20 Cleaning Secrets to Make Your Home Shine

Want to make your home sparkle without breaking a sweat Well, I’ve gathered some nifty cleaning secrets that’ll do just that. These neat tricks will not only save you time but also make your place look amazing. They are simple, effective, and sure to make your home shine.

Tackle Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

To enhance the appearance of stainless steel appliances, use olive oil as a polish. First, clean the surface with a mild detergent and dry it thoroughly. Apply a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub it into the stainless steel in circular motions. Finish by buffing with a clean, dry cloth for a gleaming look.

Cleaning Window Tracks

Window tracks often accumulate stubborn dirt and grime. Start by vacuuming the tracks to remove loose dirt. Next, sprinkle baking soda along the tracks and add a few drops of white vinegar to create a bubbling reaction that loosens grime. After a few minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Refresh Your Garbage Disposal

To keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh and working efficiently, use a combination of ice cubes and salt. Turn on the disposal and feed it ice cubes and coarse salt to clean the blades and remove built-up residue. Afterward, grind lemon or orange peels to leave a pleasant citrus scent. This method also sharpens the disposal blades.

Deep-Clean Your Mattress

Your mattress can harbor dust mites and allergens. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly using an upholstery attachment. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, and let it sit for several hours to absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum again to remove the baking soda, and flip the mattress to ensure even wear.

Remove Carpet Stains with Vinegar

For a powerful carpet stain remover, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly on the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth or sponge until the stain lifts. This method is safe for most carpet types and is effective against a variety of stains.

Descale Shower Heads

If your shower head is clogged with mineral deposits, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it over the shower head with a rubber band. Leave it overnight to dissolve the buildup. In the morning, remove the bag and run hot water to rinse away the loosened deposits. This will restore strong water flow and prevent bacterial growth.

Dusting Delicate Items

To dust delicate items and hard-to-reach places, use a clean paintbrush or makeup brush. Gently sweep the brush over the items, which will remove dust without damaging sensitive surfaces. This method is particularly useful for knick-knacks, picture frames, and electronic devices.

Steam Clean the Microwave

For an easy microwave cleaning, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon. Microwave on high power for five minutes. The steam will loosen any baked-on food, and the lemon will help eliminate odors. Carefully remove the bowl, and wipe the interior clean with a damp cloth.

Polish Wood Furniture with Coconut Oil

To restore the shine to wood furniture, use coconut oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the wood in the direction of the grain. This not only cleans but also conditions the wood, helping to prevent drying and cracking. Finish by buffing with a clean, dry cloth for a natural shine.

Speed-Clean with a Cleaning Caddy

Organize all your essential cleaning tools and products in a portable cleaning caddy. This saves time by keeping everything you need at your fingertips. As you move from room to room, you’ll have everything ready, avoiding unnecessary trips back and forth to your supply cabinet.

Cleaning Ceiling Fans

To clean ceiling fans without spreading dust, use a pillowcase. Slip the case over each blade, and gently pull it back, trapping the dust inside. This method keeps the dust contained and off your floors and furniture. Afterward, use the vacuum’s brush attachment to remove dust from the fan’s motor and light fixture.

Freshen Up Your Fridge

Clean your refrigerator with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed in a quart of hot water. This non-abrasive cleaner will remove food residues and neutralize odors without the risk of contaminating food. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a clean towel. Place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb future odors.

Shine Porcelain Surfaces

To clean and shine porcelain fixtures, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the paste to the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to reveal a high shine. This method is safe for sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.

Deodorize Carpets and Rugs

Sprinkle baking soda generously over your carpets and rugs to absorb odors. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up the next day. This simple method not only freshens your carpets but also lifts dirt and lightens their appearance.

Clean Upholstered Furniture

Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly using the brush attachment to remove dust and allergens. For a deeper clean, mix a few drops of dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and gently dab the fabric. Avoid soaking the material to prevent water stains and mildew growth.

Sanitize Cutting Boards

To sanitize wooden or plastic cutting boards, sprinkle them with coarse salt. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the surface, squeezing slightly to release the juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with hot water. This method cleans and deodorizes the boards effectively.

Clean Grout Lines

Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to grout lines with an old toothbrush and scrub thoroughly. This will remove mold and mildew and restore the grout’s original color. Rinse well with water and enjoy clean, bright grout lines.

Wash Window Blinds

To easily clean window blinds, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water. Don a pair of cotton gloves or old socks on your hands, dip them into the solution, and run your fingers over each slat. This technique allows you to clean both sides of the slats at once and avoids the hassle of taking down the blinds.

Sanitize Remotes and Electronic Devices

Remotes, keyboards, and other frequently touched electronic devices can harbor germs. Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a mix of 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and water. Wipe down the devices to remove germs and grime without damaging the electronics. Be sure to wring out the cloth well to prevent excess moisture.

Use Charcoal to Absorb Fridge Odors

Activated charcoal is excellent for absorbing odors and keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh. Place a few pieces of activated charcoal on a plate or in an open container. Position this container on one of the shelves in your fridge. The porous nature of activated charcoal will trap odors, preventing your food from absorbing unwanted smells. Replace the charcoal every two to three months for optimal freshness.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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