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15 Cleaning Hacks Moms Swear By

Keeping your home clean can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make everyday cleaning easier and more efficient by using practical hacks that real moms rely on.

These 15 cleaning hacks moms swear by offer simple, time-saving ways to tackle common chores so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space. You’ll find these tips helpful whether you’re dealing with messes, organizing, or just trying to maintain a polished home.

Spray vodka on fabrics to eliminate odors

Woman in white t-shirt and jeans holding a woven laundry basket filled with white clothes, mid-action, against a plain white background
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You can use plain vodka to help reduce odors on clothes, furniture, or even mattresses. Just pour vodka into a spray bottle and mist the fabric lightly.

As the vodka dries, it kills odor-causing bacteria without leaving a scent behind.

For a gentler option, mix equal parts vodka and water before spraying. This hack is especially handy for freshening up work clothes or upholstery between washes.

Use vinegar and baking soda for tough grime removal

Bottles of Vinegar used for cleaning, getting ready to clean, spring cleaning
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You can tackle stubborn grime with a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the dirty surface.

Next, pour vinegar over it. The fizzing action helps break down grease and build-up.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a cloth or sponge. This combo works well on sinks, countertops, and even stove tops.

Multitask by cleaning while cooking or babysitting

Smiling woman in a pink and white plaid shirt cleaning a granite kitchen countertop with a white cloth and spray bottle
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You can make the most of your time by tackling small cleaning tasks while cooking. Wipe down counters or clean spills as you wait for something to cook. This keeps your kitchen tidy without extra effort.

If you’re watching your kids, involve them in simple cleaning activities. Give them safe items like spoons or cups to “wash” while you finish up chores. It keeps them busy and helps you get things done.

Make DIY all-purpose cleaner with lemon and vinegar

Kitchen sink with stainless steel faucet, two yellow sponges, a wooden dish brush, a cut lemon, a small bowl of baking soda, and a glass jar of white powde
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You can easily make an all-purpose cleaner using just lemon and vinegar. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Add fresh lemon juice or lemon peels for a natural scent and extra cleaning power. Shake well before each use.

This cleaner works well on countertops, glass, and other surfaces. Avoid using it on natural stone, as vinegar can damage it.

Use dryer sheets to dust blinds easily

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You can use dryer sheets to quickly remove dust from your blinds. The sheets pick up dust while leaving a fresh scent behind.

Simply wipe each slat with a dryer sheet, moving from top to bottom. This method also helps reduce static, so dust won’t settle back as fast.

It’s a simple hack that saves you time and effort. Plus, used dryer sheets work well for this, so you don’t need to waste new ones.

Clean microwave with a bowl of water and lemon juice

miling woman holding a glass bowl with a lemon slice, placing it inside a microwave, bright kitchen with overhead lights
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You can easily clean your microwave using just water and lemon juice. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into it. Drop the lemon halves into the bowl as well.

Place the bowl inside your microwave and heat it on high for about 3-5 minutes. The steam will help loosen grime and food residue, making it easy to wipe clean.

After heating, carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of your microwave with a soft cloth or sponge. Your microwave will smell fresh without harsh chemicals.

Soak showerheads in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup

Chrome handheld shower head releasing a steady stream of water, mounted on a wall with white ceramic tiles, close-up view
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You can easily remove mineral buildup by soaking your showerhead in vinegar. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the showerhead using a rubber band. Make sure the nozzle is submerged.

Leave it overnight for the vinegar to break down the deposits. The next day, remove the bag and wipe the showerhead clean. This simple trick helps restore water flow and keeps your shower functioning well.

Use a squeegee to remove pet hair from carpets

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You can easily lift pet hair from carpets with a rubber squeegee. Just run it across the carpet in long, firm strokes.

The rubber edge grabs hair embedded deep in the fibers. It works well on upholstery too.

For best results, try a slightly dampened squeegee. It helps collect more hair without damaging fabric. This is a quick and affordable method to manage pet hair between vacuuming sessions.

Freeze and scrub slime or gum with ice cubes

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If you have slime or gum stuck on fabric or carpets, grab some ice cubes. Placing ice on the sticky spot hardens it, making it easier to remove.

Once frozen, gently scrub or scrape off the residue with a blunt object. This method helps lift the slime or gum without spreading it further. Repeat if needed until clean.

Use baking soda paste to remove stains from countertops

boxes of Arm & Hammer pure baking soda, bright yellow packaging, 100+ uses label, stacked on store shelf
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You can make a simple paste by mixing baking soda with a little water. Apply it directly to stains on your countertop.

Let the paste sit for a few minutes to lift the stain. Then, gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.

For tougher stains, try adding a bit of lemon juice before the baking soda for extra cleaning power. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Organize cleaning supplies in a portable caddy

Plastic bin filled with assorted cleaning supplies, spray bottles, detergent containers, colorful packaging, orange and teal accents
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Keep your cleaning essentials in a portable caddy to make moving from room to room easier. It saves you time by having everything you need in one spot.

Choose a caddy with compartments or adjustable sections to fit small bottles, brushes, and cloths. This helps keep items upright and prevents spills.

A lightweight caddy means you won’t struggle carrying supplies around your home. Plus, it keeps your space neat and clutter-free.

Apply toothpaste to stainless steel for shine

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You can use toothpaste to make your stainless steel surfaces look cleaner. Just put a small amount on a soft cloth and rub it gently onto the steel.

Afterward, wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry the area. This helps remove minor stains and adds a subtle shine to faucets, sinks, or appliances.

It’s an easy hack using something you probably already have at home. Give it a try next time you want to refresh your kitchen or bathroom fixtures.

Put rubber gloves on to remove pet hair from upholstery

Person wearing ripped blue jeans and a gray plaid shirt putting on bright pink rubber gloves, seated on a wooden chest with a textured wall in the background
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Put on a pair of rubber gloves and dampen them slightly with water. Run your hands over your furniture, and you’ll notice pet hair clinging to the gloves.

This simple trick works well because the rubber creates friction that loosens hair from fabric. Afterward, just rinse off the gloves and repeat as needed. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your upholstery hair-free.

Wipe baseboards with a dryer sheet to repel dust

Hand in a bright pink rubber glove wiping a white baseboard with a folded blue microfiber cloth, clean light-colored floor and wall background
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You can easily clean your baseboards using a dryer sheet. Just wipe them down, and the sheet will pick up dust and dirt effectively.

Dryer sheets also leave a thin layer that helps repel dust, keeping your baseboards cleaner longer.

This quick trick only takes a few minutes and can save you time on regular dusting. It’s simple and works well for a fast refresh.

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