Here's a list of cleaning hacks tried and tested by professionals around the country for those of us looking to save time, money and of course, sanity.
1. Buff surfaces with olive oil
Olive oil has many nutritional benefits...it can also help you clean the house.
Put olive oil on a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots.
2. Detox the garbage disposal with lemons or limes
The garbage disposal does a lot of dirty work on a regular basis, so it’s important to keep it clean and clog-free. To clean and deodorize garbage disposals, use a fresh lemon or lime & cut into quarters, and while you have the water running put the lemon pieces one by one into the disposal.
3. Remove carpet stains with vodka
Rubbing alcohol, clear vodka and even white wine can be used for this cleaning hack.
First blot the stain. Second, pour any type of clear alcohol (rubbing alcohol, vodka, white wine) onto the stain.
4. Eliminate water stains with shaving cream
Who’d have thought that shaving cream could be used to clean? Shepard vouches for it as a great way to remove water stains from shower glass.
Apply the shaving cream and let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe off.
5. Baking soda and vinegar will basically clean the tub for you
Mix one cup vinegar, half a cup of baking soda with hot water and pour into [an empty] tub and allow to sit for five minutes. Fill the tub with hot water until it is approximately one-quarter filled, and let it sit for an additional five minutes. Then release drain and rinse thoroughly.
6. Use the same solution to clean toilets
You can use the same concoction to freshen up your toilet, Findley notes. Just let it soak for a bit, then flush and wipe the seat.
7. Essential oils for a sparkling toilet
Mix one cup of baking soda with 15 drops of tea tree essential oil and 15 drops of lemon or orange essential oil. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for 30 minutes and scrub with a bowl brush before flushing.
8. A DIY aromatherapy cleaning solution for shining sinks and tubs
Get your sink or tub to shine by mixing baking soda, drops of lemon and basil essential oils and dish soap. Sponge the mixture on the surface of your bathtub and bathroom sink for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
9. Nuke a damp sponge
Another way to clean your microwave is by putting a clean, dampened sponge or cloth on the tray and setting it on high for two minutes. Then use sponge or cloth to wipe down the microwave.
10. DIY Glass Cleaner
If you don’t feel like buying glass cleaner, making your own is easy. Mix white vinegar, distilled water, drops of an essential oil and shake.
11. Baking soda for a hands-off stovetop scrub
Just pour it on, sprinkle with water, let sit one hour and wipe.
12. Remove pet hair with rubber gloves
When your standard vacuum doesn’t seem to get all your pet’s hair, rubber gloves will get the job done. Just slide them on and rub down any areas that need extra cleaning. When rubber is pushed against fabric, it can generate elasticity to gather remaining pet hair. Rinse the gloves under running water when you’re done and the hair will unstick.
13. Eliminate foul odors from upholstery
Wipe out pet smells and other odors from upholstery by combining vinegar, water and your favorite essential oil such as lavender. Pre-test the solution on an inconspicuous location and allow to dry to test for colorfastness before using on the rest of the upholstery. If all is good, then spray the mixture on the rest of the upholstery, and once dry, vacuum the area.
14. Spruce up the mattress with baking soda & vinegar
We tend to wash our bedding regularly, but we can’t exactly throw our mattress in the washing machine. Clean your mattress often to avoid dust mites, dead skin cells, etc. For stain removal especially, try spraying the mattress with vinegar and sprinkle baking soda over the top. You can place a towel over the area and let it sit for one to two hours. Then take your vacuum and go over the mattress for a final clean.
15. Dust electronics with coffee filters
Coffee filters are useful items perfect for clearing dust from TV screens, computer monitors and any other screens around the home, without leaving behind any fibers like towels do.
16. Clean ceiling fans with a pillowcase
Instead of using a rag to clean your ceiling fan, which usually results in dust falling onto your furniture and floors, try using a pillowcase. Slip it in between the fan blades and swipe one at a time.
17. Dust window blinds with old socks
Blinds often have multiple sides and shapes, so they can sometimes be a hassle to clean. Take 50/50 vinegar and water mixture with an old clean sock, swipe the sock over each section and the embedded dust and dirt will come right off your blinds.
18. Use the dishwasher to clean hair brushes, flip flops and more
Take a look at this list of things you can safely wash in the dishwasher:
Rubber flip-flops, canvas sneakers and baseball caps
Makeup brushes
Non-electrical plastic and rubber kids’ toys
Contacts lens case
Mouth guards
Hair brushes and combs
Shower heads
Plastic and metal garden tools
Refrigerator shelves