Explore

Sort results by: Best Match | Alphabetically

• 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.

• Fire alarm

  Professionally monitored systems are most often found in commercial settings.

• Carbon monoxide alarm

  Every home should have at least one CO detector.

• Electrical cord

  Cleaning is simple. While you're at it, perform this simple safety check.

• Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)

  Environmental tobacco smoke is a fancy name for second-hand smoke.

• Carbon monoxide

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

• Sanitizer

  These agents kill most — but not all — bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.

• Acoustical tile ceiling

  A ceiling that absorbs sound — plus a whole lot more.

• Needlework

  When cleaning this, it pays to be gentle.

• CADR

  Look for these numbers when comparing portable room air cleaners.

• MERV

  A standard for rating heating and air-conditioning filter efficiency.

• HEPA

  A term relating to filter effectiveness. HEPA filtration removes 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns and larger.

• Alcohol

  A solvent, degreaser and adhesive remover with many uses.

• Rubbing alcohol

  An inexpensive, highly useful household solvent. Use carefully — it’s flammable.

• Paint cleaning

  Here’s the safe way to spot clean any painted surface.

• Label removal

  Think before you reach for the blade or scraper.

• Alkalies

  Best for removing grease and oil.

• Wallpaper

  It’s best to follow instructions that came with the wallcovering. Read on if care tips can’t be found.

• Hydrogen peroxide

  The pharmacy antiseptic makes a good, inexpensive spotting agent because of its mild bleaching action. It's also an effective germ-killing agent.

• Silk houseplants

  Plastics clean easily. Check for colorfastness before cleaning fabric plants with water.

Free Cleaning Checklist

Find a Certified Professional

Ads, ad links or content on this page are not necessarily endorsed by IICRC.

Find CRI Certified Vacuum Cleaners and Carpet Cleaning Products

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) does not necessarily endorse products, ads, links or content appearing on this page. To find CRI-approved vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners, visit www.carpet-rug.org.

Glimpse the Microscopic World of Germs and Dust at KaiScience: The Cleaning Science Community.

Also visit our sister site, HealthyHouseInstitute.com, for comprehensive coverage on green & healthy homes.

Popular Topics: Housekeeping Tips | House Cleaning Tips | Carpet Cleaning | Stains | Clean My House | Stain Removal
Green Cleaning | Cleaning Service | Spring Cleaning | Air Cleaners | Vacuum Cleaners