Cleaning Hacks For a Fresh Home

1. Go green with your cleaning routine

One of the best and easiest cleaning tips is switching to natural products. Eco-friendly products like lemons, baking soda, and vinegar can be just as effective as the chemical-based cleaners you’re used to. Here are some natural hacks for cleaning even the toughest places.

• Stainless steel appliances: Mix the juice of two lemons with four or five tablespoons of hot water. Moisten a microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe down your appliances. Grab a paper towel to dry the surfaces, using a circular motion.
• Toilets, shower & tub: For stubborn stains, mix baking soda with a little water to create a natural scrub. To avoid scratching the surface, use a sponge.
• Windows and mirrors: For runny spots on glass, fill an empty spray bottle with a homemade cleaner of equal parts vinegar and filtered water.

2. Foot mop with your own two feet

Some home cleaning hacks can seem silly, but that doesn’t mean they’re not effective! Grab an old pair of thick, absorbent socks. Mix up a formula of equal parts water and white vinegar and spritz the bottoms of the socks. Put them on and slide one foot across the baseboards. Squirt them again and skate around the floor to pick up dust, starting with the farthest corner and working toward the door. When you’re done, toss the socks in the washing machine.

Bonus tip: For any new parents out there with a crawling baby, you can put them to work! Believe it or not, you can dress your baby in a mop suit to help collect dust as they crawl and explore their world. Go ahead and look it up—the internet can’t get enough ;)

3. Refresh your bedroom with baking soda

Did you know you can freshen comforters, pillowcases and sheets with baking soda, white vinegar, and laundry detergent? Run your washing machine on either the hot max or delicate setting. To absorb lingering odors, sprinkle baking soda on top of mattresses and pillows, let it sit for a couple hours, then vacuum it away. This simple yet effective cleaning hack will keep your sleeping space smelling fresh and add an extra layer of comfort and tranquility.

4. Cleaning blinds can be a cinch

It’s always nice to let some light in and brighten up your living space, but dusty blinds can quickly dim that joy. Luckily, cleaning blinds doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Here are a few cleaning tips to make the process a breeze:

• A dry microfiber cloth will pick up the most dust. Adding water just makes for a gloppy mess.
• Forget tediously wiping each individual blind. Try a cleaning tool that dusts several blinds at once.
• After dusting, get rid of stubborn, stuck-on dirt and stains. Mix equal parts cleaning vinegar and water. Moisten a sock with the solution, put your hand inside, and run it over the blind.
• Finally, leave the blinds open to dry, and bask in the clean, bright light that now fills your room.

With these tips, maintaining your blinds can become a fairly quick and painless task, leaving your home looking fresh and inviting.

5. DIY your clogged drain

The next time you have a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink, try this cleaning hack for your home: link together a few long, wide zip ties. Then, use a wire cutter to snip protruding barbs into them. Feed the ties down the drain, clear the clog, and you’re done. And of course, if you don’t have those items on hand, you can buy a cheap $2-$3 plastic drain snake/weasel from your local hardware store to get the job done. This simple and cost-effective solution can save you from expensive plumber visits and keep your sinks flowing smoothly. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of fixing it yourself!

6. Drench the sink stench, naturally

That funky smell in your disposal and garbage is from bacteria and other organic matter decomposing. And no amount of scented candles or sprays can cover it up. Instead, try this simple hack for cleaning, using all-natural ingredients:

• Pour some baking soda down into your kitchen sink disposal and let it sit for a couple hours.
• Then add white vinegar and ice cubes. Run the faucet and grind. Add orange and lemon peels for a pleasant citrus scent.
• Take the trash can outside and hose it down or wash it in a tub of soapy water or mild detergent to remove small pieces of food from the sides.

Your nose will thank you!

7. Fight carpet stains with white wine

Carpet stains—like red wine—can become permanent if you don’t take care of them the right way. This cleaning hack for your home might seem unconventional, but it works!

Fight tough carpet stains using white wine, vodka, or rubbing alcohol. Just gently blot the stain and then douse it with a bit of clear alcohol.

8. Coat your screens with a clear coat of nail polish

Nail polish can add polish to your home’s windows by preventing tears in the screens from getting worse. Clear nail polish acts as an adhesive to seal the damaged area, plugging up holes and preventing them from getting any bigger.

Bonus tip: You can also use nail polish to prevent cracks in a window from spreading

9. Iron out your table & floor dents

Noticing dents in wood floors or tables? Here’s an easy way to fix ‘em. Put a standard clothes iron on high steam. Place a damp towel or terry cloth over the dented area. Leave the heated iron on the cloth for about 5-10 seconds, then remove it. Voila! The dent is gone.

10. Eek out your door squeak

A squeaky door or cabinet can be a serious nuisance. But silencing it can be as easy as pointing and spraying. WD-40 will do the job, but cooking spray is a lot safer and cheaper. Spray a little on the hinges, and you’re good to go! It’s a quick fix that keeps your home running smoothly and quietly.