Keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending task. Whether you’re a constant cleaner or a last-minute tidy-upper, knowing a few quick and easy tricks can make the process much easier.
Discover these affordable and effortless cleaning hacks that will save you time, frustration, and unnecessary expenses.
Oven Door Makeover with a Dishwasher Tablet:
Tackle the accumulated grease and grime on your oven door using a dishwasher tablet. Dip the tablet in warm water, ensuring it doesn’t crumble. Scrub away the stains by moving the tablet in circular motions with your palm. Wipe off the residue using a damp towel.
Shower Glass Sparkle with Shaving Cream:
Out of Windex? No worries! Apply shaving cream to your shower glass, let it sit for fifteen minutes, and wipe it clean with a cloth. This trick also works wonders for restoring the shine to your jewelry. Rub a small amount of shaving cream onto your jewelry, then wipe it with a soft cloth.
Eliminate Towel Odors:
To remove mildew odors from your towels, wash them in hot water with baking soda. Use half a cup of baking soda as a substitute for detergent. Avoid mixing baking soda and white vinegar in the washer to prevent a messy chemical reaction. For HE machines, replace the liquid cup with baking soda.
Coffee Grinder Refresh with Rice:
Keep your coffee grinder clean and free of coffee dust by grinding dry, uncooked rice (about 1/4 cup) into a fine powder. Use a toothbrush to gently remove the rice powder, which absorbs the coffee shards. Additionally, you can grind wheat in your coffee grinder for freshly ground wheat flour.
Carpet Hair Removal with a Squeegee:
Try this dollar store hack to remove pet hair from your carpet. Using a regular squeegee, scrape it across the carpet to collect the hair in a pile for disposal or vacuuming. This method can be an effective alternative to a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Dust off Your Computer with a Coffee Filter:
Put those spare coffee filters to good use by using them to clean your TV or computer screen. Make sure the screen is turned off, then gently wipe it with a coffee filter to collect dust without scratching the surface. Coffee filters have no lint, making them ideal for this task.
Quick Floor Shine:
Get rid of stubborn dirt particles on your floor with a simple and inexpensive hack. Place a damp paper towel close to the pile of dirt and brush it onto the towel. The dampness prevents the dirt from scattering, making it easy to clean up. Fold the paper towel and dispose of the dust.
Use a Pillowcase to Clean Your Fan:
Cleaning ceiling fans can be a breeze with this hack that also prevents dust from landing on your carpets. Grab a ladder and a pillowcase to get started.
Slide the pillowcase onto each fan blade, and use circular motions to collect the dust inside the pillowcase. For added safety, lay a sheet on your bed or floor to catch any stray dust particles. If needed, dampen the pillowcase for a more thorough clean.
Tackle Tupperware Stains:
Stubborn stains from sauces or spices can make Tupperware look dirty even after cleaning. Say goodbye to these stains by creating a mixture of sugar, dishwashing soap, ice, and water.
Let the mixture sit in the stained container for a few minutes, then scrub, rinse, and repeat as necessary. To prevent staining, avoid pouring hot meals directly into plastic containers.
Revive Your Shower with a Dishwasher Tablet:
Don’t let shower dirt and soap scum ruin your day. Try this cost-effective hack by dissolving a dishwasher tablet in warm water and using it to scrub your shower walls, fixtures, and glass.
With a little effort, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can restore cleanliness to your shower. Rinse the area with hot water and repeat if needed.
Eliminate Water Marks with Wax Paper:
Water marks and dust buildup can make stainless steel faucets look unclean. Fortunately, a simple trick with wax paper can solve this problem. Wet the faucet with warm water and use a folded piece of wax paper to polish the surface.
For extra cleaning power, sprinkle Bon Ami Cleanser on a damp cloth and rub it in circular motions over the entire faucet. Wipe the surface clean, and then rub the waxy side of a sheet of wax paper over the stainless steel for a final shine.
Vinegar Power for a Clean Dishwasher:
To keep your dishwasher odor-free and effective, regular cleaning is essential. Place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom rack.
Run a normal cycle to thoroughly clean the dishwasher. This process eliminates residue and leaves your dishes spotless. For optimal maintenance, run a self-cleaning sanitize cycle once a month.
Sparkling Windows with Black Tea:
Cleaning windows and mirrors can be frustrating, especially when streaks remain. Thankfully, black tea comes to the rescue. Soak a few black tea bags, then spray the infused tea onto windows and mirrors.
Wipe them clean with a cloth, and enjoy streak-free shine. The tannic acid in black tea acts as a natural cleaning agent, dissolving dirt and grease for a sparkling finish.
Grout Makeover with Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Dirty grout lines can be quickly and effectively brightened with a household staple: toilet bowl cleaner. Apply the cleaner to the grout, let it sit for 15 minutes, and gently scrub with a small cleaning brush or old toothbrush.
Finish by mopping the area with warm water and allowing it to dry. Avoid using caustic cleaners like vinegar, as they can damage the grout over time.
Clean Cabinets and Cupboards:
Dirty cabinets and cupboards can be an eyesore, especially when expecting guests. Greasy residues from cooking can make them look unappealing. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to get rid of the oil and make them look fresh.
Moisten a sponge with four drops of dish soap and wipe the cabinets and cupboards gently. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as it may damage the surfaces. This method not only works for cabinets but also for other items covered in grease.
Say Goodbye to Coffee Stains:
Accidents happen, and spilled coffee can leave stubborn stains on your linens. But don’t worry, there’s a solution to remove those brown stains effectively.
Use The Pink Stuff spray to tackle the coffee stain. Simply spray it on the stained area, let it sit for a while, then scrub gently with a scourer. You’ll be amazed at the transformation.
Remove Stains from Staircase Carpets:
Staircase carpets endure heavy foot traffic, making it challenging to keep them clean and free from stains. Fortunately, you can create a powerful cleaning solution to tackle those stubborn spots. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, then add a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Spray the solution onto the stained areas and let it soak for a few minutes. Meanwhile, create a paste using baking soda and water, and gently work it into the stains using an old toothbrush or small scrub brush. After a few minutes, blot and lift away the paste and stain residue with a clean cloth or sponge. Finally, rinse the area with a damp cloth or sponge and let the carpet air-dry.
Sidewalk/Pathway Cleaning:
Prepare yourself for the task of cleaning your sidewalk or pathway by gathering the necessary equipment: a power washer (consider renting one if needed), a concrete cleaner or mild detergent, a sturdy broom, a bucket, safety goggles, and durable rubber gloves. Start by removing loose debris, dust, and leaves from the surface.
Then, use the power washer to spray a mixture of your chosen cleaner and water onto the concrete, targeting stubborn stains with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse off the soapy residue with the power washer, ensuring thorough coverage. Witness the transformation as dirt and grime vanish under the purifying power of the washer.
The Versatility of Rubber Broom:
If you have hard floors and shedding pets, a rubber broom is a must-have tool. Sweep your hard floors with a rubber broom before vacuuming to collect pet hair and fluff. The rubber bristles interlock, preventing even small dirt particles from slipping through.
Additionally, the rubber broom can be used as a carpet rake for area rugs, runners, carpeted stairs, and other carpeted surfaces. Its versatile design makes it an essential cleaning tool for various floor types.
Socks: The Perfect Blinds Cleaner:
Cleaning blinds is often a task we postpone until they become unbearable. However, there’s a simple solution that involves using a sock. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and dip the sock lightly into the liquid. Slip your hand into the sock and wipe down each blind, allowing the combination to remove all the dust.
Use a second sock to wipe dry and give the blinds a final touch. For vertical blinds, wipe them with a microfiber cloth, starting from the top and working your way down. Alternatively, you can use a soft dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner with a low-suction setting. For a thorough cleaning of vinyl or aluminum blinds in the kitchen, soak them in a bathtub filled with warm water, dish soap, and baking soda, then rinse after an hour.
QuickClean Your Blender:
Cleaning your blender can be a hassle, but with this simple technique, it becomes a breeze. After blending your smoothies or foods, fill the blender with warm water and soap. Let it run for a few minutes, then rinse it out. Your blender will be clean and ready to use again.
To prevent the need for deep cleaning, rinse your blender immediately after each use. For deodorizing and light cleaning, fill the blender halfway with warm water, add half a lemon sliced, and an ounce of all-purpose cleaner. Blend on high for 60 seconds, then rinse with hot water. Say goodbye to lingering odors and build-up.
DIY Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish:
Transform your cleaning routine with this affordable DIY Thieves Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish. You’ll need coconut cooking oil, distilled water, and Thieves Household Cleaner Concentrate. Mix the ingredients together in a measuring cup, then transfer the mixture to a glass or metal spray bottle.
Spray the cleaner onto a soft microfiber cloth and clean your stainless steel appliances along the grain. Enjoy the results of this amazing cleaner that keeps your appliances cleaner for longer, reducing fingerprints and grime. This budget-friendly cleaner is simple to make using readily available ingredients and a cost-effective option.
Remove Lipstick Stains with Hairspray:
Don’t let lipstick stains ruin your favorite clothes. Hairspray can come to the rescue! Spray the stain with hairspray and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Then, dampen a clean cloth with warm water and gently wipe away the hairspray and lipstick residue. Allow the area to dry, and repeat the process if necessary.
Remember to wash your clothes in cold water after removing the stain, as cold water lifts stains while warm water sets them in. Double-check that the stain is completely gone before drying, as the dryer can set the lipstick stain in place.
Use a Seam Ripper on Your Vacuum:
Cleaning your vacuum cleaner can be a challenging task, especially when hair gets tangled in the roller. Instead of giving up, reach for your sewing supplies. Use a seam ripper to cut through the hair, then use the sharp tool to remove the hair from the roller.
The thin “blade” and slim size of the seam ripper allow you to easily tackle the tangled hair without damaging the appliance. Push the seam ripper into the hair clusters, and the sharp, curved edge will cut through the hair, freeing the strands for easy removal. Say goodbye to tangled vacuum hair with this handy tool.
Use White Wine to Get Rid of Red Wine Stains:
When faced with a red wine stain, the solution might be more wine! White wine is excellent for removing red wine stains from carpets.
Begin by wetting the stain with water, then apply white wine directly onto the stain. Wipe the area with a clean cloth, and you’ll see the stain disappear. This surprising solution can effectively eliminate red wine stains from your carpets.
Say Goodbye to Shower Head Dirt:
Mineral build-up on showerheads is a common issue, especially in areas with hard water. Vinegar is an effective solution, but how do you apply it to the showerhead? Here’s a simple trick: Fill a plastic bag halfway with vinegar, then tie the bag around the showerhead, allowing the vinegar to seep into the head. For stubborn build-up, you can soak the showerhead in a container filled with white vinegar for a couple of hours.
After soaking, reattach the showerhead and remove the filter screen located where it connects to the pipe. Clean the screen with water to flush out any build-up, using tweezers or needle-nose pliers if necessary. A gentle brushing with a toothbrush can help remove mineral deposits.
Remove Sticker Residue with Mayonnaise:
Removing stickers from glass bottles can be a challenge, but mayonnaise can come to the rescue. The oiliness of mayonnaise makes it effective in removing stubborn stickers.
Simply apply mayonnaise to the sticky surface, let it soak for about 15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a dry cloth. For more stubborn stickers, you may need to repeat the process.
The Best Method for Cleaning Cast Iron:
Cleaning cast iron cookware can be time-consuming but highly effective. Start by coating the pan with vegetable oil and seasoning it with kosher salt. Use a cut potato to rub the salt into the pan, and you’ll be amazed at how easily it cleans up without causing damage.
Remember to avoid using soap, steel wool, or dishwashers when cleaning cast iron. A firm scrub brush made for cast iron can be a great tool for removing stuck-on food.
Clean Your Bathtub with Dish Soap and a Broom:
Cleaning the bathtub can be a back-breaking task, but using a broom and dish soap can make it easier. The dish soap dissolves soap scum and mildew, while the bristles of the broom help scrub and scrape away the dirt.
Simply brush and scrape the bathtub while standing up, using the broom to reach all areas. The tough bristles and long handle of a utility broom make it a great tool for this task.
Get Rid of Mattress Stains:
Over time, mattresses can accumulate various stains from spills and daily use. To remove these stains, create a cleaning solution using baking soda, liquid dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Spray the solution onto the soiled areas, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
Then, rub the stains with a towel. Sweat, grease, and other fluids can discolor a mattress, and these stains can be challenging to remove. For tough stains or valuable mattresses, consider using a professional mattress cleaner.
Solution for a Filthy and Smelly Microwave:
Microwaves can become dirty and develop unpleasant odors. To tackle this, combine 500ml of water and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about five minutes on high. The steam released will loosen stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe away.
After five minutes, keep the microwave door closed for another three minutes to allow the steam to work. Carefully remove the bowl (using gloves or an oven mitt), and wipe the interior of the microwave with a sponge, starting from the top and working your way down.
Clean Artwork with Bread:
When it comes to cleaning dusty oil paintings, a bagel or any soft, absorbent bread can be a helpful tool. Gently run the cut side of a bagel or bread over the artwork to remove dust.
Make sure the painting is dry and intact before attemptingto clean it. Use a soft bristle brush to wipe off dust first, then pat a piece of bread on top of the illustration. Always test the cleaning method on a small area first and consider seeking professional assistance for valuable or expensive artwork.
Use Wet Gloves for Pet Hair:
If your furniture is covered in pet hair from shedding animals, wet rubber gloves can be a game-changer. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, wet them with cold water, and easily remove the pet hair from the couch. The hair will stick to the gloves, allowing you to rinse and repeat until the surfaces are free of hair.
If you want to take it a step further, you can find rubber gloves with built-in scrubbers or scouring pads, making it even easier to clean upholstery and remove pet hair.
Get a Sparkling Clean Toilet:
You don’t need expensive bowl cleaners to get rid of toilet limescale. Surprisingly, Coke can work wonders on ceramic artifacts like toilets. Simply pour a small bottle of Coke into the toilet bowl and let it sit for about an hour. Then, flush it away, and your toilet will be sparkling clean.
Coke is an affordable and non-toxic cleaning product due to its mild carbonic and phosphoric acids. Diet Coke works just as well as regular Coke since the compounds come from carbonation rather than flavorings. Other carbonated beverages can be used as well.
Repair Damaged Hardwood Flooring:
If you have scratches on your hardwood floors from skateboards or toys, a wooden floor polisher can come to the rescue. It can easily take care of scratches and bring back the shine to make your floor look brand new.
How to Treat Wooden Surfaces
Over time, wooden surfaces can become dusty and dirty. Here’s a simple approach to polish them: Use a moist cloth soaked in Murphy’s oil soap to wipe wooden furniture.
For wooden floors, pour 1 cup of Murphy’s oil soap on the floor and mop it with a clean damp mop. This will give your hardwood surfaces a gleaming appearance. Murphy’s oil soap is a carefully formulated cleaner for both finished wood and non-wood surfaces, bringing out the natural beauty of wood in a gentle and natural way.
Microwave Your Sponges:
To effectively clean your sponges and extend their usage, try this quick method. Recent studies have shown that microwaving sponges and plastic scrubbing pads can kill bacteria, including E. coli, that can cause illness. Make sure the sponge is moist, then heat it in the microwave for a few minutes.
The high temperature steam will kill unwanted bacteria. This method is more effective for decontamination compared to simply cleaning the sponges in the dishwasher.
Clean Your Oven in Your Sleep:
Believe it or not, you can clean your oven and microwave while you sleep. Create a mixture of baking soda and water, then apply the paste to the inside of your oven or microwave, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Leave it overnight. In the morning, wipe off the paste with regular white vinegar for a gleaming, clean surface.
This natural cleaning method avoids the use of harsh chemicals found in commercial oven cleaners, making it safer for your family and pets.
Remove Water Stains with a Hair Dryer:
Water stains on wooden surfaces can be bothersome. To remove light-colored water stains, take a hairdryer and go over the rings to evaporate the water from the wood. Then, apply some olive oil to the area to bring back its shine. Mayonnaise or petroleum jelly can also be effective in removing water stains from wood.
Apply a small amount to the mark, rub it in a circular motion, and let it sit for an hour or two before wiping it off. Toothpaste is another simple hack to tackle water stains.
Use Chalk on Your Laundry:
Grease stains can be tough to remove from clothing, but chalk can be a helpful tool. Scrub the grease stain with chalk to allow it to soak up the grease from the fabric.
Then, brush off the chalk and wash the item as usual. Chalk works well on oily stains, especially if treated soon after they occur.
Clean Your Cheese Grater with Potato:
Cleaning a cheese grater can be time-consuming, but using a potato can make it easier. After shredding cheese, shred an uncooked potato to remove any sticky cheese from the grater’s holes.
You can also use a resilient bristle brush or a nylon brush to clean the grater effectively. Remember to rinse it under warm water immediately after cleaning.
Dry Clothes Faster:
If you need to dry wet clothes quickly, try this smart trick. Place a dry towel with the wet items in the dryer. The dry towel will absorb excess moisture and help speed up the drying process.
Additionally, choosing the fastest spin cycle on your washing machine can also help reduce drying time. Draining as much water as possible from the clothes before hanging them up to dry will also make the process quicker.
Clean Broken Glass with Bread:
Cleaning up small fragments of broken glass canbe done safely using a simple slice of bread. After picking up the larger glass shards, press a piece of soft bread onto the floor to pick up any tiny glass pieces that you might have missed.
Another method is to use adhesive tape, such as duct or Scotch tape, to pick up small pieces of glass. Simply wrap the adhesive side of the tape around a gloved hand or place it on the floor and press it against the glass. Both methods are effective in safely removing small glass fragments.
Use a Lint Roller on Lamps:
Lampshades tend to collect dust and dirt, which can be a fire hazard and an allergy trigger. Using a lint roller is an effective way to clean lampshades.
Roll the lint roller along the top, bottom, inside, and outside edges of the lampshade to remove dust and dirt. Lint rollers are versatile and can also be used to clean other items such as bags and to remove glitter from surfaces.
Clean Your Grill with Onions:
Cleaning your grill thoroughly between uses is important. After your dinner party, while the grill is still hot, cut an onion in half and use the cut side to rub the grill. The natural disinfectant properties of the onion will help clean the grill for your next cookout.
Another useful grill hack is using a potato to gauge the temperature of your cooking surface. Poke a wired probe thermometer through a halved potato, with the tip of the probe sticking out. Place the potato, cut side down, on the grate to measure the temperature accurately.
Keep Your Shoes Fresh:
White shoes can be challenging to keep clean, especially in urban areas.
To eradicate odors, simply spray rubbing alcohol on and inside the shoes. If the odor persists, dilute the rubbing alcohol with water and use a spray bottle to spritz the shoes. This will help keep your shoes fresh and odor-free.
