Sparkling Spaces: Clever Cleaning Hacks!

Does cleaning feel like an unending battle? With these easy tricks and tips, it doesn’t have to be a chore. This blog will share some clever cleaning hacks that will help keep your home spotless. By using some common household items, we’ll show you how to tackle some of your toughest projects with ease. These cost-saving tips will also save you time and effort while also leaving your home sparkling like never before.

·       Microwave - Slice a lemon, place it in a bowl of water, and microwave for five minutes. The steam from the lemon water loosens grime and leaves a fresh, lemony scent.

·       Windows - Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution cuts through grime and leaves windows streak-free. OR Brew a pot of black tea, let it cool, and use it to clean your windows. The tannic acid cuts through grime and leaves a streak-free shine.

·       Soap Scum - Cut a grapefruit in half, sprinkle salt on the cut side, and use it to scrub your shower. The acidity from the grapefruit breaks down soap scum, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. OR Fill a dish wand with dish soap (Dawn is great!) and vinegar and scrub away. The combination of dish soap and vinegar breaks down grime and soap scum while the dish wand make it easy to apply and scrub with little effort.

·       Toilet - Drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets in the toilet bowl. Let them sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. The fizzing helps break down stains and build-up, making scrubbing easier.

·       Hard Water Stains (Faucets) - Soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the base of your faucet to remove hard water stains. Let it sit for several hours, then wipe. The vinegar’s acidity dissolves mineral deposits. Once the mineral deposit has been removed, rub your faucet with wax paper. The wax leaves a coating that helps repel water spots and fingerprints.

·       Stainless Steel – Dab a microfiber cloth with a few drops of baby oil then wipe down your stainless steel appliances. It removes fingerprints and leaves a streak-free shine.

·       Pet Hair - Slip on a rubber glove and slightly dampen it. Rub the glove over furniture to grab pet hair and rinse it away.

·       Grease Stains – Sprinkle cornstarch on fabric grease stains. Allow it to absorb the oil (at least 15 minutes), then brush it off and toss it in the washer. OR Rub white chalk on the grease stain before washing.

·       Water Rings - Put a small amount of mayonnaise on the ring and let it sit overnight, then wipe it clean. The oil in the mayonnaise will help expel the moisture. OR Set a hairdryer to low and blow over the spot to evaporate the trapped moisture.

·       Glass and Wood Scratches - Using a non-gel toothpaste, buff out minor scratches. OR Rub a walnut on scratches on wooden furniture. The oils in the walnut will fill in the scratch and leave it less noticeable.

·       Leather - Rub the inside of a banana peel on leather furniture then buff with a soft cloth.

·       Wall Scuffs - Rub a tennis ball over scuff marks to erase without damaging paint.

·       Mattresses - Spray a small amount of vodka on your mattress and let it air dry. The alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria and disinfects without leaving any residue or smell.

·       Tarnished Copper - rub ketchup on tarnished copper items, let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and polishing. The acid in the ketchup breaks down tarnish without having to use harsh chemicals.

·       Crayon Marks - Non-gel toothpaste to the rescue again! Use a small amount on the area and scrub with a damp cloth to clean the mark.

·       Permanent Markers – Put a small amount of sunscreen on a cloth and rub it over the marker stain (hard surfaces only). The oils will break down the ink so you can easily wipe it away.

·       Garbage Disposal - Freeze vinegar in ice cube trays. Toss a couple cubes into the disposal. Ice sharpens the blades and vinegar deodorizes and cuts grease.

·       Odors

o   Refrigerator can be eliminated by placing used coffee grounds in an open container inside your refrigerator.

o   Remove mineral deposits and odors from your dishwasher by pouring a cup of Tang drink powder into the detergent compartment and running an empty cycle.

o   Mix baking soda with a titch of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the carpet. Let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming.

·       Carpet Stains - Pour some club soda onto the stain and blot with a cloth. The carbonation in the soda lifts stains like wine or juice and prevents them from setting.

·       Mirrors - Apply a think layer of shaving cream on your mirrors and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a dry cloth. This also will prevent foggy mirrors occurring in a humid bathroom.

·       Sticky Labels and Stickers - Dab some mayonnaise on the sticky residue and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe it away. The oils will break down the adhesive without causing damage.

·       Baseboards - Running a dryer sheet along your baseboards will not only pick up dust, but it also will leave a layer that helps prevent future dust buildup.

·       Carpet Dents - Put an ice cube in a carpet dent left by furniture. As the ice melts, the carpet fluffs back up.

Did you find some tips that you’ll incorporate into your cleaning routine?  These ideas are certain to make your cleaning more efficient and enjoyable. Happy cleaning!

Sandi Downing Real Estate/Keller Williams

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