Housekeeping Channel - For the Home You Keep. The Resource for Better, Faster, Healthier Housekeeping.

Explore

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.

HC-Pedia Entries

Safety goggles	Your eyes are vulnerable to injury during lots of cleaning jobs. Here's how to protect them.
Sanitizer	These agents kill most — but not all — bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.
SCRT	The Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians (SCRT) is a non-profit, international trade association and a shareholder of The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Scrubber, scrubbing pad	The darker it is, the more likely it is to scratch and damage a surface.
Scuff mark	The best advice is “easy does it” when trying to remove scuff marks.
Sheers	Drapes, rugs, carpets and upholstery faded by solar exposure usually can't be restored. Here's how to protect these expensive furnishings.
Shower curtain	The best way to clean a vinyl, polyester or cotton shower curtain, plus the skinny on shower rods and curtain rings.
Shower squeegee	A simple, effective tool that will reduce the number of cleanings showers and tubs need.
Shower stall	Preventing the buildup of soap scum and water deposits is a lot easier than removal later.
Silk	Your best bet? Read and follow the fabric-care label stitched into the garment.
Silk houseplants	Plastics clean easily. Check for colorfastness before cleaning fabric plants with water.
Sink	Whether in the kitchen or bath, a sink’s material — not location — determines the cleaning method.
Sink, enameled metal	Enamel is a tough, attractive finish, but it can be scratched or chipped.
Sink, porcelain	Be gentle, since true porcelain cracks and scratches easily.
Sisal	Traditionally used for rope and twine, sisal has many uses, including paper, cloth, wall coverings and carpets.
Skunk odor	A tomato-juice bath isn’t as effective as this home remedy, several experts say.
Smoke alarm	Since the introduction of smoke detectors 40 years ago, deaths from residential fires have been cut in half. Here’s how to ensure maximum protection from your alarms.
Soap	The old standby is mild enough for personal use, but doesn’t work too well in hard water.
Sodium metasilicate	This highly effective cleaner is a phosphate-free substitute for trisodium phosphate.
Solvent	Solvents help dissolve soils for removal.
Solvent safety	Use carefully to protect yourself, your family and the environment.
Spills, spots	A guide to the best ways of preventing stains on floors, rugs, carpet and upholstery.
Sponge	Some cleaning tools need cleaning themselves. This is one.
Spray bottle	Keeping a clean house would be a lot harder without these handy tools.
Stainless steel	Its name refers to rust and stain resistance, but it’s not stain-proof. Here’s how to deal with everyday blemishes.
Stainmaster	Since 2004, this former Dupont trademark name for carpet fiber has been owned by Invista of Wichita, KS, a division of Koch Industries, Inc.
Sterilizer	Agents or methods used to kill everything that can cause infection or disease.
Surfactant	It makes water wetter!