10 Cleaning Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner

When it comes to keeping our living spaces clean and tidy, seeking effective and time-saving solutions makes sense. Thankfully, there are plenty of cleaning hacks out there to make cleaning less of an endless battle.

From simple tricks you can use every day to innovative techniques that streamline your cleaning routine, we’ve put together a treasure trove of cleaning wisdom to revitalize your space.

Get ready to unleash the power of these 10 cleaning hacks that will leave your home sparkling, save you precious time and effort, and maybe even make the process a little more enjoyable.

Use a Dishwashing Brush in the Shower

If you ever need a good shower cleaning hack, this one will help you maintain a higher level of cleanliness with far less effort.

Start by filling a dishwashing brush with a mixture of dish detergent and vinegar. Next, keep that brush in the tub so you can give your shower a quick once-over any time you shower.

The trick is that rather than spending an hour every week deep-cleaning your shower and scrubbing off layers of grime, you can do a quick brush during your normal shower routine. This hack will help keep your tub sparkling for longer and remove grime before it builds up.

Use a Bluing Agent for Whiter Whites

Brightening your whites takes some strategy, especially if you want to avoid the intensity of bleach. Thankfully, there’s a super simple hack to help. Consider using a bluing agent as a bleach alternative when whitening your clothing.

Keep in mind that bluing agents don’t remove stains, so stick to bleach if you need a good stain remover. However, if you simply want to brighten your whites, dilute your bluing agent with cold water before adding it to your wash cycle. Enjoy your bright whites again!

Use Baking Soda for Grout

Cleaning grout in tile can be an absolute pain, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you’re looking for an affordable, effective grout-cleaning hack, look no further than your pantry.

Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and water until you have a paste, then spread that over your dirty grout. Put some white vinegar in a spray bottle, then spray that over the baking soda paste and let it sit for half an hour.

Using a bristled brush, scrub away, rinse with water, and enjoy your sparkling clean grout.

Put Ice Cubes in the Dryer

Stop settling for wrinkled clothes or time wasted with the iron when this wrinkle hack is out there. If you’re facing a wrinkly shirt or pair of pants, toss them in the dryer with a couple of ice cubes.

As the dryer runs, the ice will melt, creating steam. This helps remove the wrinkles from your clothes. Pull your clothing out promptly when the dryer cycle finishes and enjoy them wrinkle-free.

Use Dishwashing Liquid for Pet Stains

Your pets might look innocent and perfect, but all pet parents are aware of the occasional stains left behind by our furry friends. Thankfully, there’s an easy pet cleaning hack to help you keep your furniture clean while letting your pets live their best life.

Start by diluting half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with a mixture of water and vinegar. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, then gently blot at the stain. It’s important to work from the edges of the stain towards the center before blotting again with a clean cloth to remove any soap.

Repeat the process until the stain is removed. But, of course, make sure you spot test a bit of fabric first before going all in.

Use Vinegar for a Smelly Sink

Stop settling for a stinky, grimy sink when a baking soda and vinegar concoction can get yours sparkling again. If you have a slow-draining sink or simply want to add some shine, sprinkle baking soda in there and then follow with white vinegar. Rinse with water and repeat as necessary.

To freshen up the smell, you can use citrus ice cubes. Freeze citrus peels (think oranges or lemons) in ice cube trays. Then, toss those cubes in your disposal and power the disposal on. The ice helps clean the blades and the citrus helps with the smell.

Wash Wine Glasses the Right Way

Don’t be afraid when it comes to cleaning wine glasses. While delicate, they can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher. Place them in the top rack and wash them alone, without any other dishes. At the very least, make sure they aren’t touching any other dishes during the wash.

Always be sure to use dishwashing settings that are safe for glassware. Then, air-dry your wine glasses–don’t let them sit in your washer on a heat cycle–and you’re good to go.

Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fans

When was the last time you cleaned your ceiling fan? Did it send dust particles all over your room? You can clean your ceiling fan without causing an even bigger mess with this creative hack: a pillowcase.

Place the pillowcase over your ceiling fan blade, gently press down, and pull it off, capturing all the dust inside. Repeat for all the blades and you won’t need to worry about dusting your furniture and floors afterwards.

Use Your Dishwasher to Clean Common Items

Are you using your dishwasher to its full potential? If you haven’t used it yet to sanitize your child’s plastic toys, grubby flower vases, and even your favorite set of gardening tools, then you’re missing out. Your dishwasher is capable of cleaning so many things with ease.

Just make sure you clean your dishwasher regularly to keep things sanitary.

Use a Lemon to Clean the Microwave

Never open your microwave to a nauseating sight of grease, crumbs, and food waste again. This cleaning hack will spare you.

Place half a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cut a lemon in half, then squeeze the juice into the bowl. Follow with the lemon halves before microwaving on high for three minutes.

Keep the door closed and let the steam sit for five more minutes. Once that time is up, open your microwave, wipe everything down, and enjoy your clean microwave.

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Armed with these cleaning hacks, you are fully equipped to conquer dirt, grease, and grime with efficiency and ease. Remember, a clean home not only promotes a sense of calm and well-being but also allows you to enjoy the sanctuary you have created fully. Happy cleaning!