't it maddening when you ... | |
| Chaos | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: I am so unorganized, I lose keys, shoes, important papers. My boyfriend, son and I live in a trailer ... A: You sure have had your share of downs! I think it is about time we work on something positive to ... | |
| Vinyl Gloves | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: I use vinyl disposable gloves to clean up after the animals in our home=feces, urine, the floor, ... A: Charcoal also has a fine dust that can enter through the top of the glove (nothing is 100% ... | |
| Spray pain on finished cabinets | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: I recently had my house vandalized and had white satin looking spray paint from a can graffiti on ... A: My sympathies to you, this is not only a mess to deal with, but a frustration as well and I do feel ... | |
| cleaning | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: What should I use to clean and sanitize velour covered furniture? Thank you A: To answer your question-very very carefully! To tell you the truth, I would hire a professional to ... | |
| cleaning candle wax off of a carpet | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: What is the most efficient way to remove candle wax from a shag carpet? A: This is a slow process in most cases, but the best! Simply take a white cotton cloth and place it ... | |
| cast iron skillets | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: Hayner, By any chance, do you know the best way to season a cast iron skillet. There are dozens of ... A: J.; Your right, there are a ton of sites on the internet and all of the explanations sound good. ... | |
| Black floor tile | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I am considering a porcelain tile 12 x 24 -- the texture of slate in a solid BLACK. Absolutely love ... A: I don't blame you for being a little worried. Advertising is just that---advertising, it is there to ... | |
| cleaning mildew from wood | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: The dehumidifier wasn't working properly in our lower level and the wood furniture (mostly old) now ... A: There may not be any harm done to the wood surface. If the powder wipes off, I am taking for granted ... | |
| Dust Mop | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: My dust mop is past the point of doing its job...I feel like I'm just moving the dirt around. How ... A: You are right, you are probably just moving the dust around. After a while, the string gets clogged ... | |
| severly twisted sheets | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: the fact that there is probably an easy remedy to this problem is frustrating because I've tried ... A: Your right without a water level selector, your machine is helping to cause the problem. I do have ... | |
| Messy pups | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could give me a few tips. I have 2 puppies that consently go in and out from ... A: This one is an easy one to answer because I live the same way. We have a chocolate lab that insists ... | |
| Fish smell in jeans | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I broke a fish oil capsule in my jeans pocket and after several washing they still reek of fish. I ... A: Hey, after four kids and 8 grandkids I am a wiz at wierd odors! I have tried many tried and true ... | |
| moth balls | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a small camper we use in the summer that has been plagued with mice getting in. Last year I ... A: That odor seems to linger on forever, its awful, but I bet you didn't have any mice and now you know ... | |
| 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: I know what you mean, we have a chocolate lab and even a house dog can collect odors from the yard ... | |
| laundry | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: My son works at a local restaurant as a fry cook. he gets some of the cooking oil splash and oil ... A: Well, the handy old gramma way seems to work the best. 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of vinegar ... | |
| Vacuum odor | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: How do I get rid of the smell of dog hair when I next use my vacuum? My vacuum is bagless and ... A: I have the same type of vacuum, and a brown lab that sheds like nuts! So, I do know what you mean, ... | |
| Best mini vac for stairs | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: Hayner, Just a quick question for you. I have a large, heavy vacuum cleaner, and it has absolutely ... A: I am sorry, I should have explained that one better. Yes, you are right, it does hang up too. This ... | |
| Best mini vac for stairs | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: Hayner, Just a quick question for you. I have a large, heavy vacuum cleaner, and it has absolutely ... A: Actually, I can tell you two of them that I use. I have a Hoover sidewinder, that is really nice. ... | |
| mattress toppers/featherbeds | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: I am unable to fluff up my double featherbed of three years as it seems permanently flat where I ... A: You can use just about anything that is harder than the comforter or featherbed itself. It has to ... | |
| cleaning laminatewood floor | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: i need to know how to get grout out of the grooves of my floors-the floors are konecto-they have ... A: I am a little confused. The Kanecto laminate flooring does not need grout, however their tile ... | |
| Trash Bag Size | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: In the townhouse condo I live in, trash gets collected once a week. The condo rules require us to ... A: I now know more about garbage bags, than any one person in this world should know :) However, I did ... | |
| Drying clothes faster | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: Is it better to put large or small loads of clothes in dryer? Which way will they dry faster? ... A: It all depends on the material of the things that you have in the dryer to some degree. Nylon is ... | |
| cleaning natural slate floors | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: but a pain to keep clean. I found a cleaning product by TileLab specifically for stone surfaces and ... A: Join the family of tile slate cleaners that say UGH!!!!!! Believe it or not, all mops do the same ... | |
| pet cleaner to pretreat cloth diaper | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Would I be able to use the "Earth Friendly Product" brand of Pet Stain and Odor Solution to pretreat ... A: I wouldn't try it. It is the enzyme part tha worries me. If it is used for animals it has to be ... | |
| shark mop | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I was watching TV late last night and saw a Shark Mop Steam mop infomurcial. It looks wonderful. ... A: I know what you mean about infomercial. However, I received mine as a gift, so I wasn't out any ... | |
| dish cloth/rag | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: My dish rags smell funky even after I wash them! Am I suppose to soak them BEFORE putting them into ... A: The best deodorizer that you an get is right in yur kitchen---baking soda! Simply add about a gallon ... | |
| cleaning and sanitizing non-washable pillow | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: my 3 yr old daughter insists on using her Thomas decorative bed pillow as her actual pillow every ... A: There are dry cleaning sprays on the market and all of them are about the same as far as cleaning ... | |
| Cleaning with washing soda | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: You recommend the use of baking soda as a cleaning agent. I had read that washing soda is also a ... A: You are right that washing soda is also a good cleaning agent, but you have to be very careful with ... | |
| tissue in the washing machine | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Someone left a multitude of tissue of some kind in my washing machine, I put my favorite kingsize ... A: I know what a mess that can be and especially with some of the materials on the market today. At ... | |
| cleaning baking pan | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: Don't know if you can answer this or perhaps point me in the right direction. I have two baking pans ... A: It sounds as though there is a chemical reaction going on and I would suggest you purchase new pans. ... | |
| sterling silver flatware | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: how do i clean sterling silver flatware that seems to have tarnished? A: There are tons of silver polishes and cleaners on the market and no matter what the price is--they ... | |
| Mold inside blow drier | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Jan. It took me weeks to trace a faint moldy smell to the inside of my blow drier, but once I did, ... A: Yes you are correct! I read very often that the instructions say 'virtually maintenance free', but ... | |
| Mold inside blow drier | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: Jan. It took me weeks to trace a faint moldy smell to the inside of my blow drier, but once I did, ... A: You have built up mold from in the air, moisture, and tons of other places. It is hard to get away ... | |
| Cat Urine again! | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: How do you get the urine oxidation stain left behind on stainless steel due to a bloody almost ... A: Urine staines can be cleaning by using vinegar and water. If it is a strong stain or odor, use ... | |
| Ink stain | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: I got printer ink on kitchen counter? What should I use that not only removes the ink but limits the ... A: There are a few ideas that I can give you that may help. All of them aren't going to hurt your ... | |
| FILM BUILDUP ON GLASS | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: We have a 100+ yr.old home. For 13 yrs now we have a FILM buildup on all glass in our house. The old ... A: Let's see, do you live near the ocean? Then it could be a salt build up on your windows. It goes ... | |
| HELP Mother going insane! | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: First of all I am 24 years old and have 3 children. My oldest is a girl age 7, then I have another ... A: Boy, does your life ever bring back memories for me! I am the mom of four (that are grown and ... | |
| Older House | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: Jan, I am a newlywed that is moving into my first house. It is an older house, built back in WW2. ... A: Congratulations on getting married and the new/old house! Since you have a cat (I have 3) the ... | |
| cleaning eggs of plates | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: what can I use so that I will only have to wash my dishes once and not having a nasty smell to deal ... A: I can't imagine why the smell of the egg is staying in your plates. if they are plastic it could be ... | |
| ink on shower walls | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: my husband works for a newspaper company and he has managed to get printers ink all over my shower ... A: Simply use rubbing alcohol. Put a little on a white rag and rub from the outside of the stain to the ... | |
| smelly shoes | 5/25/2009 |
| Q: My husband works in the fish department of a grocery store and as a result of being exposed to fishy ... A: Well, the odor is really rotting fish. Fish start rotting as soon as it is dead---basically. It is ... | |
| silverware | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: Is it safe to put sterling silver flatware into the dishwasher on a daily basis? A: This information is right the the Western Silver Company: Sterling silver is dishwasher safe, ... | |
| laundry problem | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: I hope you can help. My husband had some diesel fuel spilled on his clothing last week. We are ... A: All of those chemicals that you tried all have at least one ingredient in them that when combined ... | |
| cast iron cookware | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I scrubbed the rust and mold off my old cast iron with STEEL WOOL before re seasoning, and now it ... A: Steel wool can really do a job on cast iron, it is cleaning the residue left from that what can be ... | |
| cable tidy | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: Our study/home office is swimming in cables and wires. I really don't like the long tube like cable ... A: Just copy this and put it in your browser. This is their ONLY business and they are dependable. ... | |
| Remove spray paint from a wood cabinet | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: Help! I was spray painting the stove hood and got glossy black spray paint on my medium brown wood ... A: The first thing that I would try is a little baking soda and salt on a wet rag. The baking soda ... | |
| Silk Tree | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: I know how to clean the leaves of my 6ft silk Ficus tree, but the question is how do I clean the ... A: Basically, you can use the same method for cleaning both items, a matter of fact, if you have a ... | |
| Cleaning | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: What is the best method for cleaning pewter? A: As you may know by know, I am always for cleaning things the old fashioned way. It is not only less ... | |
| Get Orginized | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old My home is not orginized at all I need help with all the areas ... A: You bet I do, I can help you work through every room of your home, just by using check lists. Go to ... | |
| wet washcloths | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: What's the best solution for where to put 5-10 wet washcloths between their use in the shower and ... A: Try using a diaper genie, or simply hang a short clothes line near your washer and hang them on the ... | |
| Cleaning | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: Simply: here trying to organize and clean my mom's house who passed on. My concern are mini-blinds. ... A: Well, the tired and true method of using the hose is stil used today. However, klike you said, it is ... | |
| Bar soap scraps | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: Is there any way to reuse bar soap scraps??? I hate throwing them away A: I sure do have some ideas for you that you can use bar soap scraps for! Go to this website for some ... | |
| really....really burnt on broiler pans | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I have 2 broiler pans my daughter broiled stuff on and they are really, really burnt. Is there a ... A: I am sorry that it took me so long to answer, I just received your email. This solution works very ... | |
| cleaning grout | 12/27/2008 |
| Q: We recently put ceramic tile in our kitchen. Yesterday I spilled a glass of grape fruit juice on ... A: Anytime you get anything with a red base spilled on something, you have a problem. The stain just ... | |
| Slow draining bathroom sink | 12/24/2008 |
| Q: Hope this is in your area of knowledge. Sounds like a simple thing, but I am a new home owner and ... A: You may have more problems than just a slow drain. You could have roots in your drainage system and ... | |
| spilt lamp oil | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: My husband knocked over an oil lamp and splashed oil on the shelves the lamp was on, as well as the ... A: First, put kitty litter on the shelf and carpet and let soak for about 30 minutes. This will absorb ... | |
| Home cleaning/organization | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: I would like help figuring out how to get my kids better at helping with cleaning. There are four ... A: You aren't the only wife and parent with this problem and I do have some tips to help you. A while ... | |
| Nontoxic cleaning | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 birds. Most chemicals are toxic to them (as well as to just about anything else that ... A: I have a few suggestions for you that won't hurt your little birds. The best cleaner around that is ... | |
| Removing paint on etched glass window | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: We spray painted our interior doors and one of them had etched glass in the middle, paint got on the ... A: That sure is a mess isn't it? However, usually spraying WD-40 on it and letting it sit a few minutes ... | |
| vacuum cleaners | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: Do you know anything about the robot vacuum cleaners: a good or bad one? I hear one concern is ... A: She has the Roomba 510 and is happy with it. She told me that this is the website that she watches ... | |
| Cluttered house | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: .our situation is we have a small house now and too much stuff.....We need someone to come in and ... A: No interior decorators are there to decorate, that is all. You need a Professional Organizer. That ... | |
| vacuum cleaners | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: Do you know anything about the robot vacuum cleaners: a good or bad one? I hear one concern is ... A: I don't own one, but my step-daughter does and she loves it. One thing that people forget, is that a ... | |
| white socks | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: hey i hv been watching my socks in a machine with rest of the clothes they are not with like new ... A: I am not sure that I really understand your question, but I will try to answer. If you are washing ... | |
| Dust Problem | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: I have been having a terrible problem with dust in my home. One day I dust, and the very next day ... A: I do have some solutions for you and duct cleaning is just one of them. According to the US ... | |
| Using Mr. Clean sponges on a laminate wood floor | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: While the sponges clean up everything on a light laminate floor, does it damage the finish? How ... A: This is something that varies according to the type of hardwood floor that you have. It is best to ... | |
| Accumulated carbon on bottom of pans | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: I keep having to throw pans away. I hate all that accumulated carbon and grease on the bottom of my ... A: I do have several recipes for you to try. I believe in 'green cleaning' and NOT using harsh ... | |
| mud on my ceilings | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: I my living room I found two spots of mud on my ceiling, I check the rest of the house didn't find ... A: You really peaked my curiosity, so I had to investigate further. This is what I found. Go to this ... | |
| mud on my ceilings | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: I my living room I found two spots of mud on my ceiling, I check the rest of the house didn't find ... A: If you don't have kids tht are throwing mud pies, my thought is that you may have blocked vents in ... | |
| My house smells like dog | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: My on pup Likes to pee on the floor and i can't get the smell out of my cement floor and my house ... A: I know what you mean, we have two dogs and three cats, with the youngest dog being a puppy. I go ... | |
| Worms on my carpet | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: AB, Canada. We have carpet in 3 of our bedrooms. from last 3-4 months I am noticing small brown ... A: I wasn't too sure about this one, there are a ton of things that it could be, however, this seems to ... | |
| smoke smell | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: I own a wood lot. Knowing that, my new wife of 2 years thought it would be a good idea to heat ... A: It sounds as though you want ideas for things that you can do as a fast and easy cleanup and then to ... | |
| sooty pants | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: Help! I absentmindedly threw in my black non-colorfast sweater in with my khaki slacks load in the ... A: That is a mess isn't it? I did that more than once and had some real problems, trying to get the ... | |
| cleaning appliaance | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: How do you get the burn smell out of the microwave (popcorn)?? A: The easiest way to do it is to, put a cup of vinegar in the mic and heat for 45 seconds. Let it sit ... | |
| mattress cleaning | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: How can I sanitize a mattress? A: I can help you with this one, I just finished mine yesterday. I leave this for the winter months ... | |
| 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: This question comes up a lot! First of all, let me warn you that the discoloration is a chemical ... | |
| Living with many housemates | 12/17/2007 |
| Q: I am a college student living in a large house next to a university, and often times I have a ... A: You do have a problem! However, it can be overcome; you have three flaws in your plan for a clean ... | |
| overwhelmed | 11/16/2007 |
| Q: I have a 4500 sq. ft. home and have a disability. I have two children, one who also has health ... A: I believe your overwhelmed! A 4500 sq ft house is not a picnic to take care of. Mine is 2000 sq ft. ... | |
| STAIN REMOVAL | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: how can i remove these stains without discoloring the fabrics A: I sure hope that this works for you, I have used it dozens of times. I use the new TIDE stain stick ... | |
| clutter | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a fairly small home and a six yr old daughter who seems to have everything I've tried ... A: Well, it sounds as though you have started organizing, but need to eliminate the clutter. So, you ... | |
| Carpet Indentations | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: We recently had our home "staged" by some professionals. They moved a lot of furniture and left a ... A: I am sorry that it took took long to answer. We are going through a hospice situation so my time is ... | |
| DONATIONS - CLUTTER | 5/28/2007 |
| Q: Jan I have a garage full of car parts and no one wants them. I don't want to dump them and put more ... A: I hope my answer does this question justice; you are a very nice person to want to donate the car ... | |
Cleaning Up
Answers by Expert:
Jan Hayner
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
If you have questions regarding home organizing, house cleaning shortcuts, office organizing, files, record keeping, organizing your children, teaching your kids how to help you clean and making it fun, I will give you the advice of a Professional Organizer, mom of four and grandma of 8. Working Smarter-Not Harder is a phrase I live by; taking the stress out of life so you have time for the fun things is my goal!
Experience
I have been a Professional Organizer for 9 years, the mom of 4 and grandma of 8,I do work for clients in the home and the work place, and am considered an expert in my field of Organization.
Organizations
Faithful Organizers, passed member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), WIM (Women in Management),
Publications
I have had work published all over the internet and various webzines and Newsletters. I am also a columnist on Mature Resources.org. and an Expert on all experts.com under Self Improvement/SelfHelp/Organizing Your Home and Workspace.
Education/Credentials
I have taken various /classes on organizing on the interent, been taught by the best (other collegues in the field), and when I need to learn something, I find an expert in the field and learn from them. I am a research fanatic and enjoy learning everything that I can on a subject.
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