Do you want your home to sparkle? We know that cleaning your whole house can be a daunting task as there are so many nooks and crannies to clean; it’s pretty exhausting. However, some tricks will make tidying up your house not only bearable but also fun. So, we have compiled 40 of the best cleaning hacks that will make it easy for you to keep your home spic and span. Our hints cover everything from removing pet hair to deep cleaning the grout in between tiles. You won’t believe which everyday items you can use for cleaning. So check out these awesome ideas and start getting organized today. If anybody asks how you did it, just say, “I’m magical.” They won’t know any better.
1. DIY Dust Filter Fan
If you have a few spare furnace filters, don’t just leave them lying around. Attach one to the back of your fan using hook-and-loop fasteners. With this little trick in place, you’ll be amazed at how much better airflow is.
You don’t want your fan to work too hard, so make sure not to use a super-high performance filter for it as it could cause the motor to overheat and fail. You definitely don’t need this type of hassle, especially in the summertime.
2. Work With Dryer Sheets to Clean Your Floors
Here’s a tip for saving money: don’t throw away your used dryer sheets. There are other uses for these things. Just wrap one onto the flat head of your sweeper, and it will pick up dust and hair just like name-brand refills.
So why not use the dryer sheets to their full potential? The dust will stick right away; no more chasing dust bunnies through your house for cleanliness. These generic replacements will do wonders, especially if you have pets at home.
3. Trash Bin Deodorizer
Many household cleaning products contain borax or sodium borate, and it is a natural element. If your garbage can has an unpleasant smell, mix equal parts of borax and water to deodorize it. You’ll be amazed to see such a difference.
To make this hack work out in a better way, let it soak for a bit and then rinse. Spatter some borax on the bottom of your garbage can once dry to keep bugs at bay and consume any future stench-causing moisture.
4. Use Dishwasher
Using the dishwasher is more than just loading up and tumbling your dishes. The appliance can be used for a variety of purposes, from washing dishes to dusting off knickknacks like glass candle globes or mason jars. It’s super handy.
Basically, anything made out of either ceramic or glass would work well in the dishwasher. But you should avoid putting meltable plastics inside because those dishes will end up getting melted on one side when heating occurs during drying cycles.
5. Clean The Air When You Clean Your Home
Did you know that your vacuum’s agitator brush and exhaust stimulate dust? The more time spent cleaning, the dirtier it gets. To keep things tidy in an orderly fashion, try switching the thermostat to mode “fan on” when running a cycle for best results.
A blower inside your furnace cleans the air and keeps doing it when not heating or cooling. You should turn off the blower for 15 minutes after washing and then change the setting to “Auto Mode,” as many of them can’t run continuously.
6. Broom Cleaning Dustpan
Sweeping is definitely tiring. The fallen hair and collections of dust always end up in your broom’s bristles, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It can get so much easier just with this simple, ingenious hack that we employed right away.
Simply use an old wide-tooth comb and hot glue it at the top of any dustpan. You could also add more adhesive if necessary; while using a broom, just run the bristles through its teeth to get rid of any gunk stuck between them.
7. DIY Mason Flask Dish Scrubber
If you are all about time-saving and convenience when it comes to cleaning the dishes, this DIY mason mug scrubber is perfect for your needs. It also has a soap dispenser so there will be no more dipping fingers in dirty mugs.
First, punch some holes in the jar’s lid. Outline the top onto a sponge and cut it out. Now, hot glue the sponge to your cup’s inner rim. Load it with soap, a twist on your sponge, and your DIY scrubber is all set.
8. Wash Hard-to-Reach Points On Oddly Shaped Containers
If you have a tall flower vase or hummingbird feeder, you know it’s hard to clean the inside. A toothbrush is perfect for getting into those tight spaces and getting rid of germs that might otherwise make their way inside the container.
So when your old brush leaves town after servicing your teeth, give it a new duty as a cleaning tool for odd containers. Their bristles can scrape off any food particles that have fallen into nooks and crannies while you weren’t looking.
9. Get Rid of Bathroom Soap Scum
Soap has a way of forming a film on tiles in the shower and bathtub. It won’t go away by rubbing it, so preferably wait for the surface to dry before scouring off scum with a 4″ plastic putty knife or Magic Eraser.
To prevent soap scum buildup, stop using natural soap and start using synthetic. There are many different types of soaps, but some of them are natural. These leave a film in the sink, shower, or tub. Use synthetic instead if the streaks bother you.
10. Use Steam to Clean Up Everyday Spills
Some oven cleaners use chemicals that can be corrosive. A natural way to clean your oven is by using a bowl with water and putting it in at 450 degrees for 20-60 minutes. The steam will loosen dirt and grease from the oven.
When an oven is cooled, you can wipe the sweat off. If there are stubborn spots, use baking soda mixed with lemon or vinegar to scrub them. This way is quicker than pyrolytic cleaning and doesn’t produce smoke. It’s a win-win.
11. Get Floor Swiffer for Walls
Attach the cloth to the rectangle end of the Swiffer, and use it to wipe along the walls. Then, press the edge of the rectangle against the window and door trim to pick up dust that gathers and gets forgotten there.
The Swiffer is a game-changer for dusting those high surfaces. No more standing on step stools or ladders, the handle on this tool makes reaching hard-to-reach places simple and safe. When you are done cleaning, throw the cloth in the washer if it has life left.
12. Make Your Mirrors Streak-Free With This Hack
Imagine having a mirror that doesn’t have those annoying lines and scratches on it. You could get rid of all those streaks on your mirror with just some items lying around the house, like window cleaner and newspaper. We’re serious!
Cleaning your windows can be fast and smooth with a window cleaning product. Spray and rub in a circular motion with newspaper. Then use vertical and horizontal strokes until the product is gone and you are left with clean, streak-free glass.
13. Use Paint Stick to Clean Lint Buildup
There is a chance that even if you empty your dryer’s lint trap before each load, there will still be buildup around the area, which could possibly cause fires. So, it’s necessary to clean the area often; this hack can get things done.
To clean out the lint trap, wrap a clean rag around one end of a paint stir stick. Spot clean the area with the rag-covered stick. You can make it work a lot better by dampening the rag with water first.
14. Find Your Lost Items With Vacuum
Do you find yourself constantly searching for lost items? It’s a hassle, we know. Luckily, there is an easy way to track them down and make your life easier with just one quick vacuum sweep of your carpet and fluffy rug.
Here’s the best trick to get a clean house. Before you turn on your vacuum, cut off one end of old nylon and fix it with some rubber bands on the end of the hose so any items can be sucked up from the carpet but not end up ruining the machine.
15. Make Use of Coffee Filters for Dusting
If you find yourself needing a quick way to clean your computer screen, reach into the kitchen cupboard and grab that coffee filter. Thin cloth-like paper is perfect for picking up dust particles on screens; one filter will do the job.
You can also use them for cleaning off knickknacks and other household accessories while you’re at it. Just add a spritz of cleaning solution, then place the filter over whatever surface needs polishing. It will catch even more grimy particles.
16. To Remove Hard-Water Buildup, Use Lemon
One way to get rid of hard-water buildup on your tap is with this trick. Cut a lemon in half, then press it onto the end of the fixture. Next, wrap a small plastic bag around it and tie it tightly with rubber bands.
Leave the lemon on your faucet for a few hours. Then use a scrubbing pad to remove all of the dirt that has been loosened from the citric acid. Swab it with a damp cloth, and then your faucet will shine inside and out.
17. Make Your Own Drill Brush
To thread the machine screw through the brush head so that it fits nicely, start by sliding on a washer and securing with a nut. Be careful not to bind too much because this will break. Attach the scrubber head to the drill.
To clean, mix hot water and dish soap. Put the power scrubber in the mixture just enough to soak it, and don’t submerge the drill. Now just press the button to start it and let the brush do its work.
18. Put On Garden Gloves to Clean Knickknacks
Try sliding on a pair of soft, cotton gardening gloves to dust your small trinkets and collectibles with tiny pieces that are typically hard to clean. The material will not scratch or scuff the item like regular dishrags can do.
After that, you can use your fingers to wipe the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your curiosities. To get rid of germs in this process, spritz some antibacterial cleaning solution on your cotton gloves before touching any of your baubles and bits.
19. The Best Microwave Cleaner
Microwave ovens are great for cooking but cleaning them can be a lot of trouble, especially if you spill some food and don’t clean up right away. But with this nifty hack, you won’t have to stress about its deep cleaning anymore.
Fill up a measuring cup with water, and put in a slice of lemon. Boil the liquid for a minute. Close the door to let it steam and release its mess from inside. After 10 minutes, open up the door and clean away the grime.
20. Get Rid of Permanent Marker Stain
We promise this method will work on that permanent marker stain. Just rub some cooking oil over a paper towel and then place the towel against the stubborn mark. Please wait for a few moments while the oil works its magic.
Finally, remove the sheet and rub it away in circular motions with another paper towel dipped into oil. When you finally have succeeded at removing all traces of the stain, wipe away any residue with water and soap. That’s it!
21. Use Some Citrus Peels And Ice Cubes For Stinky Disposer
If your disposer is giving off an unpleasant odor, it may be due to food remnants. Here’s how you can clean it. Run the water at about half throttle and drop in some citrus peels. Run the disposal for five more seconds.
Citric acid will soften the waste and remove any smelly bacteria. Turn the water on and put in some ice cubes. The ice will help to clear out any blockages. Get out the stopper and turn on the disposer to flush it all away.
22. Make Shoe Covers With Grocery Bags
If you work outside and have dirty work shoes, put your shoes into a plastic grocery bag. Tie handle loops around each of your ankles so that it holds onto them. This keeps you from dragging mud in when you come inside.
It’s a great idea to stash some plastic grocery bags in your pocket or toolbox before going outside for yard work. This way, you have quick shoe covers at hand so that none of them will get ruined from dirt and debris.
23. Keep Your Appliances Smudge-Free
Stainless steel appliances are very durable and can withstand the elements. However, they will get dirty if you do not care for them properly. If that sounds like a task too intimidating or time-consuming, then consider using car wax instead.
Just apply a light coat of the car wax to the device, let it dry, and buff away any fingerprints or smudges with a microfiber cloth that may have accumulated over time on these metal surfaces. Now, no more kids’ fingerprints on the appliances.
24. Use Your Old Electric Toothbrush to Remove Stains
One of the tools you can use for cleaning is an electric toothbrush. To clean up spills in the kitchen, just put a little baking soda under the spinning toothbrush head to quickly clean metal sinks and plastic dish drying shelves.
You can use a toothbrush with baking soda and water to scour the grout in both the bathroom and kitchen, but of course, you will need another for your teeth. Old brushes work well as an all-purpose cleaner around the house.
25. Use Soft Socks to Clean Your Blinds
Wondering how to clean your blinds? There’s no need for a unique tool. Just slip on an old, clean sock and start wiping all over the slats. Your hand will be able to wipe over every nook or cranny where dirt loves hiding.
When you’re done with a pair of socks, don’t just chuck them out. Repurpose the old socks by spraying all-purpose cleaner on them. This will make them clean and disinfectant. You can always give them new life as a cleaning rag until they fall apart.
26. Get Lampshade Lint Roller
We know that fabric lampshades are magnets for pet hair and dust. You need to get your fabric lampshade clean, but you can’t just throw it in the washing machine, so what do you do? Make this chore easier with this handy tool.
A lint roller is a way to go when cleaning your lampshades. It will get rid of any fibers that are stuck in there. Make sure not to damage any delicate fabric by accident because it’ll be worse than a dusty lampshade.
27. Use Baking Soda to Clean Upholstery
The magic of making odor disappear is finally here. If there’s an unusual smell hiding in your couch or upholstered chair, sprinkle some regular baking soda onto it and let it rest for 20 minutes. Voila, this will absorb excess odors.
The strong chemicals of the baking soda will help release your fabric’s smells and break up light stains. After 20 minutes, use a handheld vacuum or hose attachment for large vacuums to remove all traces of this handy household item.
28. Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle Hack
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas can be a challenge, but with some creativity and ingenuity, you’ll find that it’s possible. If you have a plastic top bottle, try placing it on your vacuum nozzle. If it fits, great. If not, use tape.
Finally, the once daunting task of cleaning your space will become a breeze with this powerful machine. With this hack, you can quickly get free of the dust and grime from even the smallest areas, such as the headphone port or keyboard.
29. Zip-Tie to The Salvage
When your bathroom sink gets jammed, don’t reach for chemicals. Instead, try using a long zip tie and cut several notches on its end so that it hooks into any hair-clogging blockages to get them out quickly with no fuss.
The eye of the zip tie is a vital part because it prevents you from pushing past and damaging your stopper. Every homeowner should always keep some zip tie’s around. These handy little straps can help you out in many situations.
30. Disinfect The Toilet Brush
Toilet brushes are one of the grossest things to have in your home, and we never want them near our delicate noses. That is why everyone needs to keep them clean so that bacteria can’t grow there. So, what to do?
Pine-Sol is a great way to keep your bathroom smelling good. It also kills any germs that might be on the cleaning tools. So, always put some in the bottom of your brush container to make sure it stays clean.
31. Remove Crayon Spots From Walls
If you have kids, then your house walls are probably covered in crayon marks. Don’t worry about it. If you are struggling to remove the painting marks from the wall, here’s a hack for you. Just grab a rag, baking soda, and water.
Dip the rag in the mixture of baking soda and water. This will help to remove even the most stubborn crayon smudges without harming surfaces. Besides, it will give your young Picasso fresh canvas on which they can create future masterpieces.
32. Excellent Way To Clean Your Computer Ports
If you’ve ever had metal filings build up on your computer’s charging port, then this cleaning hack is for you. It doesn’t matter how many times you strive to get them out with compressed air; nothing works because the magnets won’t let go.
Luckily, we have a clever solution to the port clogging problem. Simply stick a little bit of poster putty (aka sticky tack) into the port. The putty will not obstruct anything and easily removes everything that interferes with the device’s connection.
33. Make Your Glasses Scratch-Free
You know that emotion when your glasses are scratched, and you can’t see clearly. And if the lenses of your glasses don’t have anti-glare or scratch coating, here is how you can get those scratches out easily and get your vision cleared up again.
Wiping the lenses with Brasso will get rid of scratches. It can be used on any glasses, even ones that have been polished before. Make sure you use 100% cotton cloths because anything else will leave marks on their surfaces.
34. Erase Marks on a Keyboard
Did you know how dirt and oils from your fingertips can get on your computer keyboard? You might be wondering how to eliminate those pesky marks. Well, don’t worry; there is an easy hack. You could use a regular eraser.
To remove any unwanted marks from your keyboard, all you need is some elbow grease and this regular pink eraser. Rubbing down on each key with its corner will scrub away those ink stains that have been ruining productivity.
35. Super-Fast Floor Squeegee
Have you ever had the issue of water gathering on your garage or basement floor? If so, then this is the perfect tool for getting rid of it. All that’s required are some foam pipe insulation (or pool noodle) and an old garden rake with tines.
Slip the foam noodle on the teeth of the rake, and you will have no trouble pushing the water away from where it tends to pool. You can maneuver it towards the drain if there is one or out into the yard.
36. Clean Under Your Fridge
The space under your fridge can get dirty because of all the food crumbs and pet hair. If it’s not cleaned for a long time, then pests might come. To get rid of these, you can use a hair trap cleaner that’s affordable.
The hair trap will not leave marks on the floor and reach further than a vacuum cleaner attachment. This device also helps you when your bathroom sink necessarily clogs with hair. So it’s ideal for quick cleanups and drain blockages.
37. Use Denatured Alcohol To Remove Paint From Carpet
When you spill paint on your carpet, don’t panic. Use this cleaning hack to get rid of it. Spurt some denatured alcohol onto a rag; make sure you don’t put too much. Then scrub away the stain until all signs are gone.
Denatured alcohol is a strong chemical used in many carpets and upholstery cleaning products. Try to use a rag of the same color as a carpet for this task, as it might transfer some of its own shade onto whatever surface you use.
38. Make Your Shoes Look New Again With This Hack
All you need is an old toothbrush and some non-gel white toothpaste to get your worn-out sneakers looking new again. Colored toothpaste may stain rather than clean the soles, so try using plain white paste instead for the best results.
Toothpaste is a fool-proof way to clean your dirty shoes. After applying toothpaste on an old toothbrush, run the paste into all dirt spots until it’s gone. Leave this for about ten minutes before removing it with a damp towel and repeating if needed.
39. Wash a Cast Iron Skillet With Coarse Salt
To keep your cast-iron skillet from rust and to make it last longer, do not use soap. Instead, you can scrub off anything stuck with coarse salt after each meal. This will break down bits of food left behind on the skillet.
Then you can throw the used salt in your waste, rinse off any residue with hot water and wipe it off using a clean towel. To ensure that this pan stays protected from rusting, rub some vegetable oil on the entire surface.
