The holidays may be over, but they certainly left their mark.
If your home is dotted with stains, scratches and smudges after hosting for the holidays, co-author of the "Who Knew?" book series Bruce Lubin dropped by Studio 1A to show how you can get your home back to normal using common household items and a little elbow grease.
Fingerprints on stainless steel appliances
If your stainless steel refrigerator has fingerprint marks remaining from that holiday party, reach for the olive oil. Apply a small amount on a clean rag, then use the rag to rub off the marks. "It's not a Christmas miracle," Lubin said. "But it's close."
Scuff marks on wood floor
Remove those scuff marks in seconds by applying some non-gel toothpaste onto a clean rag, then rub the rag on the marks. They will be history in moments. Lubin says non-gel toothpaste can also be used to get rid of crayon marks, so make sure to keep some handy.
Scratch marks on wood floor and furniture
Not to worry, those scratch marks won’t be there forever. To remove, mix olive oil and vinegar in a three to one ratio. Apply the mixture onto a clean cloth and rub it onto the marks. The marks should disappear within seconds. Just make sure to buff it out so you no one slides on the mixture.
Candle wax on the tablecloth
If some candle wax poured onto your tablecloth during your holiday celebrations, simply set up an iron, then grab a paper bag. Put the paper bag over the wax, then begin ironing the area on top of the bag. It may take a few minutes, but it should come out entirely.
Water ring stains
It’s a tried-and-true tactic: Remove water stains from wood furniture by rubbing mayonnaise onto the stain. “It actually lifts the moisture out,” Bruce said.
Red wine stains on carpet
It’s not a party unless some red wine spills on the floor. First, get a damp cloth and dab it on the stain to lift as much moisture as you can. Then make a half-peroxide, half-dish detergent mixture and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the stain, wait a few minutes, then rub it out with a clean cloth.
Soot stain on the wall
If that candle left a soot stain on your wall, grab the rubbing alcohol and rub some onto the stain with a cloth. The alcohol will remove the soot while not damaging the paint on the wall.
Ashes in the fireplace
It’s a dirty job — but it doesn’t have to be. Lubin suggests pouring some wet coffee grinds onto the ashes before removing them, then dumping the ashes into a dust pan. The coffee grinds will keep the ashes from producing dust as you move them.