For those who find cleaning a chore, don’t worry – there’s hope! Whether you’re a self-proclaimed clean freak or someone who dreads the thought of scrubbing away, we’ve all experienced the bliss of walking into a spotless home or slipping into freshly laundered sheets. However, for most of us, cleaning isn’t exactly an activity we relish. But, it’s essential to prioritize our living spaces and make time for regular tidying up.
In fact, designating one day a week for an intense cleaning session can be surprisingly manageable when armed with the right strategies. With that in mind, I’ll get straight to the point – here are 15 clever cleaning hacks to make the task more enjoyable, even for the most reluctant cleaners among us.
How to Get Your Copper Pots Sparkly Clean
If you haven’t yet made the switch to green cleaning products, there’s no better time than now. The harsh reality is that many common cleaners are laced with toxic chemicals, posing a significant risk to both your health and the environment. To minimize your exposure to these harmful substances and eliminate any lingering chemical residue, consider repurposing household staples instead. Chances are, you already possess the most effective natural cleaning agents in your pantry arsenal.
White vinegar is a particularly potent natural cleaner that deserves special mention.
One example of its efficacy can be seen in its ability to effortlessly clean copper pots. To accomplish this feat, simply combine a small amount of salt, white vinegar, and a scouring pad. Sprinkle the salt onto the pot’s bottom, followed by a splash of vinegar.
Then, gently scrub away using your chosen scouring pad – I highly recommend investing in a good quality one, as they can handle even the most demanding cleaning tasks with ease.
Get Rid of all the Dust on Lampshades with a Lint Roller
Say goodbye to dusty lampshades and hello to a cleaner home with this simple yet effective dusting hack! It’s easy to get into the habit of neglecting dusting, but once you discover how effortlessly you can remove dust from surfaces using a lint roller, you’ll be hooked. Gone are the days of struggling to vacuum up dust only to find it still remains – instead, rely on the adhesive power of lint rollers to pick up most of the dust without breaking a sweat.
DIY Tool to Clean Between the Glass on Oven Door
The once-transparent view of your oven from outside was a thing of the past for many of us, leaving it looking dingy and uninviting. Despite my best efforts, I struggled to find an effective way to clean this area until stumbling upon a game-changing solution. To begin, take a wire hanger and straighten it out, retaining only the hook. Secure a cleaning wipe to the hook using a rubber band. Next, remove the drawer situated below your oven to gain access to the slots underneath.
It’s here that you can effortlessly insert your DIY cleaning tool, making quick work of this often-neglected area.
Use a Squeegee to Clean Your Carpets
Give the professional cleaners a break and take matters into your own hands with this ingenious DIY carpet cleaning hack. With just two simple tools, you can achieve remarkable results without breaking the bank. All you need is a dry squeegee – specifically designed for car use – and some upper body strength to scrape away at those stubborn stains. My top pick for the perfect squeegee is the stainless steel variety, boasting an ergonomic handle that makes it a breeze to maneuver.
And if you’re looking for more carpet cleaning tricks up your sleeve, be sure to check out our curated collection of hacks.
DIY Tool to Clean Your Blinds
When it comes to cleaning your home, there’s one task that often seems like an insurmountable challenge: cleaning your blinds. The thought of manually dusting each individual slat can be overwhelming, but fear not! With just a few simple tools and some creative problem-solving, you’ll be able to tackle even the most stubborn blind mess in no time. To start, gather a pair of kitchen tongs, two microfiber dust cloths, and four rubber bands.
Next, wrap each arm of the tongs with a microfiber cloth, securing it with two rubber bands. This clever setup will allow you to effortlessly reach every slat on your blinds, leaving them spotless in mere moments. And the best part? You won’t need to break out the heavy-duty cleaning products or spend hours scrubbing away – just a few minutes of quick and easy work will leave your blinds looking like new. So why not give it a try?
Best Natural Cleaning Solution for Your Microwave
A sparkling clean microwave can elevate the entire cooking experience. The notion that your food tastes better when you know your microwave is spotless holds some merit. A quick and easy cleaning hack can be a game-changer in banishing those pesky baked-on spills and splatters that accumulate at the door’s opening. To achieve this, you’ll need just four simple items: white vinegar, a small bowl, a wooden spoon, and either a sponge or cloth.
Clean a Wooden Cutting Board with Lemon and Salt
Are you certain that your cutting board is truly clean? To ensure a thorough cleaning, try this eco-friendly technique. Start by sprinkling a generous amount of coarse salt evenly across the surface of your wooden cutting board. Next, use a lemon half to scrub away any debris or residue. As you work, squeeze the lemon juice liberally onto the board, allowing it to penetrate and loosen any tough stains.
Allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before using a bench scraper to remove all impurities from the surface. For added convenience and a compact kitchen footprint, consider investing in a high-quality bench scraper that won’t take up too much space.
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Oven
When it comes time to give your oven some much-needed TLC, swap out those harsh chemicals for a more natural approach. Start by combining the power of vinegar and baking soda to create a potent cleaning solution. As you prepare for this task, don’t forget to grab a pair of sturdy gloves to protect your hands from the heavy-duty scrubbing that’s ahead.
I’m particularly fond of a certain brand of gloves that boasts not only their durability but also their eco-friendly credentials – they’re latex-free and BPA-free, making them a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Freshen Up Your Carpet with Baking Soda
When it comes to our carpets, they’re often subjected to a daily barrage of dirt, dust, and foot traffic. But fear not, as there’s an easy solution to banish those pesky odors: baking soda! The first step is to give your carpet a good vacuuming to remove any debris that might interfere with the process. Next, liberally sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, allowing it to sit for a short while to absorb the unwanted aroma.
Finally, repeat the vacuuming process to sweep up all the baking soda residue and leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
Use Salt to Clean a Cast Iron Pan
A simple yet effective solution to tackle stubborn grime on your cookware! The beauty of this cleaning hack lies in its ease of execution. Simply crank up the heat, liberally sprinkle salt over the pan’s surface, and then utilize a paper towel to gently yet thoroughly scrub away any residual grime.
Clean Your Keyboard with a Toothbrush
When it comes to keyboard maintenance, it’s easy to overlook the importance of regular cleaning. In fact, neglecting to clean your keyboard regularly can lead to a buildup of dust, dirt, and other debris that can hinder performance and even pose health risks. For effective cleaning, start by dampening a toothbrush with vinegar. Wipe away any visible debris on the surface of the keys using gentle strokes.
To get into the crevices between the keys, use a small paintbrush from a fine detail brush set. These brushes are designed for precision work and can be used for various DIY projects, making them a great value. Simply dip the brush in vinegar, blot it dry with a towel to prevent excess moisture, and gently sweep away any remaining dirt or grime.
Remove Nail Polish from Your Carpet with Hairspray
The frustration of dealing with accidental nail polish stains is all too real. However, there’s a straightforward solution to help you tackle the mess. When faced with a nail polish catastrophe, start by dampening the affected area with a sufficient amount of water. Next, grab some hairspray and spray it evenly over the stain – around 10-15 sprays should do the trick. Finally, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area until the stain disappears.
Clean Your Coffee Grinder with Rice
While a freshly brewed cup of coffee is always a delight, its flavor can be significantly dulled when your equipment isn’t properly cleaned. A neglected coffee grinder, in particular, can harbor residual oils and grime from previous brews, greatly affecting the taste of your morning cup. To restore your grinder to its optimal state, try the simple yet effective method of grinding a small amount (about 1/2 cup) of uncooked rice for about a minute or until the rice has been processed sufficiently.
The abrasive nature of the rice helps to break down and remove any stubborn residue that might be lingering within the grinder’s mechanism.
Use Vinegar to Clean Your Shower Head
While many individuals neglect to thoroughly clean their showerheads, the truth is that they can harbor a surprising amount of grime. After all, your showerhead is in direct contact with the water that ultimately flows onto your body, making it crucial to keep it clean. To achieve this, you’ll need to revisit an old friend: vinegar. Simply fill a small plastic bag with the acidic liquid and submerge the showerhead within it.
Then, secure the bag in place using a rubber band or string, allowing it to remain submerged overnight for maximum effectiveness.
DIY Grout Cleaner
While dark spots in tile grout can be an eyesore, tackling them is often a daunting task. However, with a simple solution made from baking soda and bleach, you can banish those unsightly imperfections without breaking a sweat.
The DIY cleaner requires a bit of caution, though – the potent combination of ingredients can release strong fumes that may linger in your home. As such, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation by opening a window or donning a respirator mask while you work.