40 Of The World’s Best House Cleaning Hacks That Are Just Brilliant
Cleaning ceiling fans can be a dusty mess if not done correctly. A simple hack is to take an old pillowcase and slide it over each blade, trapping the dust inside. As you pull the pillowcase back, the dust will be collected without falling on the floor.
- Steam Clean Microwave
Microwaves can get grimy and stained from food spills and splatters. To make cleaning easier, place a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices inside the microwave. Heat it on high for a few minutes, and the steam will help loosen the stains, making it easier to wipe them away.
- Newspaper Window Streaks
For streak-free windows, avoid using paper towels or regular cloths that may leave lint behind. Instead, crumple up some newspaper and use it with a vinegar-water solution to clean your windows, leaving them sparkling and streak-free.
- Ketchup Magic
You might be surprised to know that ketchup is an effective cleaner for tarnished silverware. The acidic properties in ketchup help dissolve tarnish. Simply apply a small amount of ketchup on a soft cloth, rub it onto the silverware, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- Coffee Filter Screens
When cleaning delicate screens on computers, laptops, or TV monitors, avoid using rough materials that may scratch the surface. Instead, use a coffee filter to gently wipe away dust and smudges without leaving any lint or residue.
- Refresh Your Mattress
Mattresses can harbor odors and absorb sweat over time. To refresh your mattress, sprinkle baking soda all over the surface and let it sit for a few hours. Baking soda helps absorb odors. Afterward, vacuum the mattress to remove the baking soda and any trapped dirt.
- Instant Carpet Stain Removal
For quick and efficient carpet stain removal, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.
- Ice Cube Carpet Dent
Heavy furniture can leave unsightly dents in your carpet. To fix this, place an ice cube over the dent and let it melt. Once the area is damp, use a spoon or fork to gently lift the carpet fibers back up, restoring its fluffiness.
- Dishwasher Cleanup
The dishwasher isn’t just for dishes. Many household items, such as toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and even plastic toys, can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Make sure to check the labels to ensure the items are dishwasher-safe.
- Vacuum Filters
Regular maintenance of your vacuum cleaner is crucial to maintain its efficiency. Clean or replace the filters regularly to ensure it maintains strong suction power and effectively traps dirt and debris.
- Lemon-Scented Trash
To combat unpleasant trash odors, drop lemon peels into your trash bin. Lemon’s natural fragrance will help neutralize bad smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Miracle
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach and a powerful stain remover, especially for white clothes. Dab hydrogen peroxide on stubborn stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then launder as usual.
- Kitchen Sponge Sanitizer
Kitchen sponges can harbor harmful bacteria if not cleaned regularly. To sanitize them, wet the sponge thoroughly and microwave it for one minute. This kills most of the germs and bacteria lurking in the sponge.
- Dryer Sheet Dusting
Dryer sheets are great for dusting. They have antistatic properties that help repel dust, making them excellent for cleaning furniture, baseboards, and other surfaces prone to collecting dust.
- Frozen Gum Removal
Removing gum can be a sticky situation. Freeze the gum with ice or an ice pack, and once it hardens, gently scrape it off using a plastic card or a spatula. The gum should come off without damaging the surface.
- DIY Air Freshener
Commercial air fresheners can contain harsh chemicals. Create your own natural air freshener by mixing water, baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray it around the house to eliminate odors.
- Showerhead Cleaner
Over time, mineral deposits can clog up your showerhead and reduce water flow. To remove these deposits, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it securely around the showerhead. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, the deposits will have dissolved.
- Clean Blinds with Tongs
Cleaning blinds can be tedious, but with this hack, you can clean both sides of the slats at once. Simply wrap microfiber cloths around a pair of tongs and secure them with rubber bands. Glide the tongs along the slats to remove dust efficiently.
- Toothbrush Magic
Old toothbrushes can be repurposed as cleaning tools. Use them to scrub grout lines, tight corners, and other hard-to-reach areas where conventional brushes may not be as effective.
- WD-40 Wonders
WD-40 is a versatile product that can help remove sticker residue, crayon marks, and other stubborn stains from various surfaces. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to the stained area, let it sit for a minute, and wipe it away with a cloth.
- Pet Hair Removal
Pet hair can be challenging to remove from upholstery and carpets. A damp rubber glove or a lint roller is an effective tool to pick up pet hair without damaging the fabric.
- Vodka Disinfectant
Vodka’s high alcohol content makes it an effective natural disinfectant. Fill a spray bottle with vodka and use it to disinfect various surfaces around your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Baby Oil Shine
Baby oil works wonders on stainless steel appliances, leaving them shiny and fingerprint-free. Apply a small amount of baby oil on a soft cloth and buff the stainless steel surface for a polished look.
- Lint-Free Lamps
Lampshades can quickly gather dust and lint. To keep them clean, use a lint roller to gently remove dust and debris without leaving any traces behind.
- Salt Scouring
If you accidentally spill something in the oven, sprinkle salt on the fresh spill while it’s still hot. The salt will help absorb the liquid and make it easier to clean once the oven cools down.
- Spotless Shower
To prevent soap scum buildup in your shower, mix equal parts of vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your shower walls after each use, and then lightly scrub to keep your shower clean and shiny.
- Carpet and Upholstery Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to remove odors and freshen up the fabric. The baking soda absorbs smells and leaves your home smelling clean.
- Coffee Maker Cleaner
Coffee makers can accumulate mineral deposits over time, affecting the taste of your coffee. Run a mixture of equal parts of water and white vinegar through the coffee maker to descale and clean the internal components.
- Tackle Toilet Rings
Toilet bowl rings can be stubborn to remove. A pumice stone can help gently scrub away mineral deposits and stubborn stains without scratching the porcelain.
- Trash Bag Trick
To avoid leaks and spills in your trash can, line it with newspaper before inserting the trash bag. The newspaper acts as an absorbent layer, preventing liquids from seeping through the bag and into the bottom of the bin.
- Homemade Wood Polish
Commercial wood polishes often contain chemicals that may not be ideal for your furniture. Create a natural wood polish by mixing equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar. Apply the mixture to your wood furniture with a soft cloth to restore its shine.
- Easy Baseboard Cleaning
Baseboards can easily collect dust and dirt. Use a dryer sheet wrapped around a long-handled duster to quickly clean baseboards without bending or straining.
- Shoe Polish for Furniture
Shoe polish isn’t just for shoes. It can also be used to mask scratches on wooden furniture. Apply a small amount of shoe polish to the scratched area and buff it until the scratch becomes less noticeable.
- Sink Shine
Stainless steel sinks can dull over time. To bring back their shine, sprinkle flour over the sink’s surface, then buff it with a soft cloth. The flour helps polish the sink and leaves it looking brand new.
- Sparkling Shower Doors
Soap scum can be particularly stubborn on shower doors. Create a paste by mixing vinegar and baking soda, then apply it to the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub it with a sponge or cloth, and rinse it off for sparkling clean shower doors.
- One Room at a Time
Cleaning can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle the entire house at once. Break your cleaning tasks into manageable sections and focus on one room at a time. This approach will help you stay organized and maintain your motivation.
