As the holiday season comes to a close, my mind often turns to the joys of spring cleaning. There’s something invigorating about shedding the old and welcoming the new, don’t you think? The thought of opening windows, letting in fresh air, and banishing winter’s chill is a tantalizing prospect. Of course, I’m not saying I dislike winter – there’s beauty in its quiet, snowy landscapes – but by February, I’m ready to shake off my seasonal stupor and get back to the rhythm of life.
If you’re similarly inclined, or just looking for some inspiration, read on for a collection of clever cleaning hacks that will transform your home into a sparkling sanctuary.
Watch: 21 Mind-Blowing Deep Cleaning Hacks
Microwave Sponges to Get Rid of Germs
When it comes to kitchen cleaning, sponges are often the unsung heroes, but they can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Rather than discarding them, try using your microwave to sanitize your sponge. Simply place the sponge in the microwave and set a timer for three minutes – the heat from the microwave will effectively kill any lingering microorganisms.
This hack not only extends the life of your sponge but also allows it to continue cleaning other surfaces with ease, even if it’s no longer suitable for use on dishes.
Use Rubbing Alcohol as a Glass Cleaner
For those who have exhausted their supply of window cleaner or prefer to create their own, consider combining 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. This eco-friendly solution is easy to prepare and can be poured directly into a spray bottle for effortless application. Using a microfiber cloth, such as this one, wipe down your windows to achieve a sparkling clean finish that’s perfect for any room in your home.
Use Borax to Clean Your Stove
When faced with stubborn stains on my stove, I’ve found that relying solely on a quick wipe-down and some spray just doesn’t cut it. In these situations, I turn to my trusty borax powder, carefully sprinkling a cupful across the stained area before wiping everything down with a damp sponge. The mild abrasive properties of borax prove effective in breaking down even the most tenacious marks, allowing me to easily remove any excess residue with a clean towel or cleaning tool.
Clean Window Screens with a Lint Roller
Initially, screens were a daunting task for me when it came to cleaning, but after discovering the right tools, they’ve become one of my most enjoyable tasks! To get started, grab a lint roller – I swear by this particular one and also appreciate the eco-friendly option my friend uses. These simple yet effective gadgets have transformed my screen-cleaning experience from a chore to a breeze.
Clean Your Baseboards
In a surprising turn of events, I’ve grown accustomed to tackling one of my former least favorite household chores: baseboard cleaning. What once seemed like an insurmountable task now takes me only about an hour to complete – and that’s including the occasional distraction! A Swiffer or broom is all you need to get the job done with ease. Simply secure a towel around the neck of your trusty broom and start swiping away.
Believe it or not, baseboard cleaning has become a breeze, much like dusting. No special techniques or expertise required – just good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Use a Mop to Clean the Walls
For the walls, you can apply the same principle as the baseboards, leveraging the convenience of a Swiffer to effortlessly clean large areas. The flat surface design of this tool excels at tackling flat surfaces like walls, allowing for efficient and effective cleaning. Additionally, it’s wise to carry a gentle cleaner with you to tackle any stubborn stains or dingy spots that require a bit more TLC.
Keep Your Mirror from Fogging Up
To achieve a crystal-clear reflection without the pesky haze, try this unconventional yet effective hack. Simply take a bar of soap and gently massage it onto the mirror’s surface. Once you’ve covered the entire area, wipe away any excess soap residue with a soft cloth or paper towel. Voila! A fog-free mirror that’s ready to reveal your radiant smile.
Deep Clean Your Oven Racks
For a hassle-free oven rack cleaning experience, consider this unconventional method: place the racks in a large garbage bag along with some ammonia, ensuring proper ventilation. The ammonia will effectively break down any stubborn stains or grime on the racks.
To ensure a thorough cleaning and safety precautions, grab oversized trash bags like those pictured, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from fumes, then give your racks a good rinse and dry them before returning them to your stove.
Use Lemons to Clean Cutting Boards
In addition to their utilitarian role in the kitchen, cutting boards require regular deep cleaning to maintain their effectiveness and eliminate any lingering odors or residues. One effective method for purifying a cutting board involves creating a salt-lemon mixture by sprinkling salt across the surface and squeezing lemon juice on top.
This is then followed by a thorough scrub using the same lemon half, which leverages the citrus fruit’s natural properties to neutralize and deodorize the board.
Freshen Laundry with Lysol and Lemons
Want to give your laundry a refreshing twist? Simply combine equal parts of ½ cup water, lemon juice (you can use freshly squeezed or opt for a high-quality lemon essential oil), and 3 cups of Lysol in your wash. This unique blend will infuse your clothes with the invigorating aroma of springtime, leaving them smelling crisp and clean. To take it to the next level, incorporate this boost into your washing routine by adding it on top of your clothing after you’ve applied soap.
Shine Up Your Wooden Surfaces with Murphy’s Oil Soap
While my surfaces often appear lackluster if I don’t maintain them consistently, I’ve found a simple solution in the form of Murphy’s oil. This trusty product has become an essential part of my cleaning routine, as it effectively revives the appearance of wooden surfaces and keeps them looking their best.
To use it, simply spray or sprinkle the oil onto a cloth and wipe down any trouble spots, or apply a small amount to your floors (about one cup’s worth) and mop with a damp rag for an added layer of protection.
Clean Your Toilets with Baking Soda
When it comes to cleaning, baking soda is my go-to solution – a gentle yet effective abrasive, a natural deodorizer, and a safe product to use on any surface. When tackling the exterior of my toilet, I combine baking soda with dish soap and a damp sponge to create a powerful cleaning duo. Simply wet the sponge slightly, apply the mixture, and scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. To finish, wipe down any remaining residue from the exterior of the toilet. But what about the inside?
For a thorough deep clean, I add 2 cups of baking soda directly into the tank. This not only helps to remove any built-up mineral deposits but also effectively deodorizes the entire system. With these simple yet surprising cleaning hacks, my bathroom is always sparkling and fresh!
Clean Tiny Spaces with Your Vacuum
When tackling a thorough vacuuming session around the house, the task can become laborious if every nook and cranny is targeted. To streamline the process, try utilizing a paper towel rod as an extension tool for your vacuum hose. Simply pinch one end to create a makeshift attachment, allowing you to effortlessly navigate into even the most compact of spaces.
Eliminate Foul Odors from Upholstery
For pet enthusiasts and active families seeking a natural alternative to commercial room sprays, this simple recipe is just as effective. Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar, water, and your preferred essential oils in a spray bottle. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry before using it to eliminate odors from upholstered furniture. If you’re pleased with the results, you can confidently use this homemade deodorizer on any surfaces that need a refreshing boost.
Clean Ceiling Fans with Pillowcase
When cleaning fan blades, it’s not uncommon for more than just dust to fall out – in fact, you might just end up tidying up a bigger mess than anticipated! To minimize the impact of this unexpected cleanup, try using an old pillowcase as a makeshift duster. Simply place the case over each part of the blade (top and bottom) and let gravity do the work for you. As you lift the parts down, the dust should get caught in the fabric of the pillowcase, leaving your room spotless.
Use the Dishwasher to Clean Hairbrushes and Flip Flops
While most people associate dishwashers with cleaning dishes, these appliances are capable of handling more than just ceramics and glassware. In fact, a regular load can accommodate both small utensils and large food particles. Before loading the dishwasher, take a few moments to clear away any stray hairs or substantial debris that may be clinging to either item. This simple step ensures a thorough cleaning process for all items in the wash cycle.
Clean Your Blender
Blending has become a regular affair at my place! While we do enjoy whipping up smoothies and milkshakes every now and then, I’m more than happy to share our go-to method for cleaning the blender after most uses. The trick is simple yet effective – it may not yield flawless results every time, but it certainly does the bulk of the heavy lifting. What’s more, the sooner you tackle the cleaning process, the better this hack will perform!
Use Microfiber Cloth to Get Rid of Fingerprints
While stainless steel’s sleek appearance can elevate any kitchen, it’s frustrating when fingerprints mar its surface. To effortlessly remove these marks without compromising the material, consider combining a microfiber cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and gentle scrubbing. Alternatively, for a more subtle approach, you can use olive oil to achieve a similar result. This simple trick will leave your kitchen looking sparkling clean.
Keep Glasses Clean with Vinegar
When it comes to tackling household messes, vinegar is often the unsung hero. Whether you’re prepping for a party or simply dealing with the aftermath of a dishwasher cycle, this natural wonder can help you achieve sparkling results. For instance, when faced with stubborn water spots on your glasses, try dampening a paper towel with a small amount of vinegar and wiping them clean to leave your drinkware spotless.
Scrub the Front of the Kitchen Cabinets
Elevate the simplicity of cabinet cleaning by embracing a natural approach. To get started, blend equal parts vegetable oil and baking soda to create a potent cleaning solution. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply this mixture onto your cabinets, allowing it to effortlessly dissolve stubborn food stains and fingerprints. Once applied, wipe away any excess residue with a lint-free rag, leaving your cabinets looking refreshed and revitalized.
Use a Coffee Filter to Clean the iPad Screen
When it comes to maintaining your home’s technology, a thorough cleaning is just as crucial as tidying up any other room. No special equipment is required; simply grab a coffee filter and delicately wipe down screens with streaks – whether they’re on iPads, phones, TVs, or computers. I like to cut several filters at once when I buy a new pack and store them in a resealable bag within my cleaning bin for this specific purpose.
