Cleaning 101

Let the experts from Real Simple do the dirty work for you -- we've compiled a list of all our favorite cleaning shortcuts, tricks, and must-know tips for the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

Never clean an upholstered piece without first consulting the fabric-care tag (generally found under a seat cushion). It’s fine to use water-based cleaners on furniture with a Code W tag. Code S pieces need to be spot-cleaned with a mild water-free solvent, while Code X upholstery can only be (carefully!) vacuumed.

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Tip #5

Never clean an upholstered piece without first consulting the fabric-care tag (generally found under a seat cushion). It’s fine to use water-based cleaners on furniture with a Code W tag. Code S pieces need to be spot-cleaned with a mild water-free solvent, while Code X upholstery can only be (carefully!) vacuumed.

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Next »Tip #6

Before you wash a wall, consider what it’s covered with. Avoid washing flat emulsion paint, which can be damaged by water (try a dry-cleaning sponge instead). But for gloss paint, mix 20 ounces of water and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Mist the solution on a wall section, wiping drips with a cloth. Let sit for five minutes, then rinse with a sponge dipped in lukewarm water and wrung out well.

Previous Tip # 4

For a natural window-cleaning solution, mix 2 ounces water and 10 drops lavender or lemongrass oil to wipe off grime. (Bonus: These oils may repel flies.) No oil on hand? Mix together ¼ cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and a squirt of liquid Castile soap in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the windows and wipe with a sheet of newspaper.

Next Tip #6

5 of 11 Never clean an upholstered piece without first consulting the fabric-care tag (generally found under a seat cushion). It’s fine to use water-based cleaners on furniture with a Code W tag. Code S pieces need to be spot-cleaned with a mild water-free solvent, while Code X upholstery can only be (carefully!) vacuumed.