Genius House Hacks · a GopherCentral & PulseTV publication
Cleaning · July 02, 2026 edition

Shaving Cream for Upholstery Stains, Mouthwash for a Sparkling Toilet

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

Genius House Hacks

It's easy to let your toothbrush holder become disgustingly dirty with grime and guck. But washing the accessory is barely a chore: all you have to do is throw it in the dishwasher.

Really, that's it, so there's no reason why you shouldn't be washing the holder regularly.

Eliminate Upholstery Stains With Shaving Cream

There's no need to hire an expensive professional to get those stains out of your upholstery. Instead, rub a little bit of shaving cream (anything but the gel kind) into the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight, and then blot it dry.

Just make sure that you test this method out on a hidden area of your couch before actually putting it to use, as there is always the small chance of damaging the fabric.

Use Mouthwash to Clean Your Toilet Bowl

Your teeth aren't the only thing that mouthwash can clean. Using the breath freshener as a toilet bowl cleaner can also return your toilet to its former porcelain white color. Just pour a quarter cup of mouthwash into the toilet, let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes, and scrub away.

Go Organic on Your Lawn

Household use of pesticides and herbicides rivals farm and industrial use in their overall environmental impact, and can threaten health, particularly for pets and children who spend more time on treated lawns. "Integrated pest management" is the banner under which you'll find a wide variety of alternatives to home-front chemical warfare.

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