Vinegar:
A cheap and effective disinfectant. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a general purpose cleaner on surfaces like countertops, floors, and windows. It's also great for removing hard water stains and deodorizing.
Baking soda: A gentle yet powerful cleaning agent. Sprinkle it on greasy messes, oven spills, or carpets and rugs before vacuuming. It absorbs odors and can be used to scrub stained surfaces.
Lemon: A natural bleaching agent and disinfectant. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub cutting boards, microwaves, or stainless steel appliances.
Repurposed cleaning tools:
Microfiber cloths: Reusable and effective for most cleaning tasks. They trap dust and dirt without scratching surfaces.
Old toothbrushes: Perfect for getting into tight spaces like grout lines, around faucets, or cleaning dirty air vents.
Newspaper: Streak-free window cleaning champion. Crumpled newspaper is a great alternative to paper towels and won't leave lint behind.
Unexpected cleaning solutions:
Coffee grounds: Deodorize your garbage disposal by grinding a handful of coffee beans and running the disposal with hot water.
Olive oil: Polish stainless steel appliances by applying a thin coat of olive oil and buffing it with a microfiber cloth.
Time-saving cleaning hacks:
Clean as you go.
Work from top to bottom: Dust high surfaces first so dust doesn't settle on already cleaned areas.
Shower power: After showering, leave the bathroom door open to allow steam to circulate and loosen grime on bathroom surfaces. Wipe down surfaces with a squeegee afterwards to prevent hard water stains.
Remember, consistency is key! Short, regular cleaning sessions are easier to maintain than deep cleaning marathons. By incorporating these hacks into your routine, you can keep your home clean and sparkling without breaking a sweat.
