We all have to do cleaning, but what if there were more accessible, efficient ways to tackle it? Many of us have spent years cleaning the hard way, unaware of the ingenious hacks that could have saved us time and effort.
From everyday household items to clever techniques, here are 15 cleaning hacks you’ll wish you had learned earlier.
Vinegar for Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances can easily accumulate smudges and fingerprints, but a simple solution of vinegar and water can bring them back to a sparkling shine.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then wipe down your stainless steel surfaces with a soft cloth for a streak-free finish.
Lemon and Salt for Cutting Boards
Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and odors, but a mixture of lemon and salt can effectively clean and deodorize them.
Sprinkle coarse salt over the cutting board’s surface, then rub it with half a lemon. The abrasive salt and the acidic lemon will remove stains and any lingering odors.
Baking Soda for Mattresses
Mattresses can accumulate dust mites and odors over time, but baking soda is a simple and effective solution for freshening them up. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of your mattress, then let it sit for several hours to absorb odors. Vacuum up the baking soda to reveal a cleaner, fresher mattress.
Toothpaste for Sneakers
White sneakers can easily become scuffed and dirty, but toothpaste can restore their brightness. Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a toothbrush, then scrub the dirty areas of your sneakers in a circular motion. Rinse with water to reveal cleaner, whiter shoes.
Dryer Sheets for Baseboards
Baseboards can collect dust and dirt, but dryer sheets are a surprisingly effective tool for keeping them clean. Simply rub a dryer sheet along the surface of your baseboards to repel dust and prevent buildup. The anti-static properties of the dryer sheet will leave your baseboards looking cleaner for longer.
Coffee Filters for Electronics
Electronic screens can easily accumulate dust and fingerprints, but coffee filters are a gentle and effective way to clean them. Simply wipe the screen with a clean, dry coffee filter to remove dust and smudges without leaving behind lint or scratches.
Newspaper for Windows
Achieving streak-free windows can be challenging, but the newspaper is a secret weapon for achieving a crystal-clear finish. Spray your windows with a mixture of vinegar and water, then wipe them down with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Dish Soap for Blenders
Blenders can be tricky to clean, especially when food gets stuck under the blades, but dish soap can make the job easier. Fill your blender halfway with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then blend on high for a few seconds. Rinse thoroughly to reveal a clean blender with minimal effort.
Rubber Gloves for Pet Hair
Pet hair can be notoriously difficult to remove from furniture and carpets, but rubber gloves can make the task much easier. Simply dampen a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over the surface, using the friction to pick up and gather pet hair into clumps for easy removal.
Vinegar and Baking Soda for Drains
Clogged drains are a common household nuisance, but combining vinegar and baking soda can help clear them without harsh chemicals. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain, then cover and let it sit for 30 minutes. Flush the drain with hot water to remove the clog and eliminate odors.
Aluminum Foil for Grill Grates
Cleaning grill grates can be daunting, but aluminum foil can make it much simpler. Crumple a piece of aluminum foil into a ball, then use it to scrub away grease and food residue from the grill grates. The foil’s abrasive texture will make it quick to work on stubborn buildup.
Vinegar for Showerheads
Mineral deposits can clog showerheads and reduce water flow, but vinegar can dissolve them and restore your showerhead to full functionality. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, making sure it is submerged in the vinegar. Let it soak overnight, then remove the bag and wipe away any remaining buildup.
Microfiber Cloth for Dusting
Microfiber cloths are a game-changer when it comes to dusting. They trap dust and allergens without the need for chemicals. Simply dampen a microfiber cloth with water and use it to wipe down surfaces, capturing dust and leaving them clean and shiny.
Vinegar and Baking Soda for Oven Cleaning
Oven cleaning can be tough, but a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve grease and grime with minimal scrubbing. Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the oven, then spray it with vinegar until it foams. Let it sit overnight, then wipe away the residue with a damp cloth for a cleaner oven.
Rubbing Alcohol for Mirrors and Glass
Achieving streak-free mirrors and glass surfaces is easy with rubbing alcohol. Simply dilute rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle, then spray it onto the surface and wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth for a crystal-clear finish.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.