DIY Network

Common Kid Cleanups Common Kid Cleanups From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-107

Children are a source of pride and joy for any parent, but a child's curiosity can equal a big mess. And cleaning up the chaos associated with children's toys and messes can be a challenge in any household.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Q: Are there any cleaning products on the market that don't aggravate childhood asthma (figure A)?

A: When buying cleaning products, make sure they are fragrance-, bleach- and color-free. Also consider using alternative cleaners like baking soda, white vinegar, borax and lemon juice.

Q: How do you remove gum from a child's hair?

A: Work either petroleum jelly or peanut butter into the gum, then take a fine-toothed comb and comb it slowly through the gum. Double-shampoo the hair to remove all residue.

Q: How do you remove baby formula from clothes?

A: To remove the stain from white clothes, the citric acid in lemon juice will do the trick. Pout the lemon juice on the stain and leave the garment in the sun for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours (figure B), then launder as usual.

For colored clothes, pour cool water on the stain, then sprinkle with a heavy layer of unseasoned meat tenderizer (figure C). The enzymes in the meat tenderizer will digest the protein in the formula. Tap the formula into the stain with the back of a spoon (figure D). Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then launder.

For really stubborn stains that remain after the above treatments, sprinkle an all-fabric bleach in warm water and soak the garment for 15 minutes, or according to package instructions. Add the bleach soaking solution to the wash water and launder as usual.

Tip: Put a plastic tablecloth under a baby's high chair at mealtime for easy cleanups.