15 Genius Cleaning Tricks I Wish I Knew Sooner

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Most women hate cleaning. While there are several causes for this hatred, it mostly has to do with how complicated it is. We need hundreds of different products for all types of surfaces, plenty of time, and thousands of tools… But is this truly the case?

Cleaning your house doesn’t have to be so difficult. If you are often overwhelmed by this task, it’s probably because you need to learn a few effective tips that will help you minimize your efforts! Here are 14 brilliant cleaning hacks that I wish I had known sooner.

Use Vinegar for Sparkling Windows

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Did you know that vinegar can make your windows shine? To use vinegar effectively, take a spray bottle and put white vinegar and water proportionately. Spray the mixture onto your windows and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth for a spotless shine. Vinegar effectively removes grime, leaving your windows sparkling clean. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought window cleaners.

Freshen Up Your Mattress with Baking Soda

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Mattresses can gather odors and moisture as time passes. Liberally sprinkle baking soda across your mattress and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes. Then, vacuum it off to eliminate any odors and rejuvenate your bed. Baking soda can absorb moisture and eliminate unpleasant odors. Repeat this process every few months to maintain the freshness of your mattress.

Clean Your Microwave with Lemon

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Cleaning the microwave doesn’t have to be complicated with this simple trick. Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a couple of lemon slices inside. Heat it on high for three minutes, then allow it to sit closed for another five minutes. The steam from the bowl will soften the grime, allowing you to wipe it off effortlessly with a cloth. Additionally, the lemon adds a clean, refreshing scent to your microwave.

Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Baseboards

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Dusting baseboards can be a backbreaking chore and difficult if you don’t know where to start. Simplify it by using dryer sheets. Run a dryer sheet along the baseboards to pick up dust and add a fresh scent to the room. Dryer sheets help repel dust, keeping your baseboards cleaner for longer. It’s a quick and easy way to tackle this often-overlooked area.

Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal with Citrus Peels

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Garbage disposals can develop unpleasant odors over time. Combat this by tossing citrus peels, like lemon or orange, into the disposal. Run cold water and turn on the disposal to grind up the peels. The citrus oils freshen the disposal and leave a pleasant scent in your kitchen. This is an easy and natural way to keep your disposal smelling great and prevent it from giving a bad odor to your whole house.

Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

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Stainless steel appliances can show fingerprints and smudges easily. Restore their shine using a small amount of olive oil on a cloth. Apply the oil to the stainless steel using circular motions, then polish it with a dry cloth. Olive oil cleans and protects the surface, keeping it shiny for longer. It’s a natural and non-toxic way to maintain your appliances.

Sanitize Sponges in the Microwave

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Sponges can harbor bacteria and should be sanitized regularly. Wet your sponge and place it in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. The heat will kill most bacteria, leaving your sponge clean and ready to use. Ensure the sponge is wet before microwaving to prevent it from catching fire. This simple trick extends the life of your sponges and keeps them hygienic.

Use Newspaper to Clean the Glass

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You can use crumpled newspaper to shine on any glass surface at your home or office. Spray your glass with water and vinegar, then wipe with the newspaper. The paper doesn’t leave lint and effectively absorbs the liquid. This old-school trick results in sparkling clean glass every time. It’s a great way to repurpose old newspapers and keep your glass surfaces dust-free.

Use Lemons to Clean Cutting Boards

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Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and odors, so clean them as frequently and intensely as possible. To clean and deodorize them, rub half a lemon over the surface. Lemons have citric acid, which is antibacterial and antiseptic. The citric acid kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. Now, rinse with water and let it air dry. This natural method keeps your cutting boards fresh and hygienic.

Use Baking Soda to Freshen Carpets

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Do you constantly struggle to clean the carpets? You can freshen your carpets by sprinkling baking soda over them before vacuuming. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors and moisture. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda. This method leaves your carpets smelling fresh and looking clean. It’s a great way to maintain carpet hygiene between professional cleanings.

Use a Toothbrush for Grout Cleaning

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Grout can be tricky to clean with regular tools, so you need to use a simple tool available in your home. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines with baking soda and water. The toothbrush bristles are perfect for reaching into the small crevices. This method is effective for removing mildew and grime buildup. Your grout will look brand new with minimal effort.

Rubber Glove to Remove Pet Hair

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If you have pets, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of pet hair everywhere in the house. A rubber glove can help you remove them instantly. Put on a dampened rubber glove. Run your hand over the surfaces covered with pet hair. The hair would cling to the glove. This method is quick, effective, and saves you from constantly using lint rollers.

Cold Water For Blood Stains

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Blood stains can be easily washed away with cold water. Simply put your garments under cold water and use whatever soap you have. Always do this by hand before putting a piece of clothes stained with blood in the washing machine, especially if you wash your clothes at high temperatures. Try this trick and see how easy it is! No more blood stains!

Professional Help

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Sometimes, the best thing is to call a professional to do the job for you. Whether it’s an old carpet in terrible condition, your chimney, or a particularly difficult stain, at times, doing it by ourselves may not be the best option. Why? Because the time invested in getting something clean may be way too much compared to the money spent to pay a professional.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be daunting, and neither should it be dull or boring. These 14 genius house cleaning hacks can save you time, effort, and money, making your home sparkle with less hassle. You can have fun while cleaning your home. Try incorporating some of these tips into your routine and see the difference they make. Happy cleaning!

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