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!
