A 2018 study by the American Cleaning Institute found that the average American spends approximately 6 hours per week cleaning their home.1 Despite this time investment, about a third of Americans have concerns about whether they are cleaning frequently enough (34%) or correctly (31%).2
But what if there were clever hacks to make cleaning faster and more effective? Revolutionize your cleaning routine with these 20 tips your mom never told you about.
1. The Lemon Disposal Deodorizer
Say goodbye to funky sink smells. Cut a lemon in half, run it through your garbage disposal, and let the citrus oils work their magic . This natural deodorizer will leave your kitchen smelling fresh in seconds.
2. Microwave Magic with Vinegar
Forget scrubbing stubborn microwave stains. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar, then microwave for 5 minutes . The steam will loosen grime, allowing you to wipe it away effortlessly.
3. Dryer Sheet Dustbuster
Who knew your laundry routine could help with dusting? Use a dryer sheet to dust blinds. The anti-static properties will repel dust, keeping surfaces cleaner for longer.
4. Squeegee Your Way to Pet Hair Freedom
Struggling with pet hair on carpets? A squeegee can be your secret weapon . The rubber edge grabs hair that vacuums miss, leaving your carpets looking pristine.
5. Vodka: Not Just for Cocktails
Got a smelly mattress? Spritz it with vodka . The alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria and evaporates quickly, leaving no lingering scent. Your bed will smell fresh without harsh chemicals.
6. Coffee Filter Screen Cleaner
For streak-free screens on TVs and computers, reach for a coffee filter . Its lint-free composition makes it perfect for dusting delicate surfaces without scratching.
7. Pillowcase Ceiling Fan Hack
Cleaning ceiling fans no longer means a dust shower. Slip a pillowcase over each blade, then slide it off . The dust stays trapped inside, keeping your floors clean.
8. Vinegar: The Shower Head’s Best Friend
Combat mineral buildup in your shower head with vinegar . Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it over the shower head with a rubber band, and let it soak overnight. Rinse in the morning for a like-new flow.
9. Bread: The Glass Magnet
Broken glass is dangerous and hard to see. Use a slice of bread to pick up tiny shards . The soft texture grabs glass pieces that brooms might miss, ensuring a safer clean-up.
10. Newspaper for Sparkling Windows
For streak-free windows, ditch the paper towels and use newspaper instead . The fibrous texture and ink act as a mild abrasive, leaving glass surfaces crystal clear.
11. Baking Soda Carpet Refresher
Revive stale carpets with baking soda . Sprinkle it liberally, let it sit overnight, then vacuum. The powder absorbs odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh.
12. Rubber Glove Pet Hair Remover
Don a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over upholstery . The static electricity will attract pet hair, making it easy to gather and dispose of.
13. Dishwasher Tablet Toilet Cleaner
Drop a dishwasher tablet into your toilet bowl and let it dissolve . The powerful cleaning agents will tackle tough stains without any scrubbing required.
14. Ketchup Copper Cleaner
Believe it or not, ketchup can restore shine to copper . Apply, let sit for a few minutes, then buff clean. The acidity in tomatoes works wonders on tarnish.
15. Denture Tablet Vase Cleaner
For spotless flower vases, drop in a denture cleaning tablet . Fill with warm water and watch as it fizzes away mineral deposits and flower residue.
16. Cream of Tartar Stainless Steel Polish
Mix cream of tartar with water to form a paste . Apply to stainless steel appliances, then buff for a brilliant shine. This natural solution is gentle yet effective.
17. Dryer Sheet Baseboard Duster
Attach a dryer sheet to your Swiffer for baseboards . It’ll pick up dust and leave behind a fresh scent, while also repelling future dust buildup.
18. Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle
Add a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle . It naturally softens clothes and removes odors without harsh chemicals.
19. Lemon Oil Wood Nourisher
Restore luster to wood furniture with lemon oil. A few drops on a soft cloth will clean, polish, and protect in one easy step.
20. Shaving Cream Mirror Defogger
Apply a thin layer of shaving cream to your bathroom mirror, then wipe clean . This creates an invisible barrier that prevents fogging during hot showers.
Source:
1. cleaninginstitute.org
2. cleaninginstitute.org
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.