9 Common Cleaning Conundrums (and How to Solve Them)
1. Dingy or Moldy Grout Grout is porous, and it can be difficult to clean grout lines that are set deeper than the surface tiles. Experts recommend regular cleaning with a grout brush, but when grout is badly stained or has developed significant mold or mildew buildup, something stronger may be needed. A mold- and mildew-eliminating grout cleaner that contains chlorine bleach, like X-14 , makes quick work of cleaning and brightening dirty grout. For a solution that doesn't call for heavy-duty cleaning agents like bleach, a steam cleaner like the Bissell Steam Shot fitted with a grout brush attachment will do the job fast using only steam. 2. Stiff and Smelly Towels (Even When Clean) There's a surprising reason why your towels come out of the wash feeling stiff and smelling less than fresh: You're using too much detergent, liquid fabric softener, or dryer sheets. Waxy buildup from softeners reduces the absorbency of towels, and buildup from detergent residue can mak