Everyday care · Find a small change that fits your home.
The US EPA advises emptying and drying portable humidifier tanks daily before refilling with fresh water, and cleaning them every third day. Follow the maker's directions and rinse thoroughly after any cleaner.
White spots on a kettle's element can be mineral scale. Philips recommends a suitable descaler or a model-approved vinegar/citric-acid routine followed by thorough rinsing.
IKEA's BJÄRSEN shower curtain is made from PEVA. The maker says do not machine-wash, bleach, tumble dry, iron or dry-clean; periodically rinse and wipe with a damp sponge.
ENERGY STAR advises checking central HVAC filters about monthly: clean reusable filters as instructed, but replace disposable ones. Wall-mounted air conditioners and air purifiers may use different systems.
Debris and mineral deposits can collect in the aerator at a faucet spout and distort flow. Follow Moen's advice to identify the specific aerator type before cleaning.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises cleaning dryer lint filters before and after each cycle and checking the vent system. Heat-pump and vented dryers have different maintenance instructions.
Panasonic advises unplugging and cooling the microwave before wiping the cavity with a soft cloth and mild detergent, keeping moisture out of vents and cleaning the door seal without abrasives.
Bosch and Samsung distinguish washable removable metal grease filters from charcoal odor filters that usually require replacement. Turn the hood off and let it cool before servicing according to the manual.
Keep the extinguisher accessible; check the gauge, safety pin, body and nozzle. During a real fire, alert others, escape and call emergency services first.
Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs may contain mercury. The U.S. EPA recommends moving people and pets away, ventilating for 5–10 minutes, collecting pieces with cardboard and tape, and not vacuuming initially.
Clean the food thermometer probe with hot soapy water before and after use and between foods. USDA says most food thermometers should not be fully immersed in water.
Surface rust on bare cast iron can often be removed by scrubbing, drying and applying a thin oil layer, followed by reseasoning if needed. Follow Lodge's guidance; do not use the same approach on enamel-coated pans.
