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

Wall, painted	First, vacuum or dry-sponge walls. Wash if necessary with the following method.
Wallpaper	It’s best to follow instructions that came with the wallcovering. Read on if care tips can’t be found.
Warp	In weaving, the warp is the set of lengthwise yarns through which the weft is woven.
Water	This is the universal solvent for cleaning.
Water heater	These two simple tasks will help prevent costly plumbing services.
Water softener	A water softening additive can help with laundering in hard water. There’s also a more permanent solution.
Wax, candle	Successful removal depends on the surface.
Weft	A textile term for yarn which is drawn under and over parallel warp yarns to create a fabric.
Well-ventilated area	Another term you’ll see frequently in HC-Pedia. What do we mean?
Wet (soak) mopping	What to do when damp mopping no longer effectively cleans a vinyl, tile or sealed-stone floor.
Wet-dry vac	Wet-dry vacuum cleaners are best suited to garages and unfinished basements since they tend to spew fine dust out with the exhaust air if you don’t install an optional filter. They can come in handy for limited jobs in the home, such as clearing out a clogged sink, sucking up pet accidents, etc.
White vinegar	Think of it as an inexpensive mineral scale remover. It's not the best solution for most cleaning situations.
Wicking	An explanation of how dirt can re-appear on a (supposedly) clean carpet or sofa.
Wilsonart flooring	A high-pressure laminate floor manufactured by Wilsonart International Inc., Temple, TX.
Wilsonart laminate	Countertops for kitchens, baths and other applications manufactured by Wilsonart International Inc., Temple, TX.
Wilsonart sinks	Sinks and bowls for solid-surface and laminate countertop lines manufactured by Wilsonart® International Inc., Temple, TX.
Window	Where most people really need help is with large expanses of glass — this is where the streaks are.
Window cleaner	Consumer Reports offers an inexpensive, homemade cleaning solution.
Window screens	Take screens down to clean them. It’s a lot easier — and sometimes safer — than cleaning them in place.
Wood paneling	Cleaning is a snap on permanent finishes. Waxed or unfinished wood needs special care.
Wooden beams	Use a vacuum cleaner occasionally to keep ahead of dust, grime and cobwebs.
Wool garment	Take it to the dry cleaner unless care instructions say otherwise.
Wrought iron	To save its appearance, all of the rust has to go first.