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• Chelating agent

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

• Chlorine bleach

  This laundry aid is also an effective disinfectant, but be careful.

• Water softener

  A powder can help with laundering in hard water. There’s also a more permanent solution.

• Soap

  The old standby is mild enough for personal use, but doesn’t work too well in hard water.

• Borax

  Cleaner and brighter, thanks to this booster.

• Detergent

  A cleaning agent that, unlike traditional soap, works well in hard water.

• Mud

  Spatters, spatters everywhere? Whatever you do, don’t spread them around.

• Ketchup spills

  Fast action will help reduce chances this spot will become permanent.

• Ink spot

  Fast action can prevent spots from becoming permanent stains.

• Phosphates

  Once widely used to soften water for use in washing machines, some makers have reduced use of these chemicals.

• Shower stall

  Preventing the buildup of soap scum and water deposits is a lot easier than removal later.

• 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.

• Water

  This is the universal solvent for cleaning.

• Counter brush

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

• Hosiery

  Protect stockings from laundry snags. Here’s how.

• Vomit

  Remove as much as you can immediately and dilute with water, experts say. Then follow these tips.

• Bathtub

  Enamel or plastic? Know before you clean.

• Hard water

  Water chemistry has an important bearing on many cleaning tasks.

• 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.

• Blood

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

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