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HC-Pedia

HC-Pedia

MSDS? Microfiber?

Don't know? Look it up!

Simply use the HC Search form to the left to find definitions, explanations, suggested uses for cleaning products, advice for cleaning special surfaces, and more...all under the HC-Pedia™ section.

Or you may browse the entire HC-Pedia below.

HC-Pedia links can also be found throughout HC's articles and resources!

Simply click any highlighted link text within an article or entry to view more info on a particular topic.

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HC-Pedia Entries

CADR

Look for these numbers when comparing portable room air cleaners.

Candles

They create a warm, cozy atmosphere — and present some hazards as well.

Carbon monoxide

You can’t see it, smell it or taste it, but that doesn’t make it any less deadly.

Carbon monoxide alarm

Every home should have at least one CO detector.

Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry.

Carpet Terms

Help with carpet terminology from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

Cattle tracks

These paths aren’t caused by livestock.

Caulk

In the bathroom, caulk makes repairing cracked or broken grout easy.

CDs (Compact Discs)

Handle with care, and they’ll live a long life.

CEH

CEH (Certified Executive Housekeeper) is an educational designation of the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA).

Cellulosic Browning

Brownish discoloration on a carpet or rug after cleaning may be cellulosic browning.

Central air conditioner

Keep components clean — you'll reduce dust and save energy.

Charcoal grill

Maintenance is easy, even though ashes must be discarded after every use.

Chelating agent

A "builder" that gets dissolved minerals out of the way of laundry detergent.

Chimney

For most people, this is not a do-it-yourself cleaning task.

Chlorine bleach

This laundry aid is also an effective disinfectant, but be careful.

Chrome

Clean gently — it's very easy to wear this surface down.

Coffee maker

Keep it clean, and your coffee will taste noticeably better — guaranteed!

Coliform

Coliform bacteria are the commonly-used bacterial indicator of the sanitary quality of foods and water. They are defined as rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming organisms.

Comforter

Care is fairly easy for inexpensive comforters. Protect expensive down comforters with a duvet cover.

Computer keyboard

Easy does it, and watch those liquids around the keys.

Computer monitor

Flat panels are cleaned differently than the older CRT screens.

Computer tower

Dusting reduces buildup on sensitive components inside the case.

Concrete floor

Seal these floors, and you’ll simplify this cleaning hassle once and for all.

Corian

A solid surface countertop line for kitchens, baths, sinks and lavatories, manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Wilmington DE.

Counter brush

Crumbs and coarse dirt are no match for this inexpensive tool.

CRI

An acronym for the Carpet and Rug Institute, an industry association.

Cutlery

Why hand washing is better when it comes to your knives.

Cutting board

Thorough washing and sanitizing is essential, particularly on meat-cutting surfaces.

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