Aurelia Butler

Is there any space that seems to accumulate dirt, debris and random stuff more than your car? It makes sense. Our cars are like tiny homes on wheels. Between mid-errand coffee runs, kids’ snacks and muddy paws, our vehicles take a beating, and most don’t have any trash cans. You’re probably not doing the same regular sweeps you do inside your home, either. A professional detail is expensive, though. For a big SUV, you might pay as much as $80 to $100 to restore the interior of your car to its former glory. Thankfully, cleaning your car at home — car seats and all — is a relatively easy task. With regular maintenance, it’s something you shouldn’t have to do very often, either. About once per month should suffice.When your car needs more than a quick floor mat shakeout or vacuum job, follow this guide from our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab to clean your car’s interior like a professional. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playWhat you’ll needTrash bagsReusable bagUpholstery cleanerHandheld vacuumGlass cleaner or glass cleaning wipesMicrofiber clothAll-purpose cleaning sprayCompressed airDeep clean brush setDish soapWarm waterDisinfecting sprayHow to clean your car, step by stepDo a quick sweep. Bring a trash bag out to your car and toss any wrappers, empty cups, old receipts and anything else that belongs in the waste bin. Put anything else you come across — rogue kids’ socks, water bottles, pet leashes and more — into a reusable bag to bring inside, so you can return each item to its proper place inside the home.Remove and clean floor mats and car seats. Before you even think about vacuuming the carpet, remove the floor mats from the car and shake them out. To get rid of carpet stains, a handheld tool like the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is most efficient. For stubborn spots on rubber mats, use a garden hose to remove stuck-on bits, then scrub any remaining spots with a mixture of dish soap and warm water.Now is a good time to remove any children’s car seats, too. Shake them out and vacuum using a crevice tool — there are lots of nooks and crannies in these items, and this will help you do a more thorough job without damaging the seat. You can also use a damp cloth to spot-clean any trouble spots.Wipe the windows. Brush away any visible dirt from the inside of the windshield and windows and the tracks below them. Then spritz with a glass cleaner like Invisible Glass, which has a fine mist so the spray drips less — important when you’re working with automatic windows. (You can also use Windex Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes if you find that more convenient.) Wipe away all traces of the product with a clean microfiber cloth. Because they’re super absorbent, they’ll leave the glass shiny and streak-free.Dust the front panel, dashboard and console. Because it’s the focal point in your car, this is where you’ll first spot dust and dirt. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or vacuum away any dirt and grime for a quick fix. To give your dashboard a like-new look, spray nooks and seams with compressed air and wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaner like Car Guys Super Cleaner. Finish it off by sanitizing any high-traffic spots with disinfectant wipes, and adding an air freshener to remove odors.Clean out cup holders. Don’t sleep on your cupholders. Those hardworking spots can be one of the grimiest — and stickiest — areas in your car’s interior. To clean out these spots before they begin to harbor bacteria, immerse removable plastic cupholders in soapy water, rinse clean, then wipe dry. If yours aren’t removable, you can wipe them down with warm, soapy water. (A small brush set can help you get into those hard-to-reach spots.)Clean the seats. Whether you have leather or cloth seats, the first step is to vacuum. For best results, use a cordless handheld vacuum with the upholstery or brush tool. Then use the crevice tool to reach crumbs and dust stuck in seams and between the seats. The next steps vary based on what type of seats you have:If you have cloth seats, use your upholstery cleaning machine, or for stubborn stains, a carpet and upholstery cleaner like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. Just spray it on and work it into the stain with a cloth or soft brush, then let it sit according to the label’s directions. Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.If you have leather seats, work a mild soap or a leather cleaner, like GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Leather Cleaner, into the leather with a soft, damp cloth. Then, rinse with another damp cloth before buffing with a dry cloth. Finally, apply a protectant like GH Seal Star Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to help prevent future stains.Vinyl upholstery car seats are easy: Spray an all-purpose cleaner, like Car Guys Super Cleaner, over trouble spots, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.Do a full pass on the carpet. Once the rest of the car’s interior is clean, vacuum the base carpet completely using the mini rotating brush attachment if your vacuum has one. If not, use the upholstery/brush tool. (You want to save this step for last, since debris may fall onto the floor during the cleaning process.) Use smaller nozzles to clean crevices, including seat tracks and even seat pockets. After vacuuming, you may want to use your upholstery cleaner to tackle any stubborn spots.Wipe down the steering wheel and door handles: Finally, since these high-touch areas can harbor germs and bacteria, spritz the steering wheel and all door handles with a disinfectant spray. Let sit for the time indicated on the manufacturer’s instructions and air dry, then buff with a microfiber cloth. For leather-covered steering wheels, use a disinfecting wipe.aire images//Getty ImagesHow often should you clean your car?Cleaning your car may seem like a daunting task, but here’s a bit of good news: It’s something you really only have to do about once per month. And if you’re diligent about regular maintenance cleaning, the task will become easier to tackle since you won’t have to do such a deep clean every time. Another nice bonus: When you have a clean car, it’s easier to maximize space, which means you’ll be able to fit more sports gear, groceries or whatever else you need to tote around town. How to keep your car’s interior cleanerTo minimize the amount of work you have to put in each time you clean your car’s interior, follow these tips to keep things in order: Don’t eat in the car. This goes for both you and the kids — especially messy foods that crumble easily or sticky things like lollipops.Wipe down your pets’ paws before placing them in the vehicle — and, if you have an SUV, consider securing pets safely in the cargo area. You might also want to keep a lint roller in the glove compartment to quickly tackle any pet hair each time your cat or dog rides with you. Keep a small trash can in the car for snack wrappers, empty cups and all of those pesky receipts that build up. Place protective car seat covers over the seats. If you have young kids, you can also get kick mats to place on the backs of the front seats to keep muddy footprints off the leather, vinyl or cloth seats. Apply a leather conditioner such as Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream, or a fabric protector such as Scotchgard Auto Fabric & Carpet Water Shield, to seats to help repel spills and make stains easier to remove.Contributing WriterBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

Gum may be a fun little snack, but it’s also notorious for being a pain to remove if it ends up anywhere but inside your mouth. Find remnants of the confection on your clothes, and you’re in trouble — especially if you don’t notice it until after it goes through the washer and dryer. Don’t worry. Not all hope is lost if you find yourself in a sticky situation. There’s a pretty painless way to dissolve gum fast. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab say all you need to restore your garments to like-new condition is some ice and a few basic laundry room staples. How to Get Fresh Gum Out of ClothesIdeally, you’ll catch any rogue gum before your clothes take a spin through the washer and dryer. Like other stains, laundering can make things a lot trickier. The heat from the dryer may set the color of the gum stain and melt the gum, driving it further into the fabric and possibly even transferring it to other clothes in the drum. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playIf you have a fresh gum stain, follow these step-by-step instructions for removing it:What You’ll NeedFreeze: If the gum is still soft, place a small bag of ice cubes or an ice pack on the garment for about 15 minutes to freeze the gum. (If the garment is small enough, you can even put it directly in the freezer.) By hardening the goo, you’ll have an easier time scraping off any excess. Scrape: Once the sticky stuff is solid as a rock, scrape off as much as you can using a scraper, the blunt edge of a butter knife, a credit card or even a paint scraper.Pretreat: Next, pretreat the area with an oil- and grease-fighting stain remover, following the manufacturer’s instructions. A quick scrub with a laundry brush can help dissolve any residue and resolve discoloration.Launder: Once the garment sits for the time recommended on your laundry pretreatment, launder as usual. Just make sure to check your clothing before tossing it in the dryer. You definitely don’t want to put the item into the dryer until you’re sure all the gum is gone. How to Get Dried Gum Out of ClothesAccidents happen, and if your clothes take a spin before you catch the gum stain, you have options. But first, check your dryer. If melted gum ended up inside the dryer drum, put several old towels in the dryer and let it run on warm for a few minutes. Then try peeling it off. If that doesn’t work, place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag. Hold the bag against the gum to harden it, then carefully chip off what you can. Finally, work a little pre-wash laundry spray into any remaining residue to dissolve it and carefully scrape the drum clean. Wash the area with a sudsy cloth, rinse and dry. Before drying your next load of clean clothes, run one cycle with several damp rags to make sure it’s all gone and won’t transfer to future loads.Once the machine is clean, you can follow these step-by-step instructions for dealing with your clothes. What You’ll NeedGoo Gone or petroleum jellyCotton swabOil- and grease-fighting stain remover, like Shout Advanced Foaming Grease and Oil Laundry Stain RemoverLoosen: Using a cotton swab, apply petroleum jelly or Goo Gone to the affected area, according to label directions. As you work the product into the stain, it should begin to loosen. You can then use your fingers to pick off as much of the gum as you can.Pretreat: Next, pretreat the area with an oil- and grease-fighting stain remover, following the manufacturer’s instructions.Launder: Once the garment sits for the time recommended on your laundry pretreatment, wash as usual.Other Ways to Get Gum Out of ClothesThere are a lot of other hacks for dissolving gum floating around. Some say white vinegar softens the sticky stuff enough to pry it from fabric, while others say toothpaste, peanut butter or even a hot iron will do the trick. We say the above methods — ice for fresh gum and Goo Gone or petroleum jelly for dried-on gum — are the only effective methods we’ve approved.Contributing WriterBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

With spring comes warmer weather, but unfortunately the season’s arrival might also mean an abundance of one specific type of pest — wasps. These aggressive insects come out in the spring and linger until winter. Their overbearing presence in your house or garden may have you searching desperately for a solution. To ease your frustration, browse our guide on how to get rid of wasps that you may find flocking around your flowers or any other part of your home.Below, you’ll find natural home remedies to get rid of wasps in an instant. Effective ideas include making liquid solutions with essential oils and vinegar to spray onto plants or lure wasps into traps. If you’re growing fruits and vegetables, be sure to keep the area clean and free of scraps at all times to help prevent wasps (they’re are also attracted to sweet scents and bright-colored flowers that you likely have in your summer garden). Mikhail Nazarov / 500pxYou should also conceal cracks and crevices, or try planting decoy plants (spearmint and eucalyptus are just a few examples) in areas your family is less likely to be around. Since wasps are typically more active during the day as they search for food, and more dormant at night, be on the lookout to prevent walking close to their nest and getting stung. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, wasps can be found inside buildings, on trees and in places you least expect, like in the attic, walls or anywhere dark and warm for shelter. The pests tend to stay clear of attacking when people aren’t near their nests, but if you find one close to where your family is most active, it’s best to eliminate the risk of stings.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to play “Stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). He strongly recommends calling a licensed pest control professional for nest removal, especially if you want to be safe. Read below for more details on how you can get rid of wasps hiding nearby. We even share the different types of wasps, so you can pinpoint the more aggressive colonies, including yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets. Different Types of Waspsmikroman6//Getty ImagesAccording to Dr. Fredericks, you’ll find more than 4,000 different types of wasps in the U.S. Common species include mud daubers, yellow jackets and paper wasps. Unlike bees, with their full and hairy bodies, wasps are slimmer and have a shinier appearance. Plus, bees feed their larvae pollen, while wasps nourish theirs with insects, making them great for controlling pests and suitable for protection crops, according to National Geographic.Mud DaubersThese wasp types are less aggressive than the others. Pinpoint them by their long and slender bodies and black wings. They’re typically brown or black in color, though some may have yellow stripes. Although they usually build nests on buildings and homes, they rarely sting. Paper WaspsSimilar to mud daubers, paper wasps have a brownish color, although some may be found with red stripes. Their paper-like nests are shaped like umbrellas and can be found on tree branches, porch ceilings, door frames and windows. YellowjacketsWith their yellow bodies and black markings, yellow jackets are one of the most common and aggressive wasp types. They’re incredibly territorial and have a habit of repeatedly stinging when threatened. Bald-Faced HornetsAnother aggressive type, the bald-faced hornets are large, mostly black, and have white or ivory markings. They love living in large colonies, making them one of the social insects. Their round and papery nests are usually found in trees and bushes, so be wary in your garden. European HornetsWhile not the aggressive type, unless they feel threatened, European hornets are brown with yellow stripes. Their nests are hidden in various places like barns, attics and even abandoned bee hives, with the average nest containing 200 to 400 workers, according to the University of Maryland Extension. How to Get Rid of Wasps in Your Home and GardenVinegarLa Bicicleta Vermella//Getty ImagesVinegar is a versatile substance used for cooking, cleaning, baking and even weed control. And believe it or not, you can even use it to kill wasps. In fact, it attracts them. According to a study published in the Journal of Pest Management Science, acetic acid, the ingredient of vinegar that gives it its unique odor, mixed with water is an effective solution that lures wasps and other pests. Since vinegar is made of water and 4% acetic acid, you can create an effective solution to charm wasps into flying to your trap. Simply mix apple cider vinegar, sugar and water together in a bowl. Stir thoroughly and leave your trap near their nest so they’ll drown. Clove-Geranium-Lemongrass Oil BlendGetty ImagesResearch published in the Journal of Pest Management Science found that a combination of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oil successfully repelled wasps. Mix several drops of each oil with water and dish soap in a spray bottle and coat areas on the outside of your home where wasps like to build nests: under eaves, porch roofs and other ledges and crevices. You can even spray the solution on your plants, as the mixture isn’t harmful to them. Since fully covering all of those areas with essential oils would be impractical, target spots where you’ve found old nests in the past, as paper wasps tend to build new nests in the same locations, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.Soap and WaterLF/shutterstockAccording to Chris Walker, an eco-friendly wasp removal expert in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you can tackle small hanging nests with a mixture of two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. “The soap clogs their breathing pores (called spiracles) and they die almost instantly,” Walker says. Peppermint OilGetty ImagesPeppermint oil may also be effective at repelling wasps, according to the same study from the Journal of Pest Management Science. You can try applying it as described above, by spraying it on your plants and in common areas where they congregate, or you can purchase EcoSmart Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer, which is mint-oil-based, to target established nests. Wasp TrapsGetty ImagesWasp traps work by luring the insects inside a container with some tempting treat like sugar water and then preventing their escape. You can make one yourself in about five minutes by sawing the top off a two-liter bottle and inverting it inside the bottom, or cutting a small hole in the top. Hang your trap on tree branches where the wasps like to congregate. If the DIY route isn’t for you, you can also purchase a more heavy-duty trap online such as this highly-rated one sold on Amazon. However, Walker notes that traps probably won’t fully solve your problem because you might end up capturing wasps passing through your yard, rather than just ones building a problem nest. If using a trap, your best bet is to try to locate the nest and place the trap close to its entrance.Patch Up Crackskay roxby/shutterstockIf you want to keep wasps from invading your house, preventative measures are key, says Walker. He recommends sealing up tiny cracks — like those around the edges of siding and where power lines enter the house — and patching up holes in window screens. The best time to do this is in late fall after most worker wasps have died off or in early spring before nests become active. “Use a combination of caulk or expandable foam sealant, like Great Stuff, to plug cracks and holes,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Besides keeping out wasps and other pests, this will make your home more energy efficient.”However, if you do discover wasps inside your house, don’t try to seal the nest inside the wall, thinking they’ll just die off. “They’ll find their way out through vents or even chew through drywall,” says Walker.Keep Food and Trash CoveredGetty ImagesAccording to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, wasp problems are usually worse in backyards that have lots of food sources in the form of exposed garbage, recycling bins and composting food matter. Make sure to tightly seal the lids to your garbage bins. “Bins with a secure locking lid are ideal, but a pair of bungee cords should also do the trick,” says DiClerico. You might also consider composting indoors if you find your compost pile close to the garden is causing problems.”As invaders of backyard barbecues, stinging insects are attracted to sweets and proteins, and thus people,” says Dr. Fredericks. He suggests “pour[ing] canned drinks into cups when enjoying a cold beverage outdoors. Wasps are known to climb into cans and sting when an unsuspecting person takes a sip.” Generally, keep sugary beverages and all food out of reach whenever possible.How to Get Rid of Wasp Nests A professional pest controller is recommended when removing wasp nests. However, if you want to remove the nest on your own, follow these steps: Spray a store-bought wasp killer, like Spectracide, onto the nest at least 24 hours before removal. Wear gloves and white attire, as black and other dark tones are perceived as threats. Check for activity in the nest. If you still see movement, spray again and wait to make sure the wasps are dead.Cover the nest with a garbage bag. Gently pull the nest from where it’s hidden and seal the bag once inside.Throw the bag away and seal it with a tight-fitting lid.Assistant EditorMariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.  More

If you plan to paint your walls, cabinetry or anything else, you’ll want to know the best way to remove potential paint stains that may arise. While paint stains may not be a daily household issue, it’s important you know how to get paint out of carpet before it dries and makes the removal process more difficult.If an at-home paint project has gone awry, rest assured there are steps you can follow to remove these stains. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, experts in the Cleaning Lab test stain removers to find the products that will remove any and all spills from coffee stains to red wine stains, blood stains and more. Depending on whether you are working with a wet or dry water- or oil-based paint stain, you may be able to lift the paint with household items you already have under your kitchen sink. We’ll cover acrylic, latex and oil-based stains below.More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playYou can reference our guide to removing paint from clothes if your favorite tee also got stained, as well as our guide to cleaning a carpet the right way. For now, here is everything you need to know to successfully get water- or oil-based paint out of carpet.Before you startBefore you jump into cleaning your carpet, our cleaning expert Carolyn Forté, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director, shares some pointers to keep in mind:Use a white cloth. If using a cloth to remove paint (rather than a sponge or paper towels), opt for a white cloth so the color from the cloth doesn’t bleed into the carpet.Blot rather than rub cleaning product into the carpet. “Rubbing is bad, especially for carpets,” says Forté. Focus on pulling the paint “up and out” of the carpet.Don’t use more water than absolutely necessary. You don’t want to over-wet or over-saturate the carpet and therefore the padding underneath. We recommend using a spray bottle to avoid this. If you don’t have a spray bottle on hand, you can also use a wet sponge or cloth.Don’t apply straight dish soap to a carpet stain. Liquid dishwashing detergent is too thick and sudsy, so you’ll never be able to completely rinse it out of your carpet. Instead, we recommend mixing dish soap with warm water.Apply paint thinner to a hidden spot on your carpet for safety and colorfastness. If you don’t notice any damage, then it’s safe to proceed!Wear gloves while cleaning and open a window to make sure you have proper ventilation when using paint thinner.Catherine Falls Commercial//Getty ImagesHow to get wet water-based paint out of carpetAcrylic and latex paint are popular water-based paints and are easier to remove than oil-based paint. Acrylic paint is known for its fast drying times and ability to be applied to a variety of surfaces, from canvas to paper. Meanwhile, water-based latex has become a popular paint for cabinetry in recent years. What You’ll Need Latex glovesPutty knifeSpray bottleWarm waterLiquid dishwashing detergentClean white cloth or paper towelsScrape away excess paint. While wearing gloves, use a putty knife or utensil with a hard, dull surface to scrape off excess paint from the carpet. Try to remove as much of the paint as you can. Spray with water. Add warm water to a spray bottle and spray it onto the stained area. Mix together equal parts warm water and liquid dishwashing detergent. Prepare the solution in a container or bowl that’s wide enough to dip a cloth into.Apply the solution to the stain. Use a clean white cloth you don’t mind ruining or paper towels. Dip a cloth into the solution and blot the stain to remove the paint. It’s important you avoid rubbing the stain as it may work the paint deeper into the carpet.Wet with warm water. Use a spray bottle with warm water to flush out dish soap and continue to blot with a clean cloth of paper towels. Repeat steps four and five until all paint has been removed. How to get wet oil-based paint out of carpetOil-based paint is a heavy-duty option for painting interior walls. While many choose oil-based paint for the glossy finish, it can be a lot harder to remove from carpet. You’ll need to use paint thinner or turpentine for this process. What You’ll NeedLatex glovesPutty knifeSponge or clean white clothPaint thinner or turpentine Liquid dishwashing detergent Warm waterSpray bottleScrape away the excess paint. Wearing gloves, use a putty knife or utensil with a hard, dull surface to remove excess paint from the carpet. Blot with a clean white cloth to lift up as much paint as you can. Spray with water. Use a spray bottle with warm water to wet the stained area. Blot again with a white cloth.Apply paint thinner. Starting at the edges of the paint stain, apply paint thinner or turpentine with a wet sponge or white cloth. Be careful to keep the paint thinner from spreading the stain. To avoid spreading, work on individual carpet tufts, carefully applying the remover and blotting the stain. If your sponge or cloth becomes covered in paint, rinse it or use a new one. Continue the blotting process until no more paint is removed. Apply dish soap solution. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with one cup of warm water in a bowl or container. Use a clean sponge or fresh white cloth to apply solution to carpet. Gently blot the area.Rinse and repeat if needed. Use a spray bottle with warm water to rinse out the dish soap and blot dry with a clean towel. Repeat steps four and five as many times as needed until all paint is removed from the carpet.How to remove dry paint from carpetIt’s best to remove paint as soon as you notice the stain. Dried paint is a lot harder to remove than wet paint. But if you catch a stain later not all hope is lost. Follow these steps for both dried water- and oil-based paint stains.What You’ll NeedLatex glovesPutty knifePaint thinner or turpentineSponge or clean white clothBreak up excess paint. While wearing gloves, use your fingers to break up the dried paint and separate the carpet fibers. Scrape off the paint. Go in with a putty knife or utensil with a hard, dull surface to scrape away any dried-up excess paint that may break free from the tuffs. Removing as much dried paint as possible will make it easier for the paint thinner or turpentine to get into the fibers. Be gentle so you don’t pull out any carpet fibers.Apply paint thinner or turpentine. Use a sponge or clean white cloth to apply paint thinner to the stained area. Blot the stain to remove it, and avoid rubbing the paint further into the carpet. For dried water-based paint, you can spray warm water onto the stain first and blot with a sponge or clean white cloth. If the paint doesn’t come out, apply paint thinner.Rinse. Spray with warm water and blot with a clean white cloth until all paint is removed. Updates EditorElizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College. More

From stovetop to oven and back again, a good Dutch oven is the heavyweight champion of cookware. Because they’re known to evenly distribute and retain heat, Dutch ovens are excellent at searing and slow-cooking everything from short ribs to meatballs to stews. Once you learn how to cook with a Dutch oven and keep it clean, you’ll never have enough Dutch oven recipes in your dinner lineup. If you take proper care of a cast iron or enameled cast iron Dutch oven, it can last a lifetime. Hot water, dish soap and a swipe of the sponge are usually all it takes to clean a Dutch oven after meal prep. But if the heat gets too high or you’ve left food unattended inside for too long, you may be staring at stuck-on bits or stains that leave you second-guessing. To make sure you’re removing food residue without removing the seasoning or accidentally scratching the surface, follow these step-by-step instructions carefully for the type of Dutch oven you have at home. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playExpert Tip: Though many Dutch ovens are technically dishwasher safe, we recommend washing by hand to avoid dulling. Cast iron Dutch ovens are also prone to rust, so avoid the dishwasher and dry them promptly after washing.rudisill//Getty ImagesHow to Clean a Cast Iron Dutch Oven Cast iron Dutch ovens are incredibly durable and easy to bring back to life if they get rusty or dull, but they do require more TLC than other types of Dutch ovens since they need to be seasoned to help food release easily when cooking and cleaning. If you’re wondering if it’s okay to use soap on cast iron, the answer is yes! While today’s dish soaps can dissolve fresh grease, they won’t remove the layers of seasoning on their own.What You’ll NeedPaper towels Plastic food scraper WaterBaking sodaNon-metal cooking utensilNon-abrasive sponge or nylon scrubbing padDish soapDry dishclothCooking oil Wipe away grease and food bits. Use a paper towel or plastic food scraper to remove any stuck-on food and grease from the Dutch oven once it’s cool. If you can easily wash away what’s left, skip to step three.Loosen stuck-on food on the stove. Avoid scrubbing with steel wool or soaking in water, which can damage the seasoning. Instead, fill the Dutch oven halfway with water and add baking soda (about 1 tablespoon for every 1 cup of water), then bring to a boil on the stovetop. This will help release bits of food and stains so you can rinse them away. Use a non-metal cooking utensil to agitate the surface as needed, then pour the baking soda water solution down the drain. Let cool completely.Gently remove any remaining residue. Use dish soap and a nylon scrubbing pad or the scrubby side of a kitchen sponge to remove any food or residue that’s left and rinse well with running water. Never use steel wool or steel sponges! Dry immediately with a dishcloth and heat. If water sits on a cast iron Dutch oven it can cause surface rust. To prevent this, wipe away visible water droplets as soon as you’re done washing, then place the Dutch oven back on the burner for about 30 seconds to evaporate any leftover water completely.Season before storing. If your Dutch oven looks dull, apply a light layer of cooking oil to the inside with a paper towel while it’s still warm, then pop in a 350ºF oven upside down for about an hour to set. (Don’t forget to add a tray or foil underneath to catch any oil drips.) Once cool, buff away visible grease and store in a dry place. Expert Tip: When you store a cast iron Dutch oven, keep the lid off to prevent a buildup of moisture which can cause the cookware to rust. How to Clean an Enameled Dutch Oven Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are popular because they are non-stick, easy to clean and don’t require seasoning. Always hand-wash an enameled Dutch oven and avoid abrasive cleaners, which can leave surface scratches that compromise the coating. What You’ll NeedPaper towel Plastic food scraperWater Dish soapBaking soda Non-abrasive sponge or nylon scrubbing pad Dry dishcloth Wipe out the inside with a paper towel. As soon as your Dutch oven has cooled, use a paper towel or plastic food scraper to remove any leftover food or grease. If you wait too long, you may face more scrubbing.Fill with hot soapy water. Adding cold water to a hot pan can cause the enamel to crack, so take care. Let the Dutch oven cool completely before adding warm water, or let the water run hot before you add it to still-warm cookware. Let it soak for anything from a few minutes to overnight to help loosen stuck-on foods and make cleaning easier. Gently scrub away leftover food. Apply a squirt or two of dish soap to your kitchen sponge then scrub in a circular motion. Target stubborn spots with a plastic scraper or nylon scrubbing pad. Enamel can still scratch, so steer clear of abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool. Rinse well with warm water.Dry promptly with a dishcloth. While the enamel inside the Dutch oven won’t rust, the cast iron rim can, so you need to towel dry it quickly and completely. Like cast iron Dutch ovens, make sure you store it in a dry place away from water.Expert Tip: Remove stains promptly. As soon as you see stains on the inside of your enamel Dutch oven, fill it with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water and soak for 2-3 hours. Wash thoroughly and rinse.How to Clean a Ceramic Dutch OvenLike enamel, ceramic coatings are sensitive to temperature changes so it’s important to let a ceramic Dutch oven cool completely and heat up slowly. Ceramic Dutch ovens can be cleaned following the same step-by-step instructions above, except you can let your ceramic Dutch oven air dry since it’s not prone to rusting like cast iron. How to Clean a Non-Stick Dutch OvenSince non-stick cookware is designed so food slides right out of the pan, it should be very easy to clean. Follow the same enamel and ceramic Dutch oven cleaning steps, avoiding the use of scouring pads, steel wool or abrasives. If you find that cooking oils leave a residue on the nonstick surface, fill the Dutch oven with water and 1/2 cup white vinegar and it bring to a boil. The residue should float to the top. Skim it off with a paper towel, pour out the liquid, then wash according to the directions above. How to Clean a Stainless Steel Dutch OvenWithout any natural or synthetic coating, stainless steel Dutch ovens can be tougher to clean. But the good news is that there are GH-tested stainless steel cleaners that can help you get the job done quickly.What You’ll NeedRemove grease and food bits. With a paper towel or a plastic food scraper, scrape what you can into the trash, then rinse with warm water to loosen what’s left.Start scrubbing with dish soap. A squirt of your regular dish soap may be all the cleaning power you need. Rub a nylon scrubbing pad or the scrubby side of your kitchen sponge in a circular motion to remove any food residue. If larger pieces of food remain stuck on, fill the Dutch oven with warm soapy water and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing again. Tackle stubborn stains. If you’re still left with spots or stains, you may need to call in a stainless steel cleaner like Brillo Cameo Cleaner or Barkeepers Friend. Both are designed to target tough stains and restore shine. Rinse and dry before storing. Use warm water to rinse away soap and cleaners completely and dry with a dishcloth to avoid water spots, then return your Dutch oven to storage. Expert Tip: Stainless steel cookware can still scratch. If you’re storing another pot inside your Dutch oven, use a pan protector to protect the surface between uses.How to remove rust from a Dutch ovenRust can be removed with a non-metallic scrubber and a mild dish soap like GH Seal star Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid. Scrub in a circular motion, then rinse well and quickly dry completely. When all of the rust is removed from a cast iron Dutch oven, place it back on the stovetop to evaporate any remaining water droplets, then follow the steps below to season it to prevent future rust from forming. How do I season my Dutch oven? Seasoning a cast iron Dutch oven creates a natural non-stick coating on the surface, which is essential for cooking and cleaning. Some cast iron Dutch ovens come pre-seasoned, while enameled cast iron and ceramic Dutch ovens don’t require seasoning at all. If you have a cast iron Dutch oven that needs to be seasoned, first heat it on the stove so the pores open and allow for more absorption of oil. Use a paper towel to apply a thin layer of neutral oil across the entire surface of the Dutch oven, inside and out. Pop the pan in the oven upside down at 350ºF for an hour with a baking sheet or foil underneath to catch any oil drips, then let cool completely. Wipe away excess oil before storing it to avoid a buildup of residue.How do you store a Dutch oven properly? For cast iron and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, it’s important to dry them completely before returning them to storage. Heating the pan on the stovetop after washing can help ensure water droplets completely evaporate. Cast iron Dutch ovens also need to be properly seasoned before storing to prevent rust, which can form simply due to air exposure. It’s also a good idea to store the Dutch oven lid separately so moisture doesn’t build up inside. Taryn Mohrman is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience writing for major consumer magazines, retailers and digital outlets, including buybuyBABY, Woman’s Day, Parents and Redbook. She also specializes in content strategy and business development for B2Cs and startups, and has served as a consultant for companies in the home, fashion, beauty, tech, kids and gifts industries. More

Stainless steel is a popular material used in kitchen appliances and cookware. Stainless steel appliances give kitchens a modern look and can look like new for years after installation, while stainless steel cookware is known for its heat retention and durability. Like most things that are used regularly at home, the best way to keep stainless steel cookware looking new is to clean it after each use. Layers of burnt-on grease are much harder to remove from pots and pans and in some cases may never come off at all. It may seem like a daunting task, but cleaning stainless steel pans is actually simpler than cleaning stainless steel appliances (no need to wipe with the grain here) and luckily, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab have found the best ways to do it in the shortest amount of time. Reach for an expert-tested stainless steel cleaner and follow the steps below to keep your cookware in tip-top shape.How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans after Everyday UseThe best way to clean stainless steel pots and pans after everyday use is with your usual dish soap and warm water. If you have stubborn spots or bits of food that could use a little bit of work, follow the steps below to get rid of them quickly. More From Good Housekeeping play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playWhat You’ll NeedDish soapNon-abrasive spongeScrape away any leftover food bits from the pan. Use a wooden spoon to gently dislodge any stuck-on bits while the pan is still warm, but not hot.If there are any bits of food still stuck on the pan, soak the pan in hot water. After the pan has cooled completely, place it in a large pot of hot water or fill the sink with hot water and allow the pan to soak for at least 30 minutes. Any remaining food bits should loosen up. Scrub the pan with a scratch-free sponge. Dip the sponge in a soapy water solution and scrub the inside and outside of the pan thoroughly. Expert tip: For extra-stubborn stuck-on bits, fill the pan with water, place it on the stove and bring it to a boil for several minutes to loosen up stubborn or burnt-on food.How to Clean Stainless Steel Pans with Burnt-on StainsYou may be inclined to immediately go for a heavy-duty scouring pad or steel wool pad to get heavy, burnt-on stains off your pots and pans, but you may be doing more harm than good. These products are often too abrasive for stainless steel and can damage the surface of pans. The safest way to get stained stainless steel pans back to their original shine is by using a dedicated stainless steel cookware cleaner. If you use a store-bought cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that the product you use is safe to use on cookware, not just stainless steel appliances. Some stainless steel appliance cleaners often leave behind a protective coating that is not food-safe.What You’ll NeedStainless steel cookware cleaner or baking soda Non-scratch sponge Add water to the pot or pan, place it on your stove and bring to a boil. Allow the water to boil for a few minutes then turn off the flame and use a wooden spoon to scrape away any stuck-on bits of food inside of the pot. Make a paste with your favorite stainless steel cleaning powder or baking soda and water. Allow the pan to completely cool, then pour a bit of the cleaner or baking soda right inside the pan and add just enough water to form a paste. Use a sponge to spread the paste and scrub the pan. Unlike with stainless steel appliances, you don’t have to scrub cookware in the direction of the grain. Scrub in a circular motion and work the paste into all parts of the pan. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. After you are satisfied with your scrubbing, rinse the paste off of your pan well and dry with a towel to prevent water spots. Alex Wilson//Getty ImagesCan you ruin a stainless steel pan?Stainless steel pans can become scratched if they are cleaned improperly or discolored if they are not cleaned thoroughly enough. They can withstand more abrasive methods cleaning methods than stainless steel appliances, but there still are a few things you should never use to clean them. Steel wool pads and other very abrasive cleaning products can scratch the surface of pans and damage their smooth finish. Oven cleaners, grill cleaners and products containing bleach should never be used on stainless steel cookware as they are too harsh. The same goes for using vinegar to clean stainless steel pans. Vinegar is much too acidic and can damage the look of stainless steel. If must use vinegar, dilute it with at least equal parts water and do not allow it to sit in the pan. The safest option is always to start with the most gentle approach — dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge — and work your way up to slightly more abrasive products as needed. Running cold water over a still-hot stainless steel pan can also cause the material to warp and lose its shape. Tips to Keep Stainless Steel Pans Looking Like NewUse a lower heat setting to prevent food from burning onto your pans and causing discoloration.If you have a gas stove, use a burner that is the same size or smaller than the base of your pot. If the flame reaches up on the sides of your pot, the surface can become damaged. Try to remove stains as they happen to prevent build-up. It’s harder to get rid of multiple layers of burnt-on grease than it is to remove just one stain at a time. Allow your stainless steel pots and pans to cool completely before running them under cold water. If not, you risk warping the material. Stainless Steel Pan Cleaning ToolsBar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser Credit: Bar Keeper’s FriendBON AMI Powder Cleanser for Kitchens & Bathrooms Credit: Bon AmiBrillo Cameo Aluminum & Stainless Steel Cleaner Credit: BrilloScotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges (6-pack)Now 37% OffCredit: Scotch-BriteHome Care & Cleaning Lab Reviews AnalystJodhaira (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tests and writes about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH in 2021, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens. More