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• Paint cleaning

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

• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)

  An old standby that is still useful for cleaning walls and other surfaces.

• Needlework

  When cleaning this, it pays to be gentle.

• Counter brush

  Crumbs and coarse dirt are no match for this inexpensive tool.

• Broom

  Old-style corn brooms are much harder to use than their modern counterparts.

• Lampshade

  Cloth shades should be cleaned carefully with dry methods. Spot clean with wet methods only when absolutely necessary.

• Backpack vacuum cleaner

  Pros use this machine all day, avoiding back strain and repetitive stress injury.

• Mattress

  Turn and vacuum twice a year for better sleep — and better health.

• Bathroom fan

  Exhaust fans aren’t just for keeping the bathroom from smelling bad.

• Toilet

  Regular, thorough cleanings will make this job much easier.

• 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.

• Denatured alcohol

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

• Fire alarm

  Professionally monitored systems are most often found in commercial settings.

• Books

  Routine maintenance to emergency care.

• 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.

• Cutting board

  Thorough washing and sanitizing is essential, particularly on meat-cutting surfaces.

• Leaf blower

  These handy tools also make quick work of cleaning hard surfaces outdoors. Pay attention to safety, though.

• Mold

  The term is interchangeable with “mildew.” However, mold can be very destructive to the home itself.

• Hair dryer

  As with all electrical appliances, always unplug, and never get the insides wet.

• Mop, mopping

  A guide to the best tools and techniques for keeping many hard floor surfaces sparkling.

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