Let’s face it: As much as we all love and appreciate a clean and organized home, cleaning at times can feel like a bit of a daunting task. In today’s busy world, everybody has got a lot of other stuff to do, like professional work, cooking, taking care of kids, and whatnot and being able to clean your home rapidly and effectively without much hassle can seem like a great advantage, particularly if you love cleaning.
Now, you might wonder, how?
With the right hacks in your hands, cleaning is a breeze. In this article, you’ll find 11 handy tips to address common issues with everyday household items, be it stains, unpleasant odors, or dirt. So, let’s get started and save your time, energy, and money by using these effective cleaning tips.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Whitening Your Tiles and Grout
As time passes, it’s normal to notice grout discoloration between your tiles because of mold, dirt, etc. Use this natural solution rather than opting for bleach which is harsh and full of chemicals.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take any plastic bowl and start making a paste using 1:2 ratio by mixing together hydrogen peroxide with baking soda.
- Take an old toothbrush and apply this paste straight to the grout.
- Allow the paste to sit for about 10 minutes to remove those stains.
- Now, just scrub it out and clean using warm water.
Handy Advice: If your tiles have tough stains, try letting the paste sit for a bit longer, like about 30 to 40 minutes or more, before you scrub it out.
Use Isopropyl Alcohol for Cleaning Oily Surfaces
Removing grease and oil buildup from your stoves, kitchen surfaces, and fans can be quite challenging. But isopropyl alcohol is here to help as it is an amazing degreaser.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take isopropyl alcohol (70% or more potent) and spray it straight onto those greasy surfaces.
- Leave it for like 30 seconds to 1 minute to eliminate the grease.
- Pick up a microfiber cloth and wipe it out for that streak-free, nice finish.
Caution: Make sure you have proper ventilation during the alcohol application.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar for Eliminating Mold
Mold in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of your home is not only unappealing but also harmful to your health. You can easily remove mold with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar effectively.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start by spraying a white vinegar on the spots with mold and allow to sit for about 10 minutes.
- With a stiff brush, scrub it out to eliminate surface mold.
- Next, spray a good amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to get rid of additional spores.
- Don’t wash out, but allow to air dry to avoid regrowth.
Caution: Don’t ever combine hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same bottle. When incorporated together, they can create a corrosive acid.
Use Baking Soda and Vacuum for Freshening Up Carpets
Carpets have a tendency to hold onto odors from food, pets, and regular use. The good news is you can get rid of all this with the help of baking soda, as it is a natural deodorizer that soaks up unpleasant smells.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sprinkle a moderate amount of baking soda all over your carpet.
- Allow to sit for about 30 minutes, or better, leave it overnight to tackle strong smells.
- Now, vacuum to eliminate the powder and persistent smells.
Handy Advice: Incorporate a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil into baking soda to get that fresh, nice smell.
Use Cornstarch and Alcohol for Getting Shinier Glass and Mirrors
Have you ever observed that store-bought glass cleaners leave streaks often? But not with this DIY solution, as it gives you a super shiny glass and mirrors.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start by mixing 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol together.
- Give it a good shake.
- Now spray onto your glass.
- Clean using a microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear finish.
Handy Advice: Clean using a newspaper rather than paper towels for a more shinier look.
Use Detergent and Hydrogen Peroxide for Deep Cleaning of Bathrooms
Bathrooms are prone to accumulating hard water strains, bacteria, and soap scum. But don’t worry, with this powerful solution, you can tackle this issue easily.
Here’s how to do it:
- Combine the same quantities of liquid dish soap and hydrogen peroxide together.
- Apply this solution to tubs, sinks and everywhere in toilets.
- Allow to sit for around 10 minutes.
- Scrub it out and wash.
Ideal Application: Shower doors, faucets, and toilet sink and tubs.
Use Caustic Soda for Removing Drains (Practice Caution)
Caustic soda can really do wonders for those stubborn and tough clogs, but make sure to use it cautiously.
Here’s how to do it:
- First and foremost, put your gloves on to remain protected.
- Mix together 3 tablespoons caustic soda with 1 cup cold water (make sure it’s not hot, otherwise the result would be violent),
- Slowly pour this solution down the drain.
- Wait for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Now, flush using hot boiling water to remove any residue.
Caution: Avoid using this solution on PVC pipes as it can harm them.
Use Essential Oils and Vinegar for Stopping Pet Odors
You can easily remove the pet odors from your home in a natural way with this amazing DIY solution.
Here’s how to do it:
- Mix together 1 cup water, 10 drops essential oil (any, but tea tree and eucalyptus oil work best), and 1 cup vinegar.
- Spray the solution on the areas that require it and allow to dry.
Handy Advice: For carpets, wipe the urine first before applying this solution.
Use Coconut Oil for Conditioning Leather
Your leather accessories and furniture demand everyday conditioning to stay crack-free; with this method, you can easily do the conditioning.
Here’s how to do it:
- Add a small amount, like a few drops of coconut oil, to a soft fabric.
- Gently rub this in circular movements.
- Quickly buff it using a dry cloth to remove any additional oil.
Handy Advice: First, try it out on a tiny area to make sure there’s no fading of color.
Use 70% Alcohol for Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces
Do you know that light switches, phones, doorknobs, and remotes can be quite germy? Worry not, this solution will help you get rid of this problem.
Here’s how to do it:
- Using 70% alcohol, spray the surfaces.
- Then, wipe out using a microfiber fabric.
Ideal Application: Keyboards, kitchen boxes, fridge handles, and phones.
Use Vinegar and Steam for Cleaning the Microwave
Food splashes solidify inside our microwaves if not cleaned timely, which makes them almost impossible to clean. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this solution.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take a bowl and fill it with 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 cup water.
- Put the bowl inside the microwave for 5 minutes to loosen debris.
- Next, wipe the microwave from the inside using a damp fabric.
Handy Advice: For extra freshness and a pleasant smell, add lemon slices to the solution.
Final Thoughts
Remember, cleaning doesn’t have to be daunting; rather, it’s a straightforward and effective process. With these incredible cleaning tips, you’re sorted to tackle any home cleaning issue. Good luck!
So, which cleaning tip do you like the most? Drop your valuable comments below and let us know!