12 Cleaning Secrets You Wish You Knew Sooner

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Cleaning seems like a chore and a constant battle to keep up with, but hopefully, it will not seem that way once you have all of the proper steps in place. Picture embracing an everyday practice of simple and effective methods. Whether dealing with stubborn carpet stains or aiming for a sparkling clean kitchen, these little secrets to cleaning can help.

Understanding what really works for cleaning can reduce your time and energy, so you can have a clean house without the hustle of cleaning all day long. From using readily available household items to changes in your routine, these tips will help you keep fresh—always! Here is how your approach to housekeeping will change with these handy and practical tips.

Baking Soda Brilliance

Any cleaning person will tell you that baking soda is not just for baking. It can be sprinkled into the refrigerator to deodorize or used as a mild abrasive in sinks and baths. In either case, just sprinkle a little baking soda on the sponge and get to work—it’s an unbeatable combination for removing grease and odors.

Vinegar’s Versatile Power

White vinegar is an all-star cleaning agent because of its high acidity and pleasant smell. Its natural acidity makes it an excellent choice for dissolving mineral deposits, grease, and mold. Apply a vinegar solution to clean glass with no streaks or deposits left on showerheads.

Lemon Freshness

The clean acidity and bright scent of lemons make them ideal for a variety of household cleaning jobs. Lemon juice can dissolve stubborn marks on cutting boards or polish copper pots. We also used a lemon to rub on our wood surfaces to eliminate odors.

Microfiber Cloth Magic

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Having some microfiber cloths available will make it easy to wipe down quickly. These clothes attract debris and dust into their fibers, which helps you use fewer chemical cleaners. They are excellent for cleaning countertops and dusting surfaces while making sure to leave tomorrow streak-free.

Steam Clean for a Deep Clean

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Steam cleaning is the term generally used. It is a type of cleaning that uses hot water vapor for sanitation. It is excellent at picking up dirt and killing bacteria without using chemicals. Give it a whirl on carpet, upholstery, and hard floors for a deep, green clean.

Olive Oil Shine

Olive oil is used in cooking and can also be used as a natural polish for your furniture. Mix with vinegar or lemon juice to make a homemade wood cleaner with nourishing ingredients that give the wood an extra shine. Always test a small area first to ensure compatibility with the surface.

Toothpaste Trick

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You can use toothpaste to shine chrome and silver. Rub a small amount into the affected area with a damp cloth. Use a clean cloth to shine, and rinse the rest of the residue.

Newspaper for Mirror Wiping

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Use newspapers to clean mirrors and windows before they go in the recycle bin. Glass surfaces sparkle from these abrasives as the paper and ink rub down the glass to a streak-free shine. We doubt you’ll return to traditional paper towels once you try this hack.

Club Soda Stain Remover

The carbonation of club soda makes for an unsuspecting stain boxer, especially when it comes to textiles. Wherever possible, blot a fresh stain out with club soda to lift it from upholstery or carpets and go up without leaving any residue behind. This is a very simple solution but could be a lifesaver in case of a spill that happens out of the blue.

Dryer Sheets for Dusting

Even a dryer sheet that has been through the dryer can be used many more times to help remove static and dust. They have just the right texture to dust off baseboards and blinds time after time. They are also excellent for picking up pet hair!

Hydrogen Peroxide Sanitizer

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Hydrogen peroxide is an easy disinfectant to have at home. It is great for sanitizing cutting boards, toothbrushes, and bathrooms. Kaolin clay assists in the process of oxygenating and breaks dirt and some bacteria.

Coffee Grounds Deodorizer

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Coffee grounds will absorb odors in your refrigerator or garbage disposal. Use them as an odor absorber by placing them in a bowl in the fridge, or sprinkle used grounds down the drain to deodorize and improve your septic.