Cleaning your home effectively doesn’t have to be time-consuming or tedious. With some clever hacks and tips from cleaning pros, you can get the job done faster and easier. Here are 12 genius cleaning hacks that are sure to save you time, effort, and money.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Tough Grime
Baking soda and vinegar are dynamic cleaning duo. The combination of an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) creates a fizzy chemical reaction that breaks down stubborn dirt and grime.
To use this effective hack:
- Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Spread the paste onto dirty surfaces like cooktops, bathtubs, and sinks.
- Let the paste sit for several minutes so it can break down the grime.
- Pour undiluted white vinegar over the paste and let it fizzle for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrub and rinse clean. The grime will wipe away with ease!
Cleaning pros rely on this baking soda and vinegar trick to tackle burnt-on grease, soap scum, hard water stains, and more without harsh chemicals. It’s safe for most surfaces and extremely effective.
Clean Shower Doors with Dishwasher Detergent
Over time, mineral deposits from hard water and soap scum can build up on glass shower doors, leaving them looking dull and dirty. For crystal clear glass, use dishwasher detergent (either powder or liquid).
Here’s how:
- Liberally apply powdered dishwasher detergent directly onto the glass. If using liquid detergent, dilute it with some warm water first.
- Using a sponge or cleaning pad, scrub the detergent over the entire surface of the glass. The cleaning agents in dishwasher detergent will cut through the grime.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing clean with warm water. Vinegar can also help remove soap scum.
- Squeegee off excess water to prevent new mineral spots.
Dishwasher detergent is highly effective at de-gunking stubborn glass shower doors quickly and efficiently. No more endless scrubbing!
Use Salt and Ice Cubes to Refresh Smelly Carpets
Carpets can accumulate odors over time from pets, food spills, and everyday use. To refresh smelliness and remove bacteria naturally, try this simple method using salt, ice, and some elbow grease:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of salt all over the carpet. The salt will help absorb and neutralize odors.
- Place ice cubes on top of the salt, spacing them out over the carpet’s surface. As the ice melts, the moisture will activate the salt to clean deeper.
- Let the ice fully melt so the carpet is slightly damp. Then use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the carpet and work in the salt-ice mixture.
- Let the carpet dry completely before vacuuming up the dried salt.
The salt and ice treatment pulls up embedded odors, dirt, and bacteria without any added chemicals. Plus, it’s completely non-toxic for pets! Use this hack on any foul-smelling carpet.
Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves
Pet hair sticking to furniture and carpets can feel never-ending. To efficiently remove it without adhesive rollers, put on a pair of rubber gloves and lightly rub the area. The rubber will cause the fur to ball up and cling to the gloves instead.
Here’s how:
- Pull on a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves. Dampen them slightly for best results.
- Gently rub the gloves over any pet hair covered surfaces: couches, carpets, blankets, etc. The fur will roll up and transfer to the gloves instead of remaining stuck in fabric.
- Peel off and discard the fur, then repeat as needed until no more hair comes up.
- Give one last rub down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
This pet hair removal trick is quick, effective and cheap – no more wasting money on sticky rollers! The rubber gloves attract hair like a magnet.
Make Appliances Sparkle with Toothpaste
Stainless steel appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves are prone to dirt, smudges, and streaks that make them appear dull. For spotless and shiny appliances, rub them down with an unlikely cleaning product: toothpaste.
Here’s how to do it:
- Apply a small amount of regular white toothpaste onto a soft cloth.
- Gently rub it in circular motions over the stainless steel surface to clean and polish.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
The abrasives in toothpaste will get rid of grime and make the appliance gleam. For an extra shine, use a microfiber cloth to buff the surface after rinsing. Try this quick toothpaste trick weekly to keep appliances looking their best.
Remove Makeup Stains from Clothes with Shaving Cream
Mascara, foundation, and lipstick accidentally left on clothing can seem impossible to remove. However, the secret to lifting those stubborn makeup stains is probably sitting in your medicine cabinet – shaving cream.
Follow these steps:
- Apply a dollop of shaving cream directly onto the makeup stained area. Make sure to use traditional shaving cream, not a gel.
- Gently rub the shaving cream into the fabric using your fingers or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse the spot thoroughly with cool water to flush out the cream.
- Launder as usual to remove any residual shaving cream.
Incredibly, the oil-fighting agents in shaving cream will break down and dissolve makeup stains without harming fabric. Plus, it’s inexpensive and effective on all types of clothing and fabrics.
Whiten Tile Grout with Peroxide and Baking Soda
Does your tile floor or wall grout look dingy and discolored? Whitening it is easy and inexpensive using just hydrogen peroxide and baking soda you likely have at home already.
Here’s the simple method:
- In a spray bottle, mix together 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) with 2 parts baking soda until dissolved.
- Spray or pour the mixture directly onto dirty grout lines. Make sure to completely coat the grout.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes so the peroxide-baking soda solution can work to brighten the grout.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush then rinse clean with water.
The oxygenating properties of hydrogen peroxide lift stains while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to whiten and clean. Grout will look fresh and new again. Repeat as needed for upkeep.
Trap Fruit Flies with Apple Cider Vinegar
Pesky fruit flies seem impossible to get rid of once they invade. However, you likely already have an effective and non-toxic trap sitting in your pantry – apple cider vinegar.
Follow these steps:
- Fill a small bowl about halfway with apple cider vinegar. Add a drop of dish soap and stir (the soap helps break the flies’ surface tension so they sink).
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then poke several small holes in the wrap with a toothpick.
- Set the bowl out on the counter. Fruit flies will be attracted to the smell, then get trapped in the vinegar on contact.
- Empty and refresh the bowl daily until flies are gone.
The vinegar’s scent lures flies in, while the plastic wrap and dish soap prevent escape. This natural trap beats chemicals and works like a charm!
Remove Odors from Cutting Boards with Lemon Juice
Wood and plastic cutting boards easily absorb strong scents and odors from garlic, onion, fish, and other pungent foods. To help remove these clingy smells, bring out the lemon juice.
Here is an effective method:
- Sprinkle coarse salt generously over the cutting board surface. The salt will help draw out and absorb odors.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salt and rub it into the board using a halved lemon.
- Let the lemon-salt mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and drying the board.
The acid in lemon juice neutralizes odors, while the salt draws them out. This food-safe cleaner will make cutting boards smell fresh and ready to use again. Repeat weekly or as needed to eliminate odors.
Clean Slow Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Clogged drains are a nuisance. Before reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners, try using baking soda and vinegar instead. When combined, these two ingredients create a bubbly, fizzy reaction that breaks up gunk and clears slow drains.
Here’s a safe method:
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the slow-running drain first, then follow with 1 cup white vinegar.
- Place the stopper in the drain or cover the drain opening with a cloth so the reaction stays contained.
- After 10-15 minutes, pour a kettle-full of boiling water down the drain to flush and rinse.
Repeat once a week or when your drains start slowing down. The bubbly fizz will dislodge the gross grime that causes sluggish drains. Plus, it’s far safer for pipes than commercial drain cleaners.
Repel Ants with Lemon Peels
Tiny ants invading your home can be incredibly annoying. Skip the toxic ant sprays and repel them naturally with leftover lemon peels. Here’s how:
- Collect leftover lemon rinds and peel bits in a plastic bag stored in the freezer until needed.
- Once ants appear, place the frozen lemon peels along any areas ants are entering or congregating. Doorways, windowsills, and countertop corners are common entry points.
- Replace the peels every few days, repeating as needed until ants are gone.
The strong citrus scent of lemon peels and oils repels and deters ants naturally without harming pets or the environment. Place peels around the outside of your home for extra protection.
Unclog Sinks with a Wet and Dry Vacuum
Frustrating blocked sinks and drains can often be cleared with a “shop-vac”, also known as a wet and dry vacuum. Simply place the vacuum nozzle over the clogged opening and allow the powerful suction to loosen and clear the blockage.
Follow these steps for success:
- First try plunging the sink normally to help dislodge some of the clog initially.
- Fill the sink about halfway with water to limit suction strength.
- Place the wet/dry vacuum nozzle over and tightly seal it around the sink drain opening.
- Turn on the vacuum to full suction power and let it run for 1-2 minutes to clear the clog.
- Dump the vacuumed dirty water, then run hot water in the sink to confirm it drains freely.
Shop-vacs are an effective and affordable DIY drain clearing method before calling a plumber. The extreme suction provides a quick fix.
Freshen Carpets with Vinegar
Vinegar is a potent, natural cleaning ingredient. To freshen up dull, dirty carpets and add a pleasant aroma, use this easy vinegar trick:
- Fill a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar diluted with 2 parts water.
- Spray or sprinkle the vinegar solution liberally over carpets. Focus on high traffic areas first.
- Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes before blotting with a clean towel.
- Allow the carpets to air dry fully before vacuuming up the residue.
The vinegar solution helps lift dirt and stains, remove odors caused by pets, food, and smoke, and adds a light scent. Use weekly or monthly to revitalize carpets and keep them smelling freshly cleaned.
Conclusion
Cleaning effectively without spending a whole day doing it can feel impossible, but these genius hacks make it much simpler. Small tweaks like using dish soap on shower doors, repelling ants with lemon peels, or unclogging drains with baking soda and vinegar can save significant time and effort.
Test out a few of these professional cleaning tips the next time you tackle dusting, scrubbing, and freshening your home. You’ll discover that it’s possible to get amazing results in far less time. With these handy shortcuts, keeping your home clean and beautiful will feel easy and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some examples of the best cleaning hacks using common household items?
- Baking soda and vinegar to clean drains, tiles, tubs, ovens, etc.
- Old newspaper or paper towels and window cleaner to clean windows and mirrors
- Vinegar or toothpaste to clean and disinfect surfaces
- Baking soda to absorb odors
- Lemon juice and sunlight to whiten and brighten
2. What cleaning hacks save the most time and energy?
- Cleaning shower doors with dishwasher detergent
- Removing pet hair with rubber gloves
- Unclogging drains with a wet/dry vacuum
- Cleaning makeup stains with shaving cream
- Removing odors from cutting boards with lemon juice
- Repelling ants with lemon peels
3. What are the benefits of natural cleaning hacks over chemical cleaners?
- They are less expensive since they utilize common household items
- They don’t contain harsh or toxic chemicals
- Natural cleaners are often safer for kids, pets and the environment
- DIY cleaners don’t cause fumes or breathing irritation
- Most natural cleaning solutions are multi-purpose for whole home use
4. How do baking soda and vinegar work together as cleaning agents?
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive and alkali that dissolves grease and grime
- Vinegar is an acid that breaks down stubborn dirt and kills bacteria and mold
- The chemical reaction when combined fizzes and bubbles to penetrate deeply
- Baking soda also deodorizes while vinegar disinfects and removes stains
5. What are some unusual but effective cleaning hacks?
- Rubbing toothpaste onto stainless steel/silver polish and protect
- Whitening tile grout with peroxide and baking soda
- Brightening dingy carpets with salt and ice cubes
- Removing makeup stains on clothes with shaving cream
- Unclogging drains with a wet/dry vacuum
- Repelling ants naturally with lemon peels
6. Where can I find more useful cleaning life hacks?
There are many places to find more cleaning hacks and homekeeping tips, such as:
- DIY and homekeeping blogs, Youtube channels, Instagram accounts
- Lifestyle websites like Apartment Therapy and Good Housekeeping
- Forums like Reddit’s r/cleaningtips subreddit
- Pinterest boards and visual social media platforms
- Books like Clean My Space by Melissa Maker
- Podcasts like A Slob Comes Clean by Dana K. White
7. What cleaning hacks should people avoid?
Avoid these potentially unsafe cleaning hacks:
- Mixing bleach and vinegar, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol – can create toxic gases
- Using corrosive acids like hydrochloric acid to clean toilets or pipes
- Putting lemon juice or soap in your eyes to clean – can cause injury
- Combining certain chemical cleaning products without checking for reactions
- Using very abrasive materials that could scratch delicate surfaces
- Anything requiring overuse or heating of flammable materials like alcohol
8. How often should I deep clean my home?
Most cleaning experts recommend doing a thorough, whole-home deep clean about once or twice per year. The ideal schedule depends on factors like:
- Number of occupants and pets
- How much foot traffic your home receives
- Whether anyone in the home has allergies
- If you entertain frequently
- Presence of mold/mildew issues
For deeper cleaning tasks like carpets, furniture, windows, appliances, etc. every 6 months is ideal. Stay on top of regular maintenance cleaning weekly.
9. What are the best cleaning hacks for bathrooms?
Great bathroom cleaning hacks include:
- Baking soda and vinegar to scrub tile, grout, tubs
- Lime and lemon juice to dissolve soap scum and hard water stains
- Dryer sheets to wipe away hair and lint
- Shaving cream to defog mirrors and clean counters
- Drain catchers and mesh sink stoppers to prevent clogs
- White vinegar sprayed on shower walls to prevent mildew
10. Where can I buy specialty cleaning tools that make the job easier?
Specialized cleaning tools are available at hardware and home improvement stores like:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Ace Hardware
Big box stores like Walmart and Target also carry affordable cleaning tools. Or find them online at retailers like:
- Amazon
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- The Container Store
- Organize.com
Look for multi-surface scrub brushes, extendable dusters, grout brushes, silicone sink scrubbers, corner cleaning brushes, and more.
11. What tips prevent cleaning products from damaging my health?
- Use gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals
- Never mix products unless directions say it’s safe
- Open windows and turn on fans for ventilation
- Follow all label instructions carefully
- Store chemicals securely out of reach of children
- Dispose of used containers properly
- Consider using natural cleaners when possible
- Never transfer chemicals into unlabeled containers
- Wash your hands after using any cleaning products
12. How can I make my own effective natural cleaning products?
DIY natural cleaners only require a few simple ingredients:
All-purpose cleaner – mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups water in a spray bottle
Glass cleaner – mix 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/2 tsp liquid soap
Disinfectant – combine 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tsp liquid soap, and 10 drops essential oils
Drain cleaner– pour 1 cup baking soda down