Top 20 Best Ever Cleaning Hacks to Save Time and Effort
- Sonia Awamleh
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Cleaning your home doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With a few smart tricks, you can make your space shine without spending much time or money. These hacks use everyday items you probably already have around the house, so there’s no need for expensive cleaning supplies. Whether you’re tackling stubborn stains, dull surfaces, or lingering odors, these 20 simple yet effective solutions will help you clean up quickly and efficiently. From the kitchen to the living room, these tricks will save you time, money, and stress, while keeping your home fresh and welcoming.
1. Clean Cast Iron with Salt Coarse salt is abrasive enough to remove food particles without damaging the seasoning of your cast iron skillet. Simply sprinkle 2 tablespoons of kosher salt into the skillet and scrub with a damp cloth for 1–2 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
2. Remove Scuff Marks with Nail Polish Remover Acetone in nail polish remover breaks down the rubber and plastic residues that cause scuff marks. Dab a small amount of acetone-based remover onto a cloth, gently rub the scuff marks, and then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
3. Clean Glass and Windows Using Cornstarch and Warm Water Cornstarch works as a fine polish that reduces streaks and residue left behind by cleaners. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart of warm water, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth, and then dry it with a clean one.
4. Effectively Remove Mold White vinegar is known to kill up to 80% of mold species, and when combined with baking soda, it helps scrub away the growth and neutralize odors. Spray 1 cup of white vinegar onto the mold, let it sit for 1 hour, and then scrub with a paste made of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Rinse and dry afterward.
5. Unclog the Kitchen Sink Baking soda and vinegar create a fizzy reaction that helps break down clogs. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain for 15 minutes and then flush with 1 liter of boiling water.
6. Freshen Carpets with Baking Soda Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Simply sprinkle 1/2 cup per square yard onto the carpet, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly to freshen up the room.
7. Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil Olive oil helps fill in small scratches on stainless steel and prevents smudges from forming. Rub 1 teaspoon of olive oil onto the surface with a microfiber cloth and buff it to a shiny finish.
8. Remove Pet Hair with a Rubber GloveThe rubber on a dampened glove creates static, which attracts pet hair from fabric. Simply run the glove over your furniture and fabric surfaces to lift off the hair, rinsing the glove as needed.
9. Clean the Microwave with Lemon and WaterLemon’s acidity helps deodorize while steam loosens grime. Microwave 1 cup of water with 5–6 lemon slices for 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe away the residue easily.
10. Revive Wooden Furniture with Vinegar and OilA mixture of vinegar and olive oil cleans residue while conditioning the wood and restoring its shine. Combine 1/4 cup of each, apply with a cloth along the wood grain, and then buff to restore its luster.
11. Whiten Grout with Baking Soda and Hydrogen PeroxideBaking soda works as an abrasive, while hydrogen peroxide helps to oxidize and whiten grout. Make a paste with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the grout, let it sit for 10 minutes, scrub, and rinse clean.
12. Deodorize the Refrigerator with Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds naturally absorb and neutralize odors. Place 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds in a bowl inside the fridge and replace every 2 weeks for a fresh-smelling fridge.
13. Clean Blinds with a Sock and Vinegar Vinegar helps cut through dust, and using a sock allows you to clean all the slats at once. Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/2 cup of water, dip a sock-covered hand into the solution, and wipe each slat to remove dirt and buildup.
14. Remove Water Stains with Toothpaste Toothpaste’s mild abrasives help lift mineral deposits from water stains without scratching the surface. Apply non-gel white toothpaste to the stain with a cloth, rub for about 30 seconds, then wipe clean and dry.
15. Clean the oven with baking soda and vinegar. Baking
soda lifts grime, and vinegar reacts with it to help loosen stubborn grease. Spread a paste made from 1/2 cup of baking soda and water inside the oven. Let it sit overnight, then spray with vinegar and wipe clean.
16. Shine Silverware with Aluminum Foil and Baking SodaThis chemical reaction uses aluminum foil and baking soda to reverse tarnishing on silver. Line a pan with foil, add silverware, and pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda per quart of boiling water. Soak for 2–3 minutes, then rinse and dry.
17. Remove Crayon Marks with MayonnaiseThe oil in mayonnaise helps soften crayon wax, making it easier to wipe away. Spread 1 teaspoon of mayo on the stain, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
18. Clean Shower Heads with Vinegar Vinegar dissolves the mineral buildup caused by hard water. Fill a bag with 1 cup of vinegar, secure it around the showerhead, and let it soak overnight. Remove and rinse to clear out any debris.
19. Disinfect Sponges with the MicrowaveHeat from the microwave kills 99%+ of bacteria found on sponges. Wet the sponge, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, and let it cool before handling.
20. Clean Upholstery with Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing alcohol dissolves grime and evaporates quickly, preventing water stains. Spray 1 cup of rubbing alcohol onto fabric stains, scrub with a clean white sponge, and let it air dry.
For more helpful tips on appliance maintenance, check out Five Brothers Appliance for expert advice and solutions.
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