Use Vinegar for Almost Everything
Vinegar is the unsung hero of the cleaning world. From removing soap scum on shower doors to deodorizing a stinky drain, it’s a game-changer. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and you’ve got yourself a multipurpose cleaner for countertops, glass, and floors.
Freshen Carpets with Baking Soda
If your carpet’s seen better days, sprinkle some baking soda on it, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. The baking soda absorbs smells and leaves your carpet smelling fresh and clean.
Dusting with Dryer Sheets
Next time you dust, try a dryer sheet instead of a cloth. Not only does it pick up dust and hair, but it also leaves behind a little anti-static layer that helps keep dust from settling again so soon.
Polish Wood with Olive Oil
For a natural wood polish, mix a bit of olive oil with lemon juice and apply it to wooden furniture with a soft cloth. It brings out the wood’s natural shine without the harsh chemicals.
Microwave Your Sponges
To get rid of bacteria on your sponge, dampen it and microwave it on high for about a minute. It’ll zap the germs, leaving your sponge fresh and ready to tackle more messes.
Use Lemons to Deodorize
Got a funky-smelling garbage disposal? Toss in a few lemon peels and run it with cold water. The lemon helps cut through grime and leaves a fresh scent behind.
Steam Clean with Citrus
Place a bowl of water with lemon slices in your microwave and heat for a few minutes. The steam will soften any hardened splatters, making it easy to wipe them away with a sponge.
Shine Up Faucets with Toothpaste
If your faucets have hard water stains, toothpaste works wonders. Rub a dab on the faucet with a cloth, then rinse and wipe dry. The mild abrasives in toothpaste leave a polished shine.
Clean Grout with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make a paste of baking soda and water, then scrub it onto the grout with a toothbrush. Spray with vinegar, let it bubble, and then rinse away. You’ll be left with sparkling, stain-free grout.
Remove Stains with Club Soda
Got a wine or coffee spill? Blot it with club soda. The bubbles lift stains from fabric or carpet fibers so you can blot them away more easily.
Use Newspaper for Streak-Free Windows
Forget paper towels for window cleaning. Instead, use old newspaper. Spray your cleaner, wipe with the paper, and you’ll get a streak-free shine every time.
Deodorize the Fridge with Coffee Grounds
Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds in your fridge to absorb unwanted odors. They’ll soak up smells naturally without adding any artificial fragrance.
De-grease Pans with Salt
For tough-to-clean pans, sprinkle coarse salt on the grease, scrub with a sponge, and rinse. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, making scrubbing easier without scratching the surface.
Use Chalk to Remove Grease Stains
Rub a piece of chalk on grease stains before tossing clothes into the wash. The chalk absorbs the oil, helping the detergent lift it out of the fabric.
Freshen Mattresses with Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and let it sit for an hour or two. Then, vacuum it up to remove any lingering smells or moisture.
Keep Glass Sparkling with Black Tea
For streak-free glass, brew a strong cup of black tea, let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle. The tannic acid cuts through grime, leaving glass surfaces gleaming.
Clean Your Iron with Salt
Heat your iron, lay out a sheet of wax paper, sprinkle salt on top, and glide the hot iron over the salt. It helps remove any gunk or residue stuck to the plate.
Shine Up Stainless Steel with Flour
After cleaning stainless steel, sprinkle a bit of flour on it, then buff with a cloth. It’ll bring out a brilliant shine without any smudges.
Get Rid of Soap Scum with Dryer Sheets
Got soap scum on shower doors? Rub a damp dryer sheet over the surface to lift off the residue. The chemicals in the sheet break down the grime, making it easy to wipe away.
Refresh Cutting Boards with Salt and Lemon
Sprinkle coarse salt on your cutting board, then rub a lemon half over it. The salt scrubs away any food bits while the lemon disinfects and removes odors, leaving your board fresh and clean.