Dirty Talk

Don't use expensive proprietary cleaners on ceramic hobs, use a value brand cream cleanser and finish off by buffing up with a few drops of white vinegar on a soft cloth to shine it up.

Question: any advice on removing rust-like looking stains from white ceramic bath and basin?

Although I have improvised with an episode from K&A this one is a gem and worth the effort. Grimy ceramic tiles...biological washing up liquid (used for clothes - doesnt matter how cheap it is) mixed in warm water and a little bleach. Gloves, scrubbing brush, damp cloth and a window squeegee (I think thats how it's spelt). Have another bucket to hand filled with warm water, start scrubbing with the floor brush (the one like cinders used) scrubbing in circular motions, get a damp cloth to wipe the parts which you have scrubbed, then get your squeezgee and wipe away the excess water, get a clean mop soak in the bucket of warm water (prepared earlier) and wash over the part you have scrubbed and squeezgeed, leave to dry and admire your hard work!!!! And your arms will be lovely and toned too!!

To clean glass or ceramic candle holders, put in microwave for a short time, usually 30 seconds to a minute will do. Pop the wax out easily, or wipe it out with paper towel then wipe out residue with warm soapy water. This has saved me from throwing out and just giving up on many candle holders!

And another question....we just bought a smooth-top (ceramic) range and in the manual it said to used vinegar and water or some other specific cleaner. I've been using the vinegar and water combo but it doesn't seem to do much for stuck-on stains. I don't really want to use the other cleaner, any tips on ceramic-safe cleaners/degreasers?

I am looking for a suggestion to clean my grout on my ceramic tile floor. I can't stomach the smell of vinegar so I am looking for an alternative that won't break my back (had surgery and have newborn). Thanks so much. I am addicted to the show!

louise....if your tub is either ceramic/porcelain or fiberglass type, try dilute white vinegar, spray on and let sit for a while, then soap using either a grease cutting dish washing detergent or a shampoo for oily hair without built in conditioner. Rinse well. For stubborn rings,a paste of water and baking soda or those new erasure cleaning pads ( Mr. Clean) and some elbow grease should do it. Let me know how it goes.....Sparky

if you've got a ceramic floor then my advice is don't clean it with soap or other cleaners - just use warm water and scrub it hard by hand. My floor got dull by me using too much product on it, but my new one is still looking great after 18 months.