Maintaining a spotless and fragrant home is achievable without sacrificing precious hours or breaking the bank. To simplify the process, we’ve curated 21 ingenious deep cleaning tips that repurpose common household items, enabling you to achieve a sparkling clean space with minimal effort.
Remove Stains from the Wall with a Damp Sponge and Baking Soda
The uninvited guests – kids, pets, and everyday wear and tear – can leave an unwanted mark on your walls, making your home look neglected and tired. But before you reach for the paintbrushes, consider a simpler solution. A damp sponge and baking soda can be just the right combination to remove stubborn stains from your walls. To try this hack, simply wet the sponge, wring it out, dip it in a small amount of baking soda, and gently wipe away the stain.
This easy fix can breathe new life into your space without the need for a full-scale repainting.
Place a Tennis Ball into the Dryer to Dry Clothes Faster
Tired of slow-drying clothes? There’s a clever trick that can give your dryer a boost! By placing a tennis ball inside the machine, you can significantly speed up the drying process. But have you ever wondered what makes this hack so effective? Let’s dive into the science behind it… As the tennis ball bounces around, it skillfully breaks up clumps of wet clothing and creates air pockets, allowing for increased airflow and a faster drying time.
It’s amazing how something as simple as a tennis ball can have such a profound impact on your laundry routine!
Clean Makeup Sponges with Makeup Remover
Revive your dirty makeup sponges with this simple trick! Instead of discarding them, try this easy method to get them sparkling clean again. Simply place the sponges in a small ziplock bag and add a modest amount of liquid makeup remover. Squeeze the bag well to ensure the solution penetrates evenly. Next, remove the sponges from the bag and rinse each one thoroughly under running water. With a little TLC, your makeup sponges will be good as new!
Place Cotton Balls with Essential Oil into Your Smelly Shoes
A common problem that many of us face is the unpleasant odor emanating from our sports shoes, school shoes, or walking shoes. However, there’s a simple yet effective hack to absorb and eliminate this bad smell. The solution involves using cotton balls and essential oils. By infusing a cotton ball with a few drops of your preferred essential oil, you can create a natural air freshener that absorbs the odor and leaves your shoes smelling pleasant.
Dry Your Shoes in the Dryer with Laces Hung Over the Door
The first time I tried to dry my shoes in a tumble dryer, I nearly caused chaos with footwear flying around like projectiles! To avoid a similar scenario, try this simple yet effective hack. Next time you’re about to dry your shoes, take a minute to hang their laces over the door before closing it. This clever trick keeps the shoes securely in place while protecting the dryer from any potential damage.
Prevent Fingerprints from Being Left on the Phone by Wiping it with: Hot Water, 1 tsp Dishwashing Liquids and 1 tsp of Dishwasher Rinse
Ditch the streaks and smudges on your selfies! A simple yet effective cleaning hack can breathe new life into your device’s screen. Mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon of dishwasher rinse in a small spray bottle filled with hot water, then shake well to combine. Dip a soft yellow dusting cloth into the solution and wipe down the screen with gentle strokes. Say goodbye to those pesky fingerprints and hello to a like-new shine!
Clean Wooden Spoons with Hot Water and Vinegar
When it comes to wooden spoons, we often overlook the fact that they can harbour dirt, grime, and germs. To keep your kitchen spotless and hygienic, I’m about to share a simple yet effective cleaning hack that will leave your wooden spoons sparkling in no time. Here’s how: Fill a small, deep plastic tub with hot water and add one tablespoon of vinegar. Submerge the wooden spoons in the solution for a few minutes, making sure to flip them around so that the handles also get cleaned.
After the soaking period is over, simply rinse the spoons under running water and lay them out on a clean cloth to air dry. This hack not only sanitizes your wooden spoons but also helps remove any stubborn stains or odours, leaving them feeling fresh and ready for their next culinary use.
Add Essential Oil to the Hoover Filter to Remove the Unpleasant Smell
When you’re done vacuuming, you may be left wondering why your home still doesn’t smell fresh despite all the effort. The culprit is often the Hoover filter itself, which can release unpleasant odors into the air as you clean. A simple yet ingenious solution to this problem is to incorporate a few drops of your preferred essential oils directly into the filter.
As you vacuum, the pleasant aroma will permeate your home, creating a lasting sense of serenity and freshness that lingers long after the cleaning process is complete.
Place Vinegar into the Dishwasher to Remove Water Stains
Harnessing the power of nature’s cleaning agent, vinegar is a versatile solution for tackling tough stains and grime on your dishes. Simply fill a small plastic jug to the halfway mark with this natural wonder and position it securely in the top tray of your dishwasher. Then, let the machine do its magic as you run a normal wash cycle. As the vinegar works its way through the cycle, it effectively breaks down stubborn hard water stains, leaving your dishes sparkling clean and free of residue.
Make an all Purpose Cleaner with Dishwashing Liquid and Baking Soda
I’m thrilled about any hack that slashes my expenses, and this clever combination is a winner! By blending dishwashing liquid and baking soda, you can create an all-purpose cleaner that’s both effective and economical. Simply combine equal parts in a small bowl and stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until well combined. Next, apply the mixture to a sponge and you’ll be ready to tackle even the toughest dust, dirt, and grime.
Remove Limescale from Vases with Vinegar and Salt
Get rid of that dull, grimy look on your glass vases with a simple yet effective hack to remove limescale buildup. The key lies in combining the acidity of vinegar with the abrasive properties of salt. Start by filling a small spray bottle about halfway with white vinegar. Spray the interior of the vase thoroughly to create an environment conducive to limescale removal. Next, take a sponge and generously sprinkle it with raw salt.
Use this makeshift scouring tool to gently scrub away at any stubborn mineral deposits. The acid in the vinegar will help break down the limescale, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive to lift it away from the glass. Once you’ve removed all the visible buildup, rinse your vase thoroughly and admire its sparkling new appearance.
Use Toothpaste to Clean Jewelry
When it comes to maintaining the sparkle of your jewelry, toothpaste is an unexpected yet effective solution. By applying a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rubbing your chains, bracelets, earrings, and rings, you can restore their original shine without breaking the bank on specialized cleaning products. This simple trick is perfect for those who want to keep their accessories looking like new without the hassle of complicated jewelry care routines.
Clean Your Blender by Blending Soap and Water
Give your blender a deep cleaning makeover without breaking a sweat! Simply fill the device halfway with water and add a mere teaspoon of liquid soap. Next, blend the mixture on high for a minute, allowing the combination to effectively break down any stubborn grime and residue. Once complete, pour out the concoction and rinse the blender thoroughly under cool running water. Voila! Your blender is now sparkling clean, free from dirt and debris, and ready to tackle your next culinary adventure.
Remove Hard Water Stains from the Cooktop with Vinegar
Revive your cooktop’s former glory with this simple yet effective vinegar-based cleaning hack. Take a trip down memory lane and remember the sparkling appearance of your newly installed cooktop – it was a thing of beauty! Now, with just a few minutes of effort, you can restore its pristine state. To get started, liberally spray the cooktop with vinegar, allowing it to dwell for a short while before gently wiping it clean with a soft yellow dust cloth. The result?
A complete removal of hard water stains, grime, grease, fat, fingerprints, and stubborn residue – leaving your cooktop looking like new again.
Use a Sock with Rice and Essential Oil to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh
Revolutionize your laundry routine with this simple yet effective deep cleaning hack! By filling an old sock with dried rice grains, adding a few drops of essential oils, and securing it between your clothes, you can bid adieu to musty damp odors and keep your garments smelling sweet and fresh. The natural absorption properties of the rice combine with the deodorizing power of the essential oils to leave your clothes smelling as fresh as a spring morning.
Clean the Washing Machine by Placing a Cloth Between the Rubber and the Drum
A crucial yet often neglected aspect of washing machine maintenance is the region surrounding the rubber seal and drum. This area, where water and warmth converge, provides an ideal environment for mold growth to flourish. To effectively remove dirt, soap residue, and any trapped debris, insert a soft cloth into the narrow space between the rubber seal and drum. Next, hand-turn the drum to dislodge any stubborn buildup.
Don’t overlook the importance of opening up the rubber seal and cleaning within its confines as well.
Easily Clean the Microwave with a Bowl of Water and Lemon Juice
For a long time, I had been grappling with the task of cleaning my microwave. But everything changed when I stumbled upon this simple yet effective deep cleaning hack. The method is surprisingly straightforward: combine water and a few drops of fresh lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl, then place it inside the appliance and set it to high for around 5 minutes until the water boils.
As the steam produced by the boiling water penetrates the interior of the microwave, it effortlessly breaks down any stubborn food residue or grime, making it effortless to wipe away. The added bonus is the refreshing citrus aroma left behind by the lemon juice, which eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and leaves your microwave smelling sweetly clean.
Disinfect the Cutting Board with Hydrogen Peroxide
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of cutting boards, a crucial aspect often gets overlooked: regular sanitizing. The reality is that these surfaces can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if not properly cared for. To tackle this issue, consider employing a solution as simple yet effective as food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Simply spray the board with the agent, allowing it to stand for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly under running water.
This approach leverages the powerful antimicrobial properties of hydrogen peroxide, which have been proven to effectively destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leaving your cutting boards squeaky clean and safe to use.
Clean Earbuds with a Q-Tip
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your earbuds, you might be surprised to learn that dirty earbuds can actually contribute to unwanted ear infections. In order to prevent these issues, it’s essential to keep your earbuds clean. One effective way to do so is by using Q-tips to remove dirt and debris from the tiny crevices inside. To do this, simply place a few drops of alcohol onto the Q-tip and use it to gently reach all the nooks and crannies within the earbuds.
Don’t forget to also clean the exterior of the earbuds as well as their storage case to ensure they remain free from dirt and bacteria.
Clean Your Sink with Baking Soda
Kitchen sinks are notorious for accumulating unwanted particles, from grease and grime to hair and food scraps. Fortunately, maintaining their cleanliness is relatively straightforward. One effective method involves combining two common household staples: baking soda and white vinegar. To begin, pour approximately half a cup of regular baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white vinegar. The ensuing chemical reaction will aid in loosening debris and minor clogs.
Next, use a sponge to thoroughly clean around the drain and filter, taking care to remove any stubborn residue. Finally, allow fresh water to flow freely through the sink for a few minutes to rinse away any remaining impurities.
Disinfect Your Keyboard wit Rubbing Alcohol
When it comes to deep cleaning, don’t forget about one of the most germ-infested areas in your home – your keyboard! In fact, studies have shown that keyboards can harbor more bacteria than even toilet seats. That’s a staggering thought, isn’t it? To tackle this issue, start by turning off your computer and then grab a soft sponge dampened with rubbing alcohol.
Wipe down the entire keyboard and surrounding surfaces to effectively kill germs and bacteria while also removing any built-up grime and oils.
Watch: Deep Cleaning Hacks in Action
