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Get rid of the gunk and grime (and funky odors!) from your dishwasher filter. Anastasiia Akh/Getty Images Ask yourself these three questions. Photo:Anastasiia Akh/Getty Images Does your dishwasher stillsmell yuckywhen it’s empty after running a wash cycle? Did you know that your dishwasher has a filter? Have you ever cleaned your dishwasher’s filter? If your answers are yes, no, and no, then we’re about to rock yourdishwasher habits. Every dishwasher has a filter to trap bits of food....

This simple task will help your clothes dry fasterand could even prevent a fire. A clean dryer is crucial to preventing house fires that could start in an unlikely place. One way to do so is by learning how to clean a dryer vent. Getty Images Other hints would be a burning smell or excessivelint in the lint trap. For a straightforward job unclogging a vent pipe, the cost ranges from $100 to $200....

BRETT STEVENS/Getty Images ADutch ovenis one of the most versatile pieces of cookware on the market. There are plain or enameled cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic stonewareDutch ovensavailable. Learn how to clean your Dutch oven below. Photo:BRETT STEVENS/Getty Images Enameled ovens won’t rust, but the enamel can chip and scratch. Avoid hitting the oven on sharp edges to prevent chipping.

A clean fireplace is safer and produces less smoke. A working fireplace adds warmth, ambiance, and style to a home. Often the focal point of a room, a traditional fireplace requires regular cleaning both for appearances and safety. While frequently used wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance, evengas-powered fireplacesshould be cleaned regularly. Turn off the gas at the main valve and vacuum away dust and cobwebs from the firebox. Inspect the unit for any cracks or scorched areas and call a certified gas technician if you see problems....

There are several methods you’re free to attempt to clean your hair straightener. When you use a dirty flat iron or hair straightener, this icky residue can transfer onto your hair. It can even cause corrosion on the plates, which will inevitably impact the hot tool’s glide. Getty Images If you want to be thorough, a wipe down after each use can prevent product buildup. If you’re not sure whether a flat iron needs to be cleaned, inspect the plates....

Put down that bottle of cleaning spray. Luckily, learning how to clean a flat-screen TV is fairly straightforward, requiring little time and few materials. Even ordinary kitchen towels or paper towels can cause marks and scratches on the screen. Here’s the right way to clean a flat-screen TV and prevent costly damage. This cautionary step will prevent you from doing something the manual warns against, thus voiding your warranty. Giving it a regular wipe-down will prevent dirt and oil from building up....

But you’ll definitely want to do it. (It might be worth doing this quick clean every time you change your sheets.) For deep cleans, expect to do one every three months to help keep your foam mattress topper clean. How to Deep Clean a Foam Mattress Topper The trickiest part of the deep clean? Whichever you choose, put the solution into the spray bottle. Rinse out your cleaning solution Use clean cloths and cool water to rinse out the cleaning solution....

Get rid of odors and mold with items you probably already have on hand. Front load washers have taken the laundry room by storm. But there can be one downsidea funky odor that permeates the laundry room and the freshly washed clothes. Yaroslav Kushta/Getty Images Here’s the bad news: It might be a result ofusing too much detergentandfabric softener. Here’s the good news: Cleaning is simple and requires only a few common supplies....

So debris, grime, and grease can really build up. You want to verify you don’t accidentally burn yourself from a hot oven door. Remove the glass from the oven door. Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali Your legs will protect the glass in case it falls off," Burkey says. Remove the glass and use a vacuum hose. Burkey suggests taking a vacuum hose to the empty space. Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali...

Grills and outdoor cooking equipment need to be washed down, too. (You don’t want to damage the cooking surface.) Try the easiest, least harmful cleaning method first before working your way to the more involved techniques. Getty Images This could save you some time and effort. How Often to Clean a Grill Clean your grill after each use to avoid stuck-on food. Then, at least once a year, give your grill a deep clean....

Say goodbye to germs in the air and your home with a clean humidifier. Sarah Drake is the seasonal humidifiers brand manager for Honeywell. Considerations Before You Get Started Before cleaning your humidifier, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Each model is unique and may require specific steps or tools. A humidifier with a large tank opening can be cleaned without needing a ton of brushes or tools. Here’s how to remove scale from your humidifier for a cleaner unit....

Maintain this tiny structure, and you’ll keep the birds full and humming happily. Getty Hummingbirds are treasured for their jewel tones, tiny size, and helicopter-like hovering skills. Why Is It Important to Keep Your Hummingbird Feeder Clean? Photo:Getty It is so important to keep your hummingbird feeder clean to keep hummingbirds healthy. Also, planting red or orange tubular flowers around your feeder will help attract hummingbirds. In cooler weather, weekly cleaning should be sufficient....

Here’s how to do both. Change the water filter every few months. How often you descale also depends on how much mineral content is in your water. It also depends on how often you use your machine. If you only use it once a week, every six months is probably fine. We asked the experts at Keurig how to clean the various parts of the machine in a flash. Take out all parts....