Microwave Steam Clean
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a squeeze of lemon juice, then microwave on high for five minutes. The steam loosens grime, and the lemon eliminates odors. Wipe down the interior with a cloth for a sparkling clean microwave.
Dishwasher Everything
Beyond dishes, your dishwasher can clean tools, plastic toys, and even flip-flops. Ensure they are dishwasher safe and place them on the top rack. This hack saves time and ensures a thorough clean.
Vinegar for Shower Heads
Tie a bag filled with white vinegar around your shower head overnight. The vinegar dissolves water spots and mineral deposits. In the morning, run hot water through the shower head for a minute to clear out the vinegar.
Dryer Sheet Dusting
Used dryer sheets are excellent for dusting surfaces and electronic screens, leaving them practically spotless. They attract dust and hair, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, they leave behind a fresh scent.
Coffee Filter Screens
Clean your TV and computer screens with a coffee filter. The filter’s lint-free fabric captures dust and fingerprints without leaving streaks. It’s an inexpensive way to keep screens crystal clear.
Baking Soda Carpet Freshener
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. The baking soda absorbs odors and leaves your carpets smelling fresh. It’s a simple, non-toxic solution for pet owners.
Rubber Glove Pet Hair Remover
Rub a damp rubber glove over furniture to remove pet hair. The friction between the glove and upholstery gathers the hair into clumps that can be easily picked up – a quick fix for pet owners.
Toothpaste for Jewelry
Polish your silver jewelry with a bit of toothpaste on a soft cloth. The mild abrasives in toothpaste remove tarnish without damaging the silver. Rinse with warm water and dry for a brilliant shine.
Ice Cube Gum Remover
Freeze gum stuck on carpets or clothing by pressing an ice cube against it. Once frozen, the gum hardens and can be scraped off with a knife. This method avoids spreading the gum further.
White Bread for Glass Shards
Use a piece of white bread to pick up tiny shards of glass you can’t see. The softness of the bread grabs onto the pieces, ensuring a safer cleanup. Always dispose of the bread carefully afterward.
Lemon to Clean Cutting Boards
Rub half a lemon over wooden or plastic cutting boards to remove odors and stains. The citric acid acts as a natural bleach. Rinse with water and let dry for a fresh-smelling board.
Chalk for Grease Stains
Rub white chalk on grease stains on clothes before washing in the washing machine. The chalk absorbs the grease, making it easier to wash out. You’ll be amazed at your stain-free clothes.
Hair Dryer for Water Rings
Remove water rings from wood furniture with a hair dryer on its lowest setting. Blow-dry the area until the stain disappears, then rub in a bit of olive oil to recondition the wood.
Window Squeegee for Carpet
Use a window squeegee to magically pull tons of hidden pet hair out of carpets. The rubber blade grabs hair that vacuum cleaners may miss. This method is especially effective on shag carpets.
Tennis Ball Scuff Eraser
Rub a tennis ball over scuff marks on floors to easily erase them. The felt surface gently removes stubborn black marks without damaging the floor. It’s a quick fix for unsightly scuffs. Add a baking soda paste if the marks are hard to remove.
Aluminum Foil for Scrubbing
Use crumpled aluminum foil as a scrubber for tough grime and burned-on food on pots and pans. It’s particularly effective on glass baking dishes. Just be careful not to scratch surfaces.
Walnut for Wood Scratches
Rub a walnut over scratches on wooden furniture. The oils in the walnut seep into and darken the wood, making scratches virtually disappear. Buff with a soft cloth to finish. For lighter floors, use pecans instead.
Boiling Water for Drain Clogs
Pour baking soda and vinegar down slow-draining sinks. Wait ten minutes. Then pour boiling water down to clear clogs. The heat helps dissolve soap, grease, and other blockages. Repeat if necessary for stubborn clogs.
Vodka for Smelly Clothes
Spray non-flavored vodka on clothing to eliminate odors. The alcohol kills bacteria that cause smells without leaving a scent, making it a favorite behind-the-scenes tool at fashion shows and movie sets. Let the clothing air dry for fresh-smelling fabric.
Butter Knife to Clean Air Vents
Wrap a cloth around a butter knife to clean narrow air vents and other crevices like the edge around a glass stove top. The knife reaches into tight spaces, removing dust, grime, and allergens. It’s a simple tool for a tricky job.
Tea for Hardwood Floors
Brew a few bags of black tea, let it cool, then mop your hardwood floors with it. The tannins in the tea clean the wood and add a beautiful, subtle shine without using harsh chemicals. It’s a natural and gentle way to enhance the look of your floors.
Freezer for Stinky Shoes
Place smelly shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature kills the bacteria causing the odors. By morning, your shoes will be fresher without the use of sprays.
Rice for Coffee Grinders
Clean your coffee grinder by grinding a handful of white rice. The rice absorbs oils and residue from coffee beans and spices. Dump the rice and wipe clean for a fresh start with your next grind.
Pillowcase for Ceiling Fans
Slide a pillowcase over each blade of a ceiling fan to clean off dust. As you pull the case off, it collects the dust inside, preventing it from falling on furniture below. This hack makes cleaning fans quick and mess-free.
Cola for Toilet Stains
Pour cola around the rim of your toilet bowl; let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush. The acids in the cola help break down stains. It’s an effective cleaning method for tough toilet bowl stains.
