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• Humidifier, portable

  It helps if you hang onto the instructions. Here’s what to do if you can’t find them.

• Chelating agent

  A "builder" that gets dissolved minerals out of the way of laundry detergent.

• Humidity

  What this term means for a clean, healthy home.

• Cutlery

  Why hand washing is better when it comes to your knives.

• Sheers

  Drapes, rugs, carpets and upholstery faded by solar exposure usually can't be restored. Here's how to protect these expensive furnishings.

• 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.

• Butcher block

  A place where cleanliness really helps keep the family healthy.

• Silk houseplants

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

• Microbes

  The scientific name for what many people call germs or bugs. Microbes contribute to bad smelling bathrooms, but also function as nature's cleaning agents.

• Denatured alcohol

  This solvent is a capable spot cleaner on many hard surfaces.

• Alkalies

  Best for removing grease and oil.

• Comforter

  Care is fairly easy for inexpensive comforters. Protect expensive down comforters with a duvet cover.

• Range fan

  The hood has a removable filter that’s essential for reducing airborne grease.

• Blood

  A not-so-fearsome stain — if it gets immediate attention.

• Spills, spots

  A guide to the best ways of preventing stains on floors, rugs, carpet and upholstery.

• Ink spot

  Fast action can prevent spots from becoming permanent stains.

• Oven, convection

  Even if your oven “cleans” itself, some tasks still need to be done by hand.

• Sink, enameled metal

  Enamel is a tough, attractive finish, but it can be scratched or chipped.

• Oil spill

  Act quickly, or these spots can be a real nightmare to clean.

• Bleach

  It's not just from a chlorine bottle anymore.

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