Being a parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, and managing a clean home on top of everything can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But what if I told you there are clever ways to keep your house spotless with minimal effort? That’s where cleaning hacks come into play. These simple, yet effective techniques help you stay ahead of the mess, ensuring your home remains tidy without adding more stress to your already packed schedule.
1. Use a Microfiber Cloth and Coffee Filter to Clean Your Flat-Screen TV
Flat-screen TVs are a hub for fingerprints, dust, and smudges, but you don’t need any special cleaners to keep your screen spotless. Simply grab a microfiber cloth and a coffee filter to give your TV a quick polish. Microfiber cloths attract dust and grime without scratching the surface, and coffee filters are gentle enough to avoid damaging the screen. Just dust off the screen using a dry cloth, then buff out any stubborn smudges with the coffee filter.
2. Erase Pen Marks from Walls Using a Slice of Bread and Baking Soda
We’ve all been there—kids get creative with markers, and suddenly, you’re staring at a wall covered in scribbles. Before you panic, try this hack. Take a slice of white bread and rub it gently over the pen marks. The soft texture will lift the marks without damaging the paint. For tougher stains, mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the marks. Use a soft cloth to wipe away the paste, leaving your walls looking fresh again.
3. Clean Your Microwave Using a Lemon and Baking Soda Paste
If your microwave is covered in food splatters and unpleasant smells, here’s a natural solution. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water. Microwave the mixture for about three minutes until the inside is steamy. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The steam loosens grime, while the lemon and baking soda work to neutralize odors.
4. Use Rice, Vinegar, and Salt to Clean Your Vase
Cleaning vases can be tricky, especially when they have narrow necks. A simple yet effective hack is to fill the vase with rice, a tablespoon of salt, and a splash of vinegar. Swirl it around for a few minutes, and the rice and salt will scrub the inside, while the vinegar helps break down any buildup. Rinse with water, and your vase will be sparkling clean.
5. Use Lemon, Salt, and Baking Soda to Clean Rusty Garden Tools
Rust on your garden tools can make them look worn out and ineffective. To restore their shine, grab a lemon, salt, and baking soda. Sprinkle salt on the rust spots, then rub a lemon over them. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt work together to break down the rust. If there’s still residue, sprinkle some baking soda on the surface, and use a scrub brush to remove it. This natural cleaning hack will make your tools look brand new!
6. Create a DIY Fabric Softener Spray with Epsom Salt, Essential Oils, and White Vinegar
If you’re out of fabric softener but still need your laundry to be soft and fresh, try this homemade spray. Combine a tablespoon of Epsom salt, 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, and a cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto your clean laundry before tossing it into the dryer. This homemade fabric softener works wonders on towels, sheets, and clothes without the need for harsh chemicals.
7. Use a Pillowcase with Essential Oils to Dust Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a magnet for dust, which can circulate through your home every time the fan is turned on. Instead of climbing on a ladder and wiping down each blade, grab an old pillowcase and add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus). Slip the pillowcase over each blade and gently wipe it, trapping the dust inside. This method is safer and more efficient, plus your home will smell amazing!
8. Use Olive Oil and White Vinegar to Clean and Shine Leather Furniture
Leather furniture requires extra care, but the right cleaning solution can keep it looking like new. Combine equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, then apply the mixture to a soft cloth. Gently rub the leather in circular motions to clean and restore its shine. This natural hack is perfect for parents who want to protect their investment while keeping the furniture looking pristine.
9. Deodorize Your Carpets with Baking Soda, Essential Oils, and Cornstarch
Carpets can trap odors, but this hack will keep them smelling fresh and clean. Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture generously over your carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. This DIY deodorizer is a great way to freshen up your home quickly.
10. Freshen Up Your Upholstery Using a Steam Iron and Fabric Freshener Spray
Upholstered furniture can accumulate odors and stains, but this simple hack can help. Spray a fabric freshener on your furniture and follow it up with a quick pass of your steam iron (on the lowest setting). The steam will help to release the trapped odors and freshen up the fabric without causing damage.
11. Remove Hard Water Stains from Glasses Using Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda
Hard water stains on your glasses can make them look dull, but they’re easy to fix with a mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda. Combine both ingredients into a paste, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit for 15 minutes. After rinsing, your glasses will be crystal clear again, with no streaks left behind.
12. Clean a Grimy Stovetop with a Paste of Baking Soda, Cornstarch, and Vinegar
Cleaning a greasy stovetop can be a hassle, but this paste will make it easy. Mix together equal parts baking soda, cornstarch, and vinegar to form a paste. Apply the paste to your stovetop and let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, use a sponge or cloth to scrub away the grime, leaving your stove sparkling clean.
13. Refresh Old Towels by Washing with Borax and Baking Soda
Towels can lose their softness and absorbency over time, but this hack will bring them back to life. Add half a cup of Borax and half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your towels. These two ingredients will work together to break down detergent residue, soften the fabric, and refresh the towels, leaving them like new.
14. Clean Your Blender with Soap, Ice Cubes, and Lemon Peels
Cleaning your blender doesn’t have to be a chore. After using your blender, fill it halfway with warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a couple of ice cubes. Turn on the blender for about 30 seconds to let the ice scrub the blades clean. Then, add lemon peels and blend again to deodorize the machine.
15. Scrub Away Grill Grime Using an Onion Half, Salt, and Vinegar
Grills can get covered in grease and food residue, but cleaning them doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Simply slice an onion in half, sprinkle the cut side with salt, and dip it in vinegar. Use the onion half to scrub away grime on your grill grates. The onion’s natural acidity and the abrasiveness of the salt will lift away the grease.
16. Use Ice Cubes and Baking Soda to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
A clogged garbage disposal is never fun, but this simple hack can help. Drop a few ice cubes into the disposal, turn it on, and let the ice grind away at the buildup. Follow it up by adding a cup of baking soda, then turn the disposal on with hot water running to wash it all away. This hack will keep your disposal clean and fresh.
17. Remove Oil Stains from Driveways with Cat Litter and Dish Soap
If you’ve spilled oil on your driveway, don’t fret. Sprinkle cat litter over the stain to soak up the oil, then pour a small amount of dish soap on top. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. The combination of cat litter and dish soap will break down the stain, leaving your driveway clean.
18. Clean Your Hairbrush with Baking Soda, Dish Soap, and Warm Water
Hairbrushes can accumulate product buildup and hair over time, but cleaning them is simple. Fill a bowl with warm water, then add a tablespoon of dish soap and a teaspoon of baking soda. Submerge the hairbrush in the water, then scrub the bristles with an old toothbrush to remove buildup and hair.
19. Quickly Freshen Your Curtains by Tossing Them in the Dryer with Dryer Sheets and Baking Soda
Curtains can trap dust and odors, but you don’t need to wash them every time. Simply toss your curtains in the dryer with a few dryer sheets and a sprinkle of baking soda. Set the dryer to a low heat for about 15 minutes. This quick hack will freshen up your curtains without the need for a full wash.
20. Polish Your Wooden Furniture Using Coconut Oil, Vinegar, and Lemon
To restore shine and remove dust from your wooden furniture, mix a small amount of coconut oil with white vinegar and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and use it to polish your furniture. The coconut oil will add shine, while the vinegar and lemon will clean and remove grime.