If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that having a few solid cleaning hacks up your sleeve can save a ton of time and make keeping a clean home so much easier. Whether it’s tackling the endless fingerprints on our stainless steel fridge or getting rid of those stubborn shower stains, I have found a few tried-and-true methods that work wonders.
These little tricks not only make cleaning less of a chore, but some of them are actually kind of fun! Here are some of our all-time favorite household cleaning hacks that you have to try.
1. Vinegar + Baking Soda for Sparkling Sinks
Let’s start with a classic combo. Our kitchen sink gets a lot of action, and sometimes soap and food bits leave it looking dingy. The simplest fix? Baking soda and vinegar! I sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all around the sink, focusing on any grimy spots, then pour white vinegar over it. It fizzes like a middle school science project, and after a little scrubbing with a sponge, the sink looks brand new. Bonus: This trick works wonders on your bathroom drains, too!
2. Lemon for Microwave Messes
You know those days when the microwave looks like a crime scene after heating up leftovers? One of the best cleaning hacks for this is using a lemon. Squeeze half a lemon into a bowl of water, toss the squeezed lemon halves in, and microwave it for about 3 minutes. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe the inside of the microwave with a cloth. The steam loosens all the stuck-on food, and the lemon leaves it smelling fresh!
3. Dryer Sheets for Baseboards
This one might sound weird, but trust me, it’s magic. We all know how quickly baseboards can collect dust, and let’s be honest, nobody likes cleaning them. Instead of using a regular cloth or duster, grab a dryer sheet. Not only does it pick up dust easily, but it also leaves behind a layer that helps repel dust in the future. Henry was skeptical at first, but after seeing how well it works, he’s now the one reaching for the dryer sheets when it’s time for a quick baseboard wipe-down.
4. Essential Oils for Smelly Trash Cans
No matter how often we take out the trash, sometimes the kitchen bin still smells…not great. One of my favorite ways to keep things fresh is to use essential oils. After taking out the trash, I clean the inside of the bin with a disinfectant, then add a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to a cotton ball and place it in the bottom of the can before putting in a new liner. It helps keep things smelling fresh and clean without having to spray air fresheners constantly
5. Ironing Out Carpet Dents
Ever moved a piece of furniture and discovered those annoying dents left behind in your carpet? Henry showed me this hack, and I was blown away by how well it works. Just place a damp cloth or towel over the dent, then press an iron or our favorite carpet steamer over it for a few seconds. The heat and moisture will lift the carpet fibers back up, and the dents will disappear like magic. It’s a game-changer when you’re rearranging furniture!
6. Coffee Grounds for Fridge Odors
Okay, this one’s for all my fellow coffee lovers. If your fridge has that lingering “something’s gone bad” smell, coffee grounds are a great natural deodorizer. I take used coffee grounds, spread them out on a plate, and leave them in the fridge for 24 hours. The coffee absorbs all the odors, and the next day the fridge smells fresh and clean.
7. Magic Eraser for Glass Shower Doors
Using a Magic Eraser to clean a shower door is simple and effective. Start by dampening the Magic Eraser with water—just enough to activate its cleaning power, but not so much that it drips. Gently scrub the glass door in circular motions, focusing on areas with soap scum, hard water stains, or grime. The fine, abrasive texture of the eraser will break down the residue without scratching the glass. For tough spots, apply a bit more pressure, but don’t scrub too hard to avoid damaging the surface. After you are finished, rinse the door with water and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to leave it spotless and streak-free.
8. Rubbing Alcohol for Streak-Free Windows
I can’t stand streaky windows, especially after spending time cleaning them. I finally found the perfect solution: rubbing alcohol! Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and use it on your windows and mirrors. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, and there you go—streak-free, sparkling windows! It’s one of the simplest cleaning hacks, but it makes such a difference.
These are just a few of the cleaning hacks that have made our home life a little easier and a lot cleaner. Whether you’re tackling a deep clean or just trying to stay on top of daily messes, give these tips a try!
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