28 handy hints for removing hard-to-remove stuff

From scratches, clogged drains, stains, permanent marker and lots in between, we’ll show you some of our proven methods for removing even the toughest stuff.

Have you ever cooked something and totally scorched the pan? The burnt remnants seem impossible to clean. Here’s one kitchen hack that will make it easier to swipe away the burnt-on grime: fill the pan with hot water, then add a little dish soap and a couple dryer sheets. Let it sit for an hour and wipe clean with a scrubbing pad.

Note: Once you’re done cleaning with the dryer sheet, use soap and water to wash the pan as usual.

Don’t miss these 11 chemical-free ways to clean your home. 

Who hasn’t accidentally written on a white board with a permanent marker? Luckily, it’s easier to remove than you think. Simply draw over your permanent marker artwork with a dry erase marker, and then wipe the marks away with an eraser or dry cloth. Your dry erase board will be good as new!

Got stubborn coffee stains on a pot, thermos or mug? Denture cleaner is the best cleaner we’ve ever found for these tough stains. Dissolve one denture cleaning tablet per two cups of hot water. Pour it in the stained vessel and let it sit for several hours and then use a scrub brush to clean off the stains and all the loosened bits. Pour the solution out and rinse thoroughly.

When gum freezes, it gets brittle and easily breaks apart. So, if you have gum stuck in your carpet, freeze it. Place a sandwich bag filled with ice cubes on top of the gum and wait about a half hour. When the gum is frozen, break it apart and pull it out of the carpet. No trace left behind.

Accidentally rip off the pull tab of a Command Hook? No big deal! You can still get it off damage-free. First, warm up the adhesive with a hairdryer. 30 seconds or so seems to be about right. Next, use dental floss or fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive strip. Rub off any remaining adhesive residue, and the Command Hook is ready to reuse!

Scratched eyeglasses are a real nuisance and make it hard to see. If your glasses DON’T have antiglare or scratch coating on them, here’s how to get minor scratches out. Put a drop of Brasso on a 100 percent cotton cloth, the softer the better. Apply the product to the lenses, let it dry completely, and then polish out the scratches.

Check out these secret cleaning tips from the pros on some of the toughest cleaning problems.

One of our readers, Tom Gerdowsky, shared this tip for removing paint from carpet:

“I used to think dropping a loaded paintbrush on the carpet meant replacing the carpet until a former foreman told me this little tip. Pour some methylated spirits onto a rag and scrub away the paint. Use a rag that is as close in colour to the carpet, as the alcohol can transfer some of the rag’s colour to the carpet.”

If you own a tall flower vase, you know how difficult it is to clean inside them. A toothbrush is perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach places. So, when your old toothbrush has retired from duty in your mouth, give it a new job!

Here are 40 handy hints for cleaning every nook and cranny of your house. 

Have your walls been redecorated with some original crayon masterpieces? Don’t lose your cool. Just grab a rag, dip it in some baking soda and lightly scrub the marks. They will come off with a minimal amount of effort and give your young Picasso a fresh, new canvas.

Dealing with other types of stains? We have solutions for you!