DIY Network

Cleaning Tips Cleaning Tips From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-111

Uniforms are not the only sports accoutrements that need to be kept clean. Caps, shoes, even baseball gloves -- if it gets dirty, chances are, it can be cleaned.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Hats Clean felt hats with a soot-and-dirt-removal sponge. Drag the brush across the fabric to clean it (figure A). The sponge is washable, but in this instance it should be used dry for cleaning.

• Baseball caps Wash on the top rack of the dishwasher (figure B). When the cap is clean, put it over a bowl to reshape it, and allow it to dry away from the sun.

• Baseball gloves Clean with a moisturizing bath soap. Keep changing the cloth until the glove is clean, then buff it with a dry cloth but don't rinse. The moisturizers in the soap help condition the leather. To keep the glove in good form, store a ball in the palm, then put a rubber band around both ball and glove to keep the correct glove form when it's not in use (figure C).

• Shoe odor Sprinkle baking soda in the shoes, or use an odor-eating product.

• In-line skate boots Dampen a microfiber cloth and use it to clean skates.

• Snow skis Before you store your skis, get them ready for the next season. Brush off mud and then wash the sides with warm water and dish detergent. Remove rust with a combination of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Dry and coat the blade's carbon edges with a layer of petroleum jelly or candle wax to retard humidity. Store boots with buckles buckled (figure D).

Tip: To repel insects while you are outdoors, dampen a cotton ball with white vinegar and rub it over exposed skin. Insects won't bite.