Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore when you know the right tricks. While many of us grew up learning the basics—like scrubbing, wiping, and dusting—there are a host of clever cleaning hacks that often go unnoticed.
These tips can save you time, effort, and even money, while ensuring your home stays spotless.
1. Use Dryer Sheets to Clean Baseboards
Dryer sheets aren’t just for softening clothes. They’re surprisingly effective at dusting baseboards! Their anti-static properties help repel dust and dirt, leaving your baseboards sparkling clean. Simply run a used dryer sheet along the baseboards, and you’ll not only clean them but also prevent dust from accumulating as quickly.
2. Clean Your Microwave with Lemon
Instead of scrubbing away stubborn food splatters, use the power of steam. Place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon in the microwave and heat it for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen grime, and the lemon’s acidity will leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
3. Use Baking Soda to Freshen Your Mattress
Over time, mattresses can accumulate odors, sweat, and bacteria. Give yours a fresh start by sprinkling baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum it up. It’s a simple way to keep your mattress clean and fresh without harsh chemicals.
4. Remove Hard Water Stains with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Hard water stains on faucets, showerheads, and tiles can be tough to remove. Try combining vinegar and baking soda for a natural cleaning powerhouse. Sprinkle baking soda onto the surface, then spray it with vinegar. Let it bubble for a few minutes before wiping away the stains with ease.
5. Tackle Grease with Cooking Spray
If you have stubborn grease stains on your stovetop, fridge, or even walls, cooking spray can come to the rescue. Spray a small amount of non-stick cooking spray onto the greasy area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away with a microfiber cloth. The grease will be gone in no time.
6. Clean Your Blinds with a Tongs and Sock
Dusting blinds is often a dreaded task, but this simple hack makes it a breeze. Wrap a pair of tongs with an old sock, dip the sock in a mixture of water and vinegar, and gently wipe each slat. The sock traps the dust, making the process quicker and more efficient.
7. Use a Squeegee to Remove Pet Hair
If you have pets, you know how much hair they can leave behind. Instead of spending hours vacuuming, try using a rubber squeegee on your carpets and upholstery. The rubber creates friction, which helps lift pet hair that’s stuck to the fabric, making it easy to clean up.
8. Sanitize Your Sponge in the Microwave
Your kitchen sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria, but you don’t need to throw it out after every use. Simply dampen the sponge and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. The heat will kill germs and sanitize the sponge, keeping it fresh and ready for the next round of cleaning.
9. Clean Shower Glass with a DIY Vinegar Spray
Hard water stains and soap scum build-up on shower doors can make your bathroom look grimy. Make a DIY vinegar-based spray by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the glass, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe away with a cloth for crystal-clear results.
10. Keep Your Toilet Tank Clean with Alka-Seltzer
The inside of your toilet tank can accumulate mold, bacteria, and hard water stains over time. Drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets into the tank and let them dissolve. Flush after 30 minutes, and the effervescent action will help clean and deodorize your toilet tank without scrubbing.