Keeping your home clean and organized can often feel like an uphill battle. But with the right hacks, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, pesky pet hair, or simply looking to make your cleaning routine more efficient, these 25 cleaning hacks are here to help. Get ready to transform your home with these easy and effective tips.
1. Use Vinegar for Sparkling Windows
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can make your windows shine. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free results.
2. Baking Soda and Lemon for Fresh Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and odors. Sprinkle baking soda on your cutting board and rub it with a halved lemon. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
3. Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves
Pet hair can be a nuisance on furniture. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over the surfaces. The static from the gloves will attract the hair, making it easy to remove.
4. Use Coffee Filters to Clean Screens
Coffee filters are lint-free and perfect for cleaning TV and computer screens. Simply wipe the screens with a coffee filter to remove dust and fingerprints.
5. Deodorize Carpets with Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. Baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh.
6. Clean Blinds with Tongs and Microfiber Cloths
Wrap microfiber cloths around a pair of tongs and secure them with rubber bands. Use the tongs to clean both sides of your blinds simultaneously.
7. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
A few drops of olive oil on a soft cloth can make your stainless steel appliances shine. Rub the cloth in the direction of the grain to remove streaks and smudges.
8. Clean Your Microwave with Lemon
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then let it sit for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easy to wipe clean.
9. Use Dryer Sheets to Remove Dust
Dryer sheets are great for picking up dust. Use them to wipe down baseboards, blinds, and other surfaces to remove dust and leave a fresh scent.
10. Disinfect Sponges in the Microwave
Wet your kitchen sponge and microwave it on high for 2 minutes to kill bacteria. Be sure to let it cool before using it again.
11. Clean Shower Heads with Vinegar
Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around your shower head with a rubber band. Let it soak overnight to remove mineral deposits and improve water flow.
12. Use a Horsepower Scrubber for Tough Stains
For tough stains and grime, the Horsepower Scrubber is a game-changer. This powerful tool makes cleaning stubborn spots a breeze.
13. Freshen Up Garbage Disposals with Citrus
Cut up citrus peels (lemons, limes, or oranges) and run them through your garbage disposal with cold water to eliminate odors.
14. Clean Grout with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to grout lines and scrub with a toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
15. Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fans
Slide a pillowcase over a ceiling fan blade and pull it back, trapping dust inside. Repeat for each blade to avoid a dust shower.
16. Remove Water Rings with a Hair Dryer
Use a hair dryer on high heat to remove water rings from wood furniture. Once the ring is gone, apply a little olive oil to restore the shine.
17. Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it inside your oven and let it sit overnight. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth the next day.
18. Use a Mer-Maid Drain Magic for Clogged Drains
Unclog drains effortlessly with the Mer-Maid Drain Magic. This tool quickly removes hair and debris, keeping your drains flowing smoothly.
19. Clean Glass Cooktops with a Razor Blade
Gently scrape off burnt-on food from your glass cooktop with a razor blade. Follow up with a cooktop cleaner for a spotless finish.
20. Use Toothpaste to Clean Sneakers
White toothpaste can make your white sneakers look brand new. Apply a small amount to a toothbrush and scrub the dirty areas. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
21. Deodorize Your Fridge with Activated Charcoal
Place a bowl of activated charcoal in your fridge to absorb odors. Replace it every few months to keep your fridge smelling fresh.
22. Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Run an empty cycle with hot water, adding 2 cups of vinegar. Follow with a second cycle, adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to remove odors and detergent buildup.
23. Shine Faucets with Wax Paper
Rub faucets with wax paper to prevent water spots and fingerprints. The wax creates a protective barrier that keeps them looking shiny.
24. Use Chalk to Remove Grease Stains
Rub chalk on grease stains before washing to absorb the grease. This works well on clothing, tablecloths, and other fabrics.
25. Clean Baseboards with Dryer Sheets
Wipe baseboards with dryer sheets to remove dust and repel future dust buildup. This hack also leaves your home smelling fresh.
Conclusion
These 25 cleaning hacks are designed to make your life easier and your home cleaner. By incorporating a few of these tips into your regular cleaning routine, you’ll save time and effort while keeping your living spaces spotless. For more great cleaning tips, check out Good Housekeeping’s Best Cleaning Tips, BHG’s Cleaning Hacks, and Real Simple’s Organizing Tips. Happy cleaning!