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HC-Pedia Entries

Damp mopping	Used where lots of water could damage the floor or the subfloor.
Dander	Control shedding where it starts – on your dog or cat – with regular brushing.
De-scaler	These products help remove crusty scale from plumbing fixtures and other surfaces.
Deck	They need a physical exam yearly, just like you do.
Degreaser	A wide range of cleaning liquids, from mild to caustic.
Denatured alcohol	This solvent is a capable spot cleaner on many hard surfaces.
Detergent	A cleaning agent that, unlike traditional soap, works well in hard water.
Diatomaceous earth	Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms.
Dilution	Proper dilution is key to making cleaning concentrates work best, but how do you figure out those ratios?
Dishwasher	While not high-maintenance, it does need occasional care.
Dishwasher detergent	A product that belongs in the machine, not on your hands.
Dishwashing liquid, dishwashing detergent	Inexpensive, mild and useful in a wide range of tasks.
Disinfectant	Solutions that kill the bugs, but not necessarily any spores.
Drain	Homeowners can resolve many problems before calling a professional.
Driveway	Sweep and spray to remove dirt. Also, the right way to soak out oil stains.
Dry mopping	A cousin to dusting as it applies to hard flooring.
Dry sponge	Removes dirt where you can't use liquids.
Dryer	Lint control is the name of the game here. Plus, what to do if clothing dyes stain the surface.
Duct	These metal conduits distribute heated or cooled air from a furnace or central air conditioner. No one’s sure whether they need regular professional cleaning.
Dust mites	These tiny creatures can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
Dust, dusting	It's everywhere, all the time. Here's how to keep it to a tolerable minimum.
DVDs	Make a habit of handling digital video discs carefully, and they’ll live a long life.