Cleaning can be a delightful or distasteful experience; either way, it is inevitable, and we cannot go through life without cleaning stuff. Plus, with all the home items we acquire, finding the right cleaning tools and techniques might seem like it could be challenging.
Luckily, we have found these hacks that are proven to be efficient, time-saving, and budget-friendly! Let us unveil them individually and prepare your notes as we discover these jaw-dropping cleaning hacks we wish we had known earlier.
Homemade Dust Filter
Technology has fixed the problem of collecting dust, which can lead to dirt and other consequences. However, only some have the money and time to purchase one, and this dust filter might be the next best solution.
Attach spare furnace filters to a fan, and use either hook-and-loop fasteners or cut-out cardboard to seal the filters in place. Another thing to note is to replace them once in a while and not to use a super-high-performance filter, as it can cause overheating.
Dryer Sheets Fulfilling Their Fullest Potential
Dryer sheets are primarily used for reducing static, giving scents, and making laundry softer. However, their purpose extends to more than just that, and it would be wise not to toss them immediately after a drying cycle.
Dryer sheets can also be used for floor-sweeping by wrapping them flat into the sweeper and letting them do the magic of picking up dirt, dust, and hair. The best part is that they still serve their advantage of covering up odors, and they work smoothly with most surfaces.
Trash Can Freshener
Borax is a natural element used as an ingredient in most household cleaning products, such as toilet bowl cleaners, laundry detergents, stain removers, air fresheners, diaper creams, and pesticides. One special purpose they also serve is cleaning and purifying trash cans.
Just fill the bin with water, add a cup of borax, let it soak for some time, and rinse thoroughly. The solution removes stains, mold, mildew, and hard scratches. It can also neutralize odors, and lastly, it drives insects such as bugs and ants away.
Switch To Dishwashers
Using a dishwasher instead of the traditional hand wash method has been a continuing debate for many people. Yet, the appliance has also proven that it offers numerous benefits and is worth the try. Primarily, it easily gets rids of dirt from kitchen utensils and jars.
In addition, dishwashers also give one more free time, save water and energy, are proven to get rid of germs, and are kinder to the hands. Although it works well with anything, it's best to avoid putting plastics that melt inside.
Setting Them Wisely
Maybe it's not a known phenomenon, but the vacuum's agitator brush and exhaust stimulate dust when we are cleaning the room. The more time spent cleaning, the dirtier it gets, and the cycle goes on, making cleaning efforts worthless.
The best thing to switch this game is to keep the thermostat in the "fan on" mode when using a vacuum. Still, it is best to set up the device first so it can be operated with careful consideration and less potential risk.
Comb On The Dustpan
Sweeping is not everyone's cup of tea, and it can be very tiring in some cases, especially the hair and collection of dust of all sorts. Most times, dust bunnies end up in the broom's bristles and leave one annoyed.
It doesn't always have to be that way by gluing a comb at the top of a dustpan. Sweep the brush through the comb, and it will take care of any gunk stuck in the broom, leaving everyone satisfied and in a good mood to clean.
Luxury DIY Mason Jar Scrubber
These do-it-yourself mason jar soap containers look luxurious, but all it took was a simple jar, regular dishwashing liquid, and some sprinkles of creativity. Punch a hole in the jar's lid, outline it onto a sponge, then cut it out.
Finally, pour the soap inside and place the sponge on top, which leaves an elegant appearance. In reality, this craft saves time and energy and offers convenience when washing the dishes. Labeling it could also be helpful so that it won't mix with the other liquids.
Cleaning Oddly-shaped Jars
There are multiple ways to clean jars and vases, even tall and oddly shaped ones. This includes using warm water, baking soda, and white vinegar and setting them aside for some time.
A cost-friendly and time-saving way is to use an old toothbrush to reach the corners of tall jars and vases, regardless of how they are shaped. The toothbrush's bristles can reach the crevices of the corners and catch unlikely germs and food particles that produce a foul odor.
Goodbye Soap Scum
Soaps are supposed to leave no dirt residue, yet several bubbles form a film on tiles over time. The worst thing is that it does not go away by just scrubbing and needs a super sharp knife or magic eraser to get rid of.
Possibly the best way to avoid the formation of soap scum is to avoid using natural soap, such as castile soap, and start trying synthetic detergents as an alternative. This is primarily because of their ingredients and how they react with water.
Dealing With Little, Everyday Spills
There are several ways to clean an oven, most of which require time and money. Some of these ways include a heavy-duty oven cleaner, special dish soap, and magic eraser. While all of these can be effective, steaming is a more straightforward method.
The process involves putting a bowl with water inside the oven and setting it at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 60 minutes. The steam will eliminate dirt and grease, and it's best to wipe the insides after it is cooled.
Use A Floor Swiffer For Walls
Who said floor Swiffer is strictly for floor use only? Its purpose extends to the wall and roof if the handle is long enough to reach the ceiling. In addition to the Swiffer, a cloth will also be used as it does the main job of wiping the walls and picking up dust that seems forgotten and hard to reach.
With this technique, there is no need to use ladders or step stools because its long handle will do the work.
Achieve Streak-free Glass
Some hacks for cleaning the mirror or windows include using toothpaste or vinegar-bicarb paste. While these techniques are deemed effective, an easier way is using scrunched-up newspaper and a window-cleaning liquid.
The spray should be rubbed circularly, with the newspaper as the wiper. Using vertical and horizontal strokes offers the best results. Newspaper is highly absorbent, making it an effective medium. It absorbs the liquid rather than just pushing it around. Because glass is slick, the ink doesn't adhere to it.
Using Paint Stir Sticks for Dryer Lint Trap
The lint trap is usually inside the dryer's door or on top. The manufacturers emphasize the importance of cleaning out the dryer lint trap, preferably before each load. Skipping this step can lead to malfunction, overheating, and, worse, fire.
This hack involves a wooden dowel or a paint stir stick wrapped with a clean rag around one end. Afterward, let this magical instrument run through the lint trap to remove all the fibers. To improve effectiveness, try dampening the rag first.
A Vacuum as a Lost-and-found Device
Vacuum cleaners made life easier by acting as electronic brooms and dustpans to collect dirt. Yet, it can also serve as a security guard for missing items in hard-to-reach places.
Simply cut off a foot of an old pair of pantyhose and secure it around the end of the vacuum hose. Run the vacuum, and when the missing item gets sucked up, the pantyhose net will catch it. Instead of hiring a detective for a lost earring, this method is the way to go.
Coffee Filters Have More Than One Purpose
Computer screens are an inevitable part of life; dust will always attach to them, and we need to clean them regularly. The best thing to use as a wiper is a microfiber cloth moistened with water, yet a more affordable alternative is a coffee filter.
Its thin and cloth-like material picks up all the particles and cuts static on the screen without leaving any fibers as paper towels would. Coffee filters also clean home accessories like wall surfaces, remotes, jars, frames, and television screens.
When Life Gives a Buildup, Squeeze a Lemon
Hard water has high mineral content. It forms when water filters through limestone, chalk, or gypsum. These ions react with soap to form insoluble compounds, which cause deposits on faucets that are difficult to remove. Worse, the scum can cause a chemical change that causes permanent damage.
Yet, just like the adage, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade; cut a lemon in half, press it onto the end of the fixture, and wrap it securely. The citric acid removes dirt and makes things shiny as new.
Drill Brush, Who?
A power scrubber has a high-pressure nozzle that quickly eliminates stubborn dirt from various surfaces. Power scrubbers are available online, but you can make your own to clean kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, and washtubs.
Put a bolt through a soap-dispensing palm brush refill, so it sticks out the back. Add a washer, screw a nut onto the bolt, and tighten it against the brush with pliers to ensure it stays put. Use the drill in reverse when cleaning; otherwise, the rotation could loosen the nut.
Garden Gloves for Specks of Dust
Garden gloves keep gardeners' hands clean and dry and avoid blisters, cuts, scrapes, and infections. Yet their long list of benefits doesn't end there because they can also be of good use when keeping dust off small collectibles inside the house.
The glove's material does not cause scratches, unlike regular cloth. When using it for cleaning collectibles such as a globe or photo frame, it is advised to use an antibacterial solution so it can kill any bacteria it may touch.
Citrus Microwave Cleaner
Microwave ovens provide solutions for some cooking problems, and while it produces good food, the dirt and greases they leave can be a lot of trouble. In this issue, lemon again saves the day!
Just fill up a measuring cup with water, place a slice of lemon in it, boil the liquid, and let it steam inside the oven. The citrus properties of lemon are anti-bacterial and anti-septic, and it acts as a natural bleach; all of which contribute to making the oven clean and shiny.
Getting Rid of Permanent Marker Stains
Most permanent markers have stayed true to their name and leave permanent marks everywhere they are written. While seeing them on paper is normal, it is bothersome when it is on house appliances like kitchen materials.
Fortunately, cooking oil can do the magic in erasing permanent marks. The catch is that it will need a little bit more patience since it needs to be rubbed against continually, and it takes a few minutes for the mark to be completely gone.
Citrus and Ice for a Stinky Disposer
Garbage disposers process different kitchen residues, and it's no wonder they become stinky over time. Fixing this problem is easy as the only materials needed are lemons and ice cubes.
Running the water over citrus peels softens dirt and removes bacteria. The acids in lemons and other citrus fruits attack and soften stains, which makes it easier to wash away. The ice cubes clear out possible blockages. An expert weighed in on this hack and suggested adding other ingredients would make a much more effective fix.
Plastic Bags as Shoe Covers
Going outside in the field has its fair share of disadvantages, including muddying your shoes. To prevent this, the best solution is to use plastic shoe covers, but if you don't have them, you can improvise by using a plastic grocery bag as a footwear cover.
You just have to ensure that handle loops are tied tightly to survive the pressure of walking and protect against outside debris. Research has found that plastic bags are light and waterproof, making them good companions during the rainy season.
Car Wax for Kitchen Appliances
People love stainless steel appliances because they are durable and look great in the kitchen. Yet, it is still a material that needs to be cleaned often as dirt and grease form, making appliances appear dull and grubby over time.
Instead of using hazardous liquid solutions or sharp objects like knives, car waxes can do the magic of removing dirt and smudges such as fingerprints and food residue. Like its benefit on cars, it will also make kitchen appliances sustainable and better-looking.
Old Electric Toothbrush for Stubborn Stains
An electronic toothbrush doesn't just help ensure our mouth is clean, but it can also serve as a cleaning tool for walls, lines, door tracks, and even car detailing. They also work best when paired with baking soda to kill bacteria that lurk on surfaces.
One thing to ensure is that we do not use that electric toothbrush for teeth anymore and remember to label that it is used for the tiles. After all, we don't want another set of germs hiding in our gums!
Socks for the Blinds
Venetian blinds are a common choice among householders as they look more pleasant to the eyes, yet cleaning them thoroughly can be challenging, especially without the proper tool. Luckily, a good old sock can do the work.
Just slip the sock onto your hand and wipe the blinds gently. This can also help you clean every corner that may be hard to reach when a regular rag is used. The old socks can then be washed and reused for future cleaning needs.
Lampshade Lint Roller
Lampshades are more than just home decorations; they redirect the light from the bulb and protect our eyes from the bulb glare. It is an ideal element to add as decor, yet it can also be a magnet for dust and pet hair.
In addition, we have to be careful not to wet it with water or touch it with too much pressure. Thankfully, lint rollers provide that perfect balance of gentleness and accuracy in making sure lampshades are clean and not an eyesore.
Baking Soda for Upholstery Problems
Fixing unusual odors usually involves buying various fresheners and liquid products, yet the most straightforward and handy solution comes in the form of baking soda. Sprinkle it on the sofas, beds, and other home furniture. Then, they can absorb unnecessary odors.
After a few minutes, use a vacuum to remove the powder traces and a fresh cloth to make the couch clean again. Baking soda is a well-known cleaning agent because it is alkali and causes dirt and grease to dissolve easily.
Vacuum Nozzle Hack
Cleaning hard-to-reach surfaces around the house can be challenging and even frustrating, especially if an appropriate tool is unavailable. If the vacuum is missing a nozzle, you can make one with a plastic bottle. Simply cut the plastic bottle with scissors and duct tape it to the vacuum.
The best thing is it can be easily assembled and stored for future purposes. Deep cleaning every once in a while controls the spread of infection and viruses and keeps one accountable for organizing clutter.
Zip Tie to the Rescue
Bathroom sinks get jammed occasionally, but for some, it often disturbs their peace and comfort. Many websites may suggest purchasing liquid or powder chemicals, while others advise getting professional help.
This simple and affordable hack can solve the problem in a short period of time. Take a long, straight zip tie and use a blade or scissors to cut several notches into it. Stick it down the drain to hook any hairy blockages and get them out as soon as possible.
Toilet Brush Disinfectant
Toilet brushes have probably witnessed the nastiest things in the bathroom, and it is something we do not want near our skin or nose. Despite this, they still have to be cleaned regularly to restrict germs from growing and infesting the space.
Pine-Sol has been a proven solution to kill household germs and bacteria, such as those that live in brushes. Always add some in the bottom of your brush container to disinfect it. It also makes the rooms smell good.
Wall Crayon Removal
If kids roam around the house, it's not surprising to see some walls covered with crayon marks. And while it must be nice to commemorate their creativity, most times, these marks must be removed for aesthetic purposes.
One hack to removing them is with baking soda. A tablespoon of baking soda mixed with water rubbed against the wall continually will make the marks disappear. Baking soda is a gentile abrasive, meaning it can remove crayon marks without damaging the original paint of the wall.
Reach Those Computer Ports
Computer ports may be the most used parts of a computer, but they can also be the ones that accumulate the most grime. Worse, it would cost you a trip to a computer shop if you want them cleaned thoroughly.
Thankfully, poster putty or sticky tack removes dirt and dust trapped inside without damaging the electronics. Or you could make slime using three ingredients (water, borax, and white glue). It's thin enough to seep into small places to lift grit.
Scratch-free Glasses
No matter how much one takes care of their glasses, it's almost impossible not to get them scratched over time. The reasons for these scratches include getting dirt or lint on them and not having the recommended cleaning materials.
The best way might be getting new glasses or replacing the lenses, but we won't be needing these with the use of Brasso. The product eliminates scratches in any kind of glass, old or new, because it acts as a filler for the scratches.
Clean The Keyboard
It may not seem like it, but keyboards carry the burden of receiving dust, dirt, and residue from our fingertips, thus making it one of the dirtiest parts of the computer system. We don't want to wait until it's so greasy we can't type anymore, so thankfully, we have access to this hack.
Simply rub a pink eraser on each key. The eraser can scrub away those oil, dust, food residue, and ink stains that have been sitting there for quite some time.
Foam Noodle for Floors
A garage flooded with water is not a pleasant sight to wake up to. Luckily, there is no need to call for emergency or home services because all you need are foam pipe insulation (or pool noodle) and a garden rake to make a giant squeegee.
Put the foam noodle on the rake to quickly push the water out of the garage and down the drain or outside. It rakes the water away as well as unnecessary debris, dirt, or garbage.
Hair Trap Cleaner for Under the Fridge
Regularly cleaning the fridge is an everyday activity in the household. Still, many people do not realize that the space beneath the fridge accumulates dirt too. The space underneath can get filled with food crumbs, dirt residue, and pet hair.
It would only be a matter of time before pests come in and cause further damage. To solve this problem, get a hair trap cleaner. It can reach beyond a vacuum attachment and will not leave any scratches on the floor.
Dealing With Unnecessary Paint Spills
Spilling paint on the carpet may seem like it's the end of the world, but there's no need to panic because of this cleaning hack. Put some denatured alcohol on the carpet, then use a cloth to scrub away the stains until they are all gone.
Denatured alcohol is a favorite choice of chemical when cleaning carpets or upholstered products. It can also be a disinfectant, sterilizer, and window cleaner. Remember to put only a little, as it can mess with the color.
Making Shoes Look Brand New
Shoes are among the most reliable wardrobe items we can wear, and it's completely understandable if getting them dirty is frustrating. However, there is a way we can make shoes brand look new again and again with just the use of toothpaste and an old toothbrush.
The toothpaste removes the stains, but it's essential to take note only to use white toothpaste for white sneakers. The non-gel chemicals will interact with the materials of the shoes to make them look sparkly and fresh again.
Using Coarse Salt for A Cast Iron Skillet
Good food does not end with enjoying it in a meal; it also means dealing with a cast iron skillet with baked-in grit. It is important to clean as it contributes to the skillet's longevity and effectiveness.
Instead of regular soap, one can use coarse salt to scrub off any crumbs stuck as it has been proven to break down food and get rid of them. Coarse salts are considered gentle scouring agents that can work with baking soda and vinegar.
Homemade Fly Traps
This genius hack eliminates the problem of having flies buzzing around the house endlessly. They can carry and spread diseases like food poisoning and bacterial infections.
All there is to do is cut the top portion of a plastic bottle and place the cutoff part upside down. Then, place apples and two cups of white vinegar inside. The sight and odor will attract the flies to buzz their way inside, but once they are in, they will have difficulty finding a way out.
Love That Post-Vacation Laundry
Post-vacation moments evoke different feelings for everyone. One thing people want to avoid dealing with right away is laundry. Yet, even if it's tiring to automatically deal with dirty clothes as soon as one gets home, it is a wise idea to run them through the laundry as soon as possible.
This act ensures that no one brings unnecessary souvenirs, such as germs, bacteria, or infectious diseases. This simple hack also involves putting the clothes on high heat as it produces freshness and cleanliness.
Welcome New Clothing With Heat
Shopping can be a luxurious experience, but not with lurking dust and germs around newly bought clothes. Thus, washing and drying them in the heat will kill these unwanted visitors and ensure the owner can use the newly-shopped items with assurance.
This is because synthetic fibers are prone to cause rashes on the person wearing them, which may lead to skin issues. Various customers browse and try on clothing, so we'll never know which item has germs, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
Buff Surfaces With Oil
Olive oil is known and proven to have numerous nutritional benefits, including for the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and promoting longevity. Likewise, it is not surprising to see that it can be beneficial in cleaning too.
Olive oil can help clean and refine stainless steel items like pots and kitchen appliances. Just put some on a cloth and rub it in a circular motion; some people mix it with distilled white vinegar. This small amount of effort removes stubborn surfaces with grime and loosens hard stains.
Vodka And Carpet Relationship
While vinegar is proven to remove carpet stains, vodka can also be a good option. Greg Shephard of Dallas Maids stated that vodkas are more effective and cost-friendly than over-the-counter cleaning products.
Like vinegar, it can do the work of degreasing, disinfecting, and deodorizing. It has high alcohol content and lacks smell; thus, it causes less hassle when cleaning because it does not leave unnecessary odors, unlike vinegar. Some house owners fill a spray bottle with vodka to eliminate odors.
Shaving Cream Fights Against Water Marks
Shaving creams soften and protect human skin, but who would have thought it could also be a cleaning tool? Applying shaving creams to water stains for 15 minutes can eliminate those unwanted stains inside the bathroom walls, shower glass, or kitchen accessories.
Shaving cream has many ingredients similar to household soap, and its foamy and soapy texture is ideal for scrubbing. Not only does it remove those marks and possible bacteria, but it also leaves the surface with a shiny look.
Cleaning the Toilet
We have probably noticed this by now, but vinegar and baking soda are among the top ingredients in these cleaning hacks. This is because they are on opposite ends of the acidity scale, and their combination produces an effective cleaning solution.
When cleaning the toilet, just add some baking soda and vinegar to the toilet bowl. When you hear some fizzing sound, it means the magic is being done, and you should let it be for about ten to twenty minutes.
The Key To A Sparkling Toilet
Now, cleaning the toilet bowl is not enough, and it is advisable to make it sparkle like brand new, too, for maximum experience. For this process, we need a cup of baking soda, but it should be combined with essential oils like tea tree, lemon, orange, or lavender.
Essential oils are a good agent in homemade cleaning products because of their sharp smell and deodorizing ability. They can leave the toilet bowl and even the whole room with a pleasant and sparkling glow.
DIY Aromatherapy
Bathrooms may be the place where waste goes, but they can still be left with sprinkles of pleasing aroma! An unsanitary restroom can trigger allergies and become a home for dangerous bacteria from which harmful illnesses arise.
Luckily, there is a do-it-yourself aromatherapy cleaning solution with baking soda, dish soap, basil essential oil, and lemon drops. This mixture should sit in the sink for ten minutes, then rinse with water afterward, leaving the room with a fresh and pleasant scent.
Using a Damp Sponge To Clean The Microwave
Another way to clean the microwave and eliminate all the unwanted grease and residues is to put a clean and damp sponge inside. Once inside, the temperature should be set high for two minutes.
Heat kills bacteria because as the temperature rises, the protein structures of bacteria start to break until they are all eliminated in the process. The dampened sponge can also contribute to the cleaning and shining. After some time, use a cloth to wipe the insides of the appliance.
Homemade Glass-cleaning Solution
Glass windows and shower doors may seem like part of the furniture, but they must be cleaned regularly because dirt particles may stay on the glass. This will cause marks and dangerous mold. A clean glass surface also contributes to good indoor air quality and energy levels.
Thus, this affordable and effective cleaning hack offers a solution. The materials needed include white vinegar, distilled water, and essential oil. Just mix them all together and rub them against the glass surface.
Stove-top Cleaner
At this point, it is not surprising to see baking soda used as a cleaning agent. Registered dietitian and the owner of Appleton Home Services, Carol Meerschaert, considers baking soda a favorite cleaner for stovetops. This is because baking soda contains chemicals that dislodge particles and remove stains on the surface.
It is best to store it in the kitchen, not just for cooking purposes, but cleaning too. Just pour it on the stovetop, sprinkle with water, let it sit for an hour, then wipe for the magical result!
Solution for Pet Hair Problems
Pet hair may signify a good pet relationship. Still, it causes itchy eyes and runny noses and potentially harms the respiratory system. Thus, regular cleaning with a vacuum should be a priority.
However, some standard vacuum cleaners do not get all the hair, leaving some strands behind and even causing them to spread across the room. In this case, rubber gloves can get the job done because as the rubber is pushed against the fabric, the elasticity gathers the remaining hair.
Baking Soda and Vinegar on The Mattress
Putting a mattress in the washing machine is not possible, which is why many prefer just using the vacuum or sending them to professional cleaning services. Luckily, there is a way to clean them without doing these things.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar removes the stains in the mattress and kills off unwanted germs. The process starts with spraying vinegar on the bed, sprinkling baking soda over the top, and then letting it sit for about two hours.
Clean Ceiling Fans With Pillowcases
Cleaning ceiling fans is also a tedious task as it requires the person to stand on another surface to reach such height. Many people also use a rag, which leads to dust falling into the floor, furniture, and even the person's face.
As such, experts have suggested using pillowcases in cleaning ceiling fans. The pillowcase can be slipped between the fan blades and swiped each fan at a time. After the act, the pillowcase should also be cleaned until its next use.
Use Dishwashers To Their Fullest Cleaning Potential
Dishwashers are renowned for their ability to make dishwashing life easier, primarily for kitchen utensils. Yet their purpose lies beyond cleaning dishes, and we can maximize it to the fullest potential by using them to clean other stuff.
Dishwashers can safely wash rubber slippers, sneakers, baseball caps, non-electrical plastic toys, mouth guards, shower heads, hair brushes, makeup brushes, and even contact lens cases. If a dishwasher is already at hand, why not use it to the best of its ability?