In this ultimate list of cleaning hacks, we will cover everything you need to know to save time, effort, and money in your daily cleaning routine. With these powerful tips, you’ll discover just how easy cleaning can be when you have the right techniques at your disposal. Whether you’re tackling small messes or deep-cleaning your home, this ultimate list of cleaning hacks will simplify your life.
1. Use Vinegar for Multi-Surface Cleaning
Among the many tips in this ultimate list of cleaning hacks, vinegar stands out as a versatile cleaning solution for different surfaces. This natural cleaner is both effective and affordable, allowing you to maintain a spotless home with ease.
How to use it:
- For windows: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz on glass surfaces, and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
- For floors: Add half a cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water and mop floors to lift dirt and grime while disinfecting.
- For countertops: Spray diluted vinegar solution to kill bacteria and remove stains without damaging surfaces.
Bonus tip: Add a few drops of essential oil to your vinegar solution to neutralise the vinegar smell and leave a fresh scent behind.
2. Clean Microwave with Lemon and Steam
Microwaves can be notoriously tricky to clean, especially when food spills harden. Instead of scrubbing, try using the power of steam.
How to do it:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
- Let the steam sit for another 2 minutes to loosen any grime inside.
- Wipe the microwave clean with a cloth, and enjoy a fresh lemony scent.
This simple trick saves time and leaves your microwave smelling fresh without the use of harsh chemicals.
3. Use Baking Soda to Eliminate Stubborn Stains
Baking soda is another inexpensive ingredient that doubles as a powerful cleaning agent. Its natural abrasive properties make it great for scrubbing surfaces without scratching.
How to use it:
- For stains on countertops or sinks, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and scrub with a sponge.
- For cleaning the oven, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom, spray with water, and let it sit overnight. The next day, you can easily wipe away the grime.
- For freshening carpets, sprinkle a layer of baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up to neutralise odors.
Baking soda is an excellent alternative to store-bought cleaners and is especially helpful if you’re looking to cut back on harsh chemicals in your home.
4. Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Baseboards
Cleaning baseboards can be a tedious and often overlooked task. A quick and easy hack is to use dryer sheets to dust and keep baseboards cleaner for longer.
How to do it:
- Take an unused dryer sheet and run it along the baseboards. The dryer sheet not only removes dust but also leaves behind an anti-static barrier that helps repel dust in the future.
- You can also use dryer sheets to clean blinds or ceiling fans, both of which tend to attract dust easily.
This trick saves time on future cleaning and leaves your home smelling fresh.
5. Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves
If you have pets, you’re probably familiar with the never-ending battle of pet hair. Instead of using a lint roller, try this easy hack with a pair of rubber gloves.
How to do it:
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves and dampen them slightly.
- Run your gloved hand over the surfaces where pet hair has accumulated (like upholstery or carpets).
- The hair will stick to the gloves, making it easy to collect and dispose of.
This method is much quicker than using a vacuum and works on multiple surfaces.
6. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
Stainless steel appliances look beautiful, but they can be tricky to keep smudge-free. You don’t need to buy special cleaners to keep them looking pristine.
How to do it:
- After cleaning your stainless steel appliances, pour a small amount of olive oil onto a microfiber cloth.
- Buff the surface in circular motions to remove streaks and leave a brilliant shine.
This trick also works for stainless steel sinks or other metal surfaces, giving them a protective layer that helps repel future smudges.
7. Disinfect Your Sponge in the Microwave
Did you know that the kitchen sponge is one of the dirtiest items in your home? Instead of replacing your sponge every week, try this quick disinfecting trick.
How to do it:
- Soak your sponge in water and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes.
- The heat will kill bacteria and sanitise the sponge.
Be careful when removing the sponge, as it will be hot. Doing this regularly helps extend the life of your sponge and saves you money over time.
8. Clean Showerheads with Vinegar
Over time, showerheads can become clogged with mineral deposits. Instead of scrubbing, let vinegar do the work for you.
How to do it:
- Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
- Let it sit for a few hours (or overnight for tough buildup).
- Remove the bag and run the water to flush out the vinegar and deposits.
This hack will save you the effort of dismantling your showerhead and keeps the water flowing efficiently.
9. Tackle Hard Water Stains with Lemon
Hard water stains can be difficult to remove from faucets and other fixtures. Lemon is a natural and effective way to dissolve these stains.
How to use it:
- Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the stained surface.
- Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water and wipe dry.
This method works particularly well on chrome fixtures and glass shower doors, giving them a sparkling finish.
10. Steam Clean Your Microwave Oven
Microwaves tend to build up food splatters over time. One effective, effortless method to clean them is by steam.
How to do it:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add lemon slices or a few tablespoons of vinegar.
- Microwave it for about 5 minutes.
- The steam will loosen any baked-on grime, and you can simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or expensive task. By incorporating these hacks into your routine, you’ll be able to save time, effort, and money, leaving your home spotless with less stress. The key is to use what you already have at home, from vinegar to baking soda, and optimise your cleaning process with minimal effort.
By mastering these tricks, you can achieve professional-level cleanliness without the high cost of commercial products or services. Happy cleaning!