We’ve rounded up four ways to get pen stains off of wallsusing household staplesyou probably already have around. Here’s how to get pen off the wall. Here’s how: Why Magic Erasers Work Magic Erasers and melamine sponges are abrasives. The Spruce / Danielle Moore They’re made of melamine foam, which acts like a super-fine sandpaper on a microscopic level. When they’re rubbed against a surface, they can remove stains and marks that sit on top....

Scents marked “eau de parfum” will always be more concentrated than “eau de toilette.” Body sprays are the least concentrated scents. This makes fabrics feel smooth and soft, but the scent can also be overwhelming. The Spruce Air Out the Clothes Hang the scented clothingeven newly purchasedin the open air. Plants can also help absorb the odors. The time the clothing needs to air out depends on how saturated it is with scent....

How do you get that Sharpie mark off wood? You probably already have most of these do-it-yourself treatments in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Try one of these 10 at-home cleaning solutions to remove permanent marker stains from most wood surfaces. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol If your wood is finished, unfinished, or stained, you may experience different results. Dab, don’t rub, the spot with the cloth until the marker stain begins to lift....

Although Sharpie marks are called “permanent markers, " they will eventually fade through wear and washings. Here’s how to make permanent marker ink or Sharpie on fabric stand out bold and bright. Aim to preserve it as soon as possible after you create your design. The Spruce / Theresa Chiechi Set the cycle to the highest temperature recommended for the fabric, and tumble for at least 15 minutes. This will help to set the ink into the fabric fibers....

What Are Hot Water Recirculating Systems? If you have a dedicated return line, then this is a great system to use. Instant Hot Water Recirculating Systems This recirculating system does not require a dedicated hot water return loop. The Spruce / Kevin Norris It can be installed and used in any house. Instant hot water systems come in many different varieties. The two main pump locations are over the water heater and under the sink....

What Attracts Raccoons? Sources of food, water, and shelter attract raccoons to homes and gardens. They are smart and resourceful animals. The Spruce / Candra Huff 7 Ways to Get Rid of Raccoons There are several good ways to get rid of raccoons. Trapping is not one of them. In many states, raccoons are a protected species, meaning you need a license to trap them. Frank Schrader / Pexels Should you trap raccoons?...

Red wine stains are notoriously difficult to remove due to the tannins in wine. Try the following six simple methods using household ingredients and natural cleaners to get red wine out of carpet. After blotting up as much as possible, apply just enough cold water to dampen it. The Spruce / Kyle Fewell Blot it again with a new clean cloth before using one of the cleaning methods below. Tip Not all carbonated water is the same....

If you’ve got the option to’t get to it in time, fear not. Press gently and dabdo not rub as scrubbing will set the stain. Do not replace club soda with seltzer or any other carbonated beverage. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol Let the fabric sit overnight. Other choices include Biokleen’s Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover, Ecover Stain Stick, and Spot Shot. Several sprays are made specifically for removing red wine stains, such as Chateau Spill and Wine Away....

Get rid of that thrift store smell once and for all. To learn more expert-backed tips for scoring amazing finds,check out our full guide here. However, it turns out that deodorizing your finds is easier than you may have thought. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Below, cleaning experts share a number of suggestions for making your finds smell good as new. The fresh air will help eliminate some of the musty smell....

To eliminate ants,find the trailsand nests. Killing the worker ants will not solve the problem. Instead, send them back to the nest with poisoned food (ant bait). The Spruce / Bailey Mariner Fortunately, most common indoor ants do not do much real damage. Here’s how to get rid of ants with several easy-to-use methods. The Spruce / Bailey Mariner Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / K. Dave...

DZM / Getty Images Why is there a line of ants marching through my bathroom? Fortunately, most ants found in the bathroom do not do much real damage. Why Are There Ants in My Bathroom? DZM / Getty Images If you think ants are onlyattracted to the food in your kitchen, you’re wrong. Bathrooms provide an environment that is just as enticing for ants. Bathrooms are warm and humid and have a steady supply of water and food....

If you have ants in your kitchen, killing every insect in sight wont solve the problem. Theres likely an ant colony nearby where ants are traveling back and forth with morsels of food. Learn how to get rid of ants with a few simple solutions. The Spruce / Jake Shi What Kind of Ants Are Found in the Kitchen? Clean Thoroughly Ants are attracted to sugar and greasy food. The most effective way to get rid of ants in the kitchen is by keeping your space clean....

The smell permeates upholstery, curtains, carpets, and becomes trapped in the HVAC system and filters. Learn the best ways to get rid of smoke smells from your home. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska Open windows and add a large circulating fan to pull fresh air from the outside. Wash everything using a heavy-duty laundry detergent that will remove the odor molecules and any stains....