Aside from packing, removing stubborn stains and odors is one of the least pleasant chores to do as you prepare for moving day, but these helpful hints should make it a little easier.

Caution: before trying any of the methods listed below, do a spot test on fabrics and porous surfaces to check for colorfastness.

Everyday household items can work wonders on many common messes. Use a pencil eraser to remove scuff-marks from woodwork. A hot iron on a low setting and a piece of absorbent cloth can remove wax from hard surfaces and curtains. Press firmly on the cloth with the iron until the wax starts to loosen. Repeat, turning or replacing the cloth as needed. Remove crayon marks from walls by gently rubbing toothpaste on the stain.

Did you know that toothpaste can remove ink and crayon from hard surfaces? Let the toothpaste sit for an hour or so for stubborn stains and then rub gently with a soft cloth.

You can remove unwanted paint from most woodwork by gently scouring with brass cleaner"not too hard though, or you'll scratch the wood. Soap scum, dried toothpaste and lime scale will come off with a liberal application of an oxygen-based cleaning powder, which can be found in most supermarkets. If you're washing textured walls, use a nylon sock to prevent leaving lint behind. Always wash walls from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Apply any cleaning solution (after youve tested for colorfastness) in small patches.

Now, what to do about those unpleasant odors lurking in the basement and other enclosed areas? Two words: baking soda! Place an open box in the fridge or cupboards, or sprinkle a thick layer on carpeting and along baseboards. You should notice an improvement after 24 hours. Activated charcoal, or a few drops of vanilla extract on a piece of cloth can also do the trick.

Very important: Do not mix any cleaning solutions or other chemicals with one another; serious injury can occur. Bleach and ammonia in particular must never be combined, as the mixture creates fumes that can be deadly. Also use caution when going back over areas that have already been cleaned; the use of different chemicals, in addition to being potentially dangerous, can also cause staining.