Cleaning this small appliance is easier than you think. Kristina Igumnova/Getty Images An electric kettle is a greatsmall appliancefor quickly boiling waterbut it does requireroutine cleaning. This buildup can not only affect the kettle’s functionality but also the taste of the water. Credit:Kristina Igumnova/Getty Images To prevent any further mineral deposits, use distilled water instead of tap. Once boiling, turn the kettle off if it doesn’t do so automatically. Let the boiled solution sit in the kettle for about 10 minutes....

Induction stovetops are easy to clean, but they require regular upkeep to look and perform their best. Matt Dutile Induction stovetops with flat glass cooking surfaces and copper heating coils underneath are popular choices in kitchens. This is in part becauseglass stovetopsare easy to clean. Credit:Matt Dutile However, induction stovetops require routine upkeep to ensure they look and perform their best. Some cleaning agents and tools should be avoided to prevent damage to the glass surface....

Upholstered headboards can get dirty fast and require regular care to keep them looking their best. Long-handled lint rollers can be useful for quickly removing soils and hair from the surface of an upholstered headboard. Instead use a gentle blotting technique to draw the stain out of the fabric. Credit:David Tsay/Interior design: Renee Cusano Design Allow the headboard to air-dry completely. Remember to leave plenty of drying time. Start by thoroughly vacuuming the headboard to remove dirt, dust, and hair from the surface....

Cleaning your bird feeder is as easy as washing a dishand should be done almost as often. Other signs that it’s time to clean a bird feeder are wet seed or cloudy nectar. There are some safety precautions to take and some things to avoid when cleaning a bird feeder. Credit: Getty Images “Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners,” Rowden says. “Mild soap and water or diluted bleach solutions will be sufficient....

Wondering what can and can’t go in the dishwasher? Need tips to make hand washing your most treasured tableware less stressful? to wipe food off of fine china before washing it. Credit:Getty Images / brizmaker Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water Next,rinse the piecewell under warm running water. Pay particular attention to handles, lips, and other design elements that can harbor stuck-on food. If the piece isdishwasher-safe, it will usually say so....

Kim Cornelison Few things are as distracting (and frustrating) as a pesky smudge on your glasses. Gently wipe the lenses with a microfiber cloth. For less smudging and scratching, do not wipe the lenses in circular motions. Credit:Kim Cornelison Instead, use horizontal and vertical strokes to ensure your glasses are streak-free. Start by washing your hands and running your glasses under lukewarm water. Use a drop of dish soap on each lens, and gently rub it in using your fingers....

Keep your homes gutter system clear of sticks, leaves, and other debris. Water flows down from the roof and into the gutter system, where it is redirected to the downspout. Learn how to clean the gutters to keep your home’s system in good working order. Credit:Getty Images / triocean How Gutters Work A gutter system is relatively simple to understand. The water runs into the gutters, where it collects and is redirected....

Here’s how to keep your hat looking its best, whether you wear it for fashion or function. so you’re able to enjoy wearing them for years to come. “For basic cleaning,” Govea says, “grab your trusty hat sponge and hat brush. Credit:Jason Donnelly Otherwise, gravity might have other plans and flatten it out.” Do not hose down straw hats, rinse them with running water, or submerge them in water. And, Govea pleads,do not machine-wash felt or straw hats of any kind....

With proper care and cleaning, nonstick cookware can last for years. Use these tips to clean nonstick pans to keep them damage-free. If you want your nonstick pans to last, taking good care of them is essential. Credit: gilaxia/Getty Images Keep them in mind while you’resauteeing at the stoveorfrying away, and your nonstick pans will last for years. Usually, a quick scrub with mild dish soap and asoft cloth or spongeis enough to clean nonstick pans....

Clean your outdoor garbage cans to improve their looks and eliminate trash odors for good. Fortunately, you dont need much to make your garbage receptacles look (and smell) brand new. Empty Garbage Can and Rinse Remove any bags or loose trash from the garbage can. Credit:Getty Images / Viktor Kintop Attach a sprayer to a standard water hose and thoroughly rinse the inside and outside of the garbage can. Pay special attention and scrub any crevices, such as behind the wheels and around the handle....

Spruce up your screen porch with these easy tips for removing dirt, dust, pollen, and mold. You probably already have everything you need. You might also want toclean the rest of your outdoor spaceswhile you’re at it. Credit: David Land Switch to the crevice tool attachment to vacuum the corners and edges of the screens. Look for things like build up of mold and pollen that might be stuck to the screens....

Say goodbye to these seasonal stains for good. Getty Images / ascg Photography Along with sledding and snowmen, snowy weather also brings additional household chores. Luckily, his advice is simpleand involves a product you likely already have in your pantry! Credit:Getty Images / ascg Photography As soon as you notice a salt trail, gently sweep up loose debris. Next, mix one part water with one part vinegar and dip a soft cloth in the solution....

Use these natural cleaning methods to protect your flatware and keep it looking polished. Use these easy tips to keep your flatware spotless and preserve its shiny finish. Store your flatware in a dry, cool spot that’s clean and protected from dust. Credit: Helen Norman Gently rub the paste onto the rusted areas with a soft cloth. Step 4: Rinse and Dry.Rinse with clean water and dry immediately. Never wash plated silverware in the dishwasher or submerge it in a liquid solution for extended periods....