Want to get your house sparkling clean without a fuss? Check out these 23 super handy hints for cleaning every nook and cranny of your place. From using microfiber cloths to capture dust to freshening up your garbage disposal with ice cubes, we’ve covered a variety of tools and techniques. Each tip is easy to follow and uses things you probably already have at home. So, grab your cleaning kit, and let’s dive into these practical tips to make your space shine from top to bottom!
Contents
- 1 Microfiber Cloths
- 2 Baking Soda for Odors and Stains
- 3 Toothbrush for Small Crevices
- 4 Homemade Lemon Cleaner
- 5 Extendable Duster
- 6 Cornstarch for Window Cleaning
- 7 Steam Cleaner for Grout and Tile
- 8 Dryer Sheets to Clean Your Floors
- 9 Garbage Can Deodorizer
- 10 Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer
- 11 White Vinegar for Glass and Mirrors
- 12 Rubber Gloves to Remove Pet Hair
- 13 Olive Oil as a Furniture Polish
- 14 Cotton Swabs for Detail Cleaning
- 15 Rubbing Alcohol for Stainless Steel
- 16 Chalk to Remove Grease Stains
- 17 Ice Cubes to Refresh Garbage Disposals
- 18 Floor Swiffer for Walls
- 19 Water and a Slice of Lemon for Microwave Cleaning
- 20 Old Toothbrush and a Little Toothpaste for Old Shoes
- 21 Soft Socks to Clean Blinds
- 22 Baking Soda to Remove Crayon Marks From Walls
- 23 Eraser for Keyboard Marks
- 24 More From RetailShout
- 25 The Most Famous Food Brands From Every State
- 26 The 13 Best Steakhouse Chains in the U.S.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are excellent for capturing dust and allergens. They work well because the fibers grab onto particles, unlike regular cloths that just push dirt around. For the best results, fold the cloth into a square to get multiple clean surfaces. Use them dry for dusting and damp for more intensive cleaning.
Baking Soda for Odors and Stains
Baking soda is a versatile cleaner perfect for eliminating odors and lifting stains. Sprinkle it on carpets to absorb smells and vacuum it up after 15 minutes. Make a paste with water for tough stains on hard surfaces, apply, let sit, and then scrub off. It’s especially effective in the kitchen and bathroom.
Toothbrush for Small Crevices
An old toothbrush can be repurposed to clean difficult-to-reach areas. It’s perfect for grout, faucets, and any tight spaces where larger cleaning tools won’t fit. Dip the bristles in a mixture of baking soda and water, scrub gently, and witness the grime disappear. Rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning.
Homemade Lemon Cleaner
Create a natural, effective cleaner with lemon and vinegar. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and vinegar in a bottle, then add water. This concoction is perfect for disinfecting and deodorizing surfaces. Use it to wipe countertops, appliances, and even floors, leaving a fresh scent.
Extendable Duster
Reach high corners and light fixtures with an extendable duster. These dusters can be extended to different lengths and are ideal for removing cobwebs and dust from ceilings and other elevated surfaces. Shake out the duster outside after use to avoid dispersing dust back into the air.
Cornstarch for Window Cleaning
Cornstarch is surprisingly effective for cleaning windows. Mix it into your regular cleaning solution to enhance its ability to lift grime and reduce streaking. Apply with a sponge, then use a squeegee for a flawless finish. It leaves windows crystal clear without the use of harsh chemicals.
Steam Cleaner for Grout and Tile
Steam cleaners are great for deep cleaning grout and tile. The high-pressure steam penetrates tiny pores, blasting out dirt and mildew without the need for scrubbing. Move the machine slowly across the area for thorough cleaning. Always dry the surface afterward to prevent new mildew growth.
Dryer Sheets to Clean Your Floors
Used dryer sheets can effectively pick up dust and pet hair from your floors. Attach a sheet to a mop and sweep over your floors — the antistatic properties will attract dust particles. This method is quick, easy, and avoids the use of wet cleaners or strong chemicals.
Garbage Can Deodorizer
Keep your garbage can fresh with a simple DIY deodorizer. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can to neutralize bad odors. For a scented option, drop in a cotton ball soaked in essential oils. Replace these elements once a week to maintain a fresh smell.
Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer
Freshen your garbage disposal by grinding citrus peels and ice cubes. The ice sharpens the blades while the citrus cleans and deodorizes the unit. Use lemons or oranges for the best results. Run cold water during and after use to flush out any debris.
White Vinegar for Glass and Mirrors
White vinegar provides a streak-free shine to glass and mirrors. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz on the surface and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. This solution will leave your glass surfaces sparkling without the streaks typical of commercial cleaners.
Rubber Gloves to Remove Pet Hair
Rubber gloves aren’t just for dishwashing — they can remove pet hair from furniture and textiles. Put on a pair, slightly dampen them, and run your hands over surfaces where pet hair collects. The hair will clump and can easily be picked up or vacuumed.
Olive Oil as a Furniture Polish
Olive oil serves as a natural furniture polish. Mix it with a little vinegar and use a soft cloth to apply it to wooden furniture. It not only cleans but also conditions the wood, bringing out its natural shine. Buff lightly after application for the best results.
Cotton Swabs for Detail Cleaning
Cotton swabs are perfect for detail cleaning around knobs, buttons, and other small spaces that collect dust. Dip one end in your cleaning solution and gently go over the area. Swap to the dry end to absorb any excess moisture. This will keep your electronics and detailed fixtures clean.
Rubbing Alcohol for Stainless Steel
Rubbing alcohol can bring out the shine in stainless steel appliances. Apply it with a soft cloth and buff in the direction of the grain. This method removes fingerprints and smudges without streaking. Regular cleaning will keep your appliances looking new.
Chalk to Remove Grease Stains
Chalk can be used to absorb grease stains before they set in. Rub white chalk on a fresh grease spot and let it sit for a few minutes. The chalk absorbs the grease, making it easier to wash out. Launder as usual after treatment.
Ice Cubes to Refresh Garbage Disposals
Drop a few ice cubes into your garbage disposal to clean and sharpen the blades. The ice helps to dislodge any residue clinging to the blades and freshens up your disposal. Run cold water while the disposal is on to help move the ice through the system.
Floor Swiffer for Walls
A floor Swiffer can be an effective tool for cleaning walls. Attach a dry cloth and gently sweep across the walls. This method is particularly good for removing dust and cobwebs without damaging paint. It’s an easy way to keep your vertical surfaces clean.
Water and a Slice of Lemon for Microwave Cleaning
For a fresh and clean microwave, heat a bowl of water with a slice of lemon. Microwave on high until the water boils and the window steams up. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior with a cloth. The steam loosens grime, and the lemon leaves a pleasant scent.
Old Toothbrush and a Little Toothpaste for Old Shoes
Refresh old shoes with an old toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste. Scrub the soiled areas gently, especially around the soles. The mild abrasive in toothpaste helps remove scuffs and stains. Rinse with a damp cloth and let the shoes air dry.
Soft Socks to Clean Blinds
Use soft socks to clean window blinds. Slip a sock onto your hand, dip it in a water, and run your fingers over each slat. This method allows for quick and efficient cleaning of both sides of the blinds, ensuring no dust is left behind.
Baking Soda to Remove Crayon Marks From Walls
Baking soda can effectively remove crayon marks from walls. Make a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply it to the marks, and gently scrub with a cloth. This will lift the crayon without damaging the paint, making your walls look pristine again.
Eraser for Keyboard Marks
A simple eraser can remove marks and dirt from your computer keyboard. Gently rub the eraser over the keys and surrounding areas. This removes finger oils and grime without the need for liquid cleaners, keeping your keyboard clean and functional.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout
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