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Keeping your home clean and tidy is often easier said than done. Cleaning chores must be done properly in order to maintain a healthy environment for you and your loved ones to live in, but there may be faster and easier ways to tackle those chores than the methods you are currently using. If you have been looking for smart ways to save time and energy while also keeping a cleaner home, put some of these genius cleaning tips to use.
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1. Clean Your Doormats
Your doormats are your first line of defense against tracked-in dirt. However, when your doormats are filthy, they may actually contribute to the tracked-in dirt in your home. Periodically, shake off the outdoor mats at all entry points. Then, spray them down with a hose to dislodge embedded dirt. Inside mats should be washed in the washing machine or vacuumed on a weekly basis. To further reduce tracked-in dirt, take your shoes off before entering your home.
2. Focus on the Windows
After giving your entryways proper attention, focus on your windows. When your windows, blinds and drapes are filthy, the entire space can have a grimy overtone. White vinegar is a green cleaning product that will give you smudge-free glass with use. Simply combine white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use a microfiber cloth rather than a paper towel to wipe away the vinegar and water. This will eliminate problematic paper fibers that paper towels leave behind. If the vinegar smell is too strong, you can cut it by adding some lemon juice to the spray bottle.
3. Clean Windows on a Gray Day
You may think that the best time to clean your windows is when the sun is bright. After all, this enables you to see smudges easily. However, solar heating can cause your window cleaner to dry more quickly, and this makes smudges more problematic. Choose a cooler, overcast day to clean your windows. If you must clean them on a sunny day, choose a time of day when the windows do not receive direct sunlight.
4. Dust Your Blinds Thoroughly
Every few months, your blinds should be thoroughly cleaned. You can use a duster or an attachment tool on your vacuum to easily clean the blinds. An alternative is to use a sock. Place your hand fully in a sock, and rub it over the length of the blinds. You likely will need to use several socks to tackle the blinds throughout your entire home, but the socks can be tossed in the washing machine when you are done. Avoid using liquid products or water to clean the blinds. The moisture can create caked-on dirt spots that are more difficult to remove.
5. Put Curtains and Pillows in the Dryer
You may think that you would need to toss fabrics like curtains and pillows in the dryer in order to clean them. Unless they are stained, this is not necessary or recommended. Instead, toss them in the dryer on a cool or air setting to remove the dust and other debris. After 15 minutes, pull the curtains out and hang them up immediately. Remember to use a scented dryer sheet to make them smell great.
6. Vacuum Overhead
If you are like most people, you may vacuum and dust lower surfaces in your home at least once a week. Overhead surfaces also accumulate dust, pet dander and other elements, and these areas may not receive regular attention. You could wipe down the ceiling fan blades, air vents and other overhead surfaces with a regular cloth, but this often results in dust flying around the room. A smart alternative is to use the extension tool and hose on your vacuum to clean these surfaces. Remember to vacuum the cobwebs from the corners while you are cleaning overhead.
7. Clean Ceiling Fan Blades with a Pillowcase
If you are not comfortable vacuuming your ceiling fan blades or if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can easily use a pillowcase to get the job done. Place the entire pillowcase over each ceiling fan blade individually. Wrap your hands tightly around both sides of the blade, and pull the pillowcase down the length of the blade as you go. By doing so, all of the dust will be captured in the pillowcase for mess-free results.
8. Make Light Fixtures Sparkle
Your glass light fixtures can accumulate dead bugs and other unpleasant debris over time, and this can make them look unsightly. You could wipe down these glass casings individually by hand, but an easier solution is available. Most removable glass features on light fixtures can safely be run through a dishwasher cycle to save time and energy.
9. De-Fuzz Your Lampshades
Lampshades in your living room, bedroom and other areas will accumulate just as much dust and debris as the tables that they sit on. While your tables may be dusted weekly, the lampshades often continue to accumulate filth for weeks or months on end before they catch your attention. Some lampshades can be vacuumed, but this can damage lampshades that have a fabric outer layer over a plastic inner layer. A smart alternative is to run a lint brush over the lampshades to quickly pull up the debris.
10. Tackle Your Speakers
The mesh material on the speakers for your TV’s sound bar, your stereo system and other electronics can become just as filthy as your lampshades, and this material can seem just as tough to clean properly. While you have your lint roller out, run it over the speaker material. This is a fast way to make it look like new again, and it will not damage the mesh material.
11. Clean Baseboards and Trim with Baby Wipes
Baseboards and trim throughout your home require regular attention. You can easily use the handheld vacuum attachment to suction loose dust and debris, and this may be done once a month or more frequently as needed. When the time comes to clean these surfaces more thoroughly, use baby wipes to get the job done quickly. While the baby wipes are nearby, run them over your doorknobs, electrical face plates and cabinet pulls.
12. Make Your Own Furniture Polish
You do not necessarily have to pay for expensive store-bought furniture polish to keep your wood furniture clean and shiny. Combine one part lemon oil with one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the concoction on your wood furniture as you would with other wood furniture cleaning products. Wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this process every week as a natural alternative to your current cleaning method.
13. Remove Marks on Wood Furniture
The lemon oil and white vinegar blend will remove loose debris and restore the sheen on wood furnishings. However, other efforts are required for stubborn spots. If you have ink marks on your wood furniture, the easy solution is to rub toothpaste gently on the surface. Once the stain is removed, rinse and dry the wood.
14. Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal has a tough, messy role in your kitchen, so it understandably can develop an unpleasant smell over time. Lemons have a fresh scent, and their acidic properties can cut through the grime on the disposal’s blades. Simply cut several small lemons in half, and run these sections through the garbage disposal one at a time. For variation, you can also use oranges or limes. Repeat this every month or more frequently as needed.
15. Remove Tough Microwave Grime
If you are like many other people, you may not clean your microwave after each use. The unpleasant result is baked on grease, splattered sauces and more that unfortunately do not simply wipe away with a soap dish cloth. You can use a degreasing product in this space, such as what you may use to clean your oven. However, if you want to take a more natural approach, combine a cup of water, a few tablespoons of white vinegar and a few lemon, orange or lime slices. Microwave this concoction until it boils and until the interior of the microwave door is steamy. Allow this moisture to sit inside your microwave for several minutes before wiping it and all of the grime away.
16. Cut Through Baked-On Messes on Pots and Pans
After soaking a filthy pot or pan in soapy water, wiping out as much of the filth as possible and running it through the dishwasher, you may be dismayed to discover that some baked-on food or grease remains. The simple solution for removing excess grime on most types of pots and pans is to scrub them with a Brillo pad. For stubborn messes, sprinkle some baking soda and vinegar on the dish. Allow this pairing to bubble for a few minutes before scrubbing the dish again.
17. Fight Back Against Tarnish on Copper Cookware
Copper pots and pans require an extra step to prevent tarnishing. Rub a small amount of ketchup on your copper cookware periodically to maintain their sheen by removing tarnish spots. Combine table salt with the ketchup for added power on tough spots.
18. Clear Away Hard Water Stains
Whether your water softener is not working properly or you have not yet invested in one, hard water spots can be problematic in many areas. Hard water stains on your drinking glasses and other dishes can make them look dirty even if they have recently been cleaned. The easiest and most effective way to remove these stains is with white vinegar. Remember to wipe them dry after rinsing out the vinegar to prevent new hard water stains from developing.
19. Improve Water Flow at the Tap
If hard water is an issue in your home, you may also contend with taps and shower heads that are increasingly clogged with mineral debris. White vinegar can dissolve this sediment easily. Simply remove the fixture heads, and soak them in warm vinegar for a few minutes. For tough spots, you may need to brush away the debris with an old toothbrush. Rinse these pieces thoroughly before replacing them.
20. Use Baking Soda to Clean Major Appliances
Your kitchen appliances are used heavily, and they require special cleaning efforts. These are spaces where you store or prepare food, so you understandably do not want to introduce chemical-heavy products into these areas. The inside of your fridge and the outer surfaces of your stove and oven can be cleaned beautifully with baking soda, warm water and a bit of effort. In addition to cutting away the grease, baking soda has deodorizing properties that may be essential. Before you put away the baking soda, sprinkle some of the powder in your stainless-steel sink to remove odors and filth.
21. Deodorize the Dishwasher
Baking soda can also be used to remove unpleasant smells in the dishwasher. Sprinkle baking soda heavily throughout the interior of the empty dishwasher. Allow this to remain in place for at least a few hours. Then, add white vinegar to the detergent dispenser before running a cycle. You also should clear away any debris that has accumulated in the trap or filter.
22. Toss Fridge Components in the Dishwasher
If you are thoroughly cleaning out your fridge and freezer, keep in mind that you can remove the shelves, trays and drawers to make the process easier. The larger pieces may need to be washed by hand in the sink. You can run smaller refrigerator components through a dishwasher cycle.
23. Clean Counters with a Homemade Cleaner
While there are numerous all-purpose cleaners that you can use on kitchen and bathroom counters, you may be searching for a more natural solution. You can make your own all-purpose cleaner by combining equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can add rosemary and lemon to the mixture to create a pleasant, fresh scent. Because the vinegar and lemon are both acidic, this product should not be used on natural stone materials or other similar materials.
24. Polish Granite and Marble Counters Periodically
The primary method for cleaning granite and natural stone counters is with warm, soapy water. However, this can leave behind a dull film that increasingly takes away more of the luster that you may love about your counters. There are several granite polishes that you can apply to these surfaces periodically to restore their sheen.
25. Squeegee the Counters
When you wipe down your counters with a wet cloth, you inevitably will leave behind some food crumbs or other particles. Depending on the type of counter material in your home, these particles may only be visible from certain angles. However, they can make your kitchen look filthy despite just cleaning it. An easy solution is to run a squeegee over the counters to swipe away all remaining debris.
26. Make Stainless-Steel Appliances Shine
Stainless steel is a gorgeous finish that is found on kitchen appliances in many homes. However, it can lose its luster and develop unsightly spots over time. If you want to avoid the chemical stainless-steel cleaning products, you can combine a small amount of liquid dish soap with a large pot of hot water. Get a microfiber cloth slightly damp with the soapy blend, and gently wipe down the stainless-steel surfaces. To avoid soap and water spots, rinse the area with clean water. Then, use a dry cloth to blot away the water.
27. Prevent Gunky Buildup on Kitchen Cabinets
To maintain a truly spotless kitchen, your cabinetry must be free of buildup. As is the case with all surfaces, the cabinets can accumulate a layer of dust and dirt over time. In the kitchen, this is often combined with grease from cooking to create a truly unpleasant gunk. You can dramatically reduce the grease that circulates in your kitchen by turning on the range’s exhaust fan every time you light a burner.
28. Degrease Kitchen Surfaces
Store-bought degreasing products are harsh and can even be caustic. An effective alternative is to use a combination of ammonia and hot water to cut through the grease in your kitchen. Combine a half-cup of ammonia with a gallon of hot water. Use this to scrub away grease and grime on the range, in the oven and even in the microwave. It is also safe to use on most kitchen cabinet surfaces.
29. Suction Out Drawer Debris
Over time, your kitchen and bathroom drawers can accumulate a significant amount of debris, such as hair strands in bathroom drawers and food crumbs in kitchen drawers. Periodically, pull all of the contents out of the drawers. Then, use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suction out all of the drawer for fast results. You can use this method to clean off pantry shelves easily as well.
30. Freshen the Bathroom Drains
Bathroom sink and tub drains can become filthy with regular use, and this filth often creates unpleasant odors. To remove some of the accumulated filth and to eliminate odors, pour a blend of two parts baking soda and one part table salt down the drain. Follow this by pouring four parts hot vinegar down the drain. Allow this to bubble up for approximately 15 minutes. Then, run hot water down the drain to clear the mess away.
31. Remove Mildew from Your Shower Curtain
If you are in the habit of replacing your shower curtain liner when it develops mildew or if you try to scrub the mildew away with a sponge, you may be thrilled to learn that a better solution is available. Simply remove the plastic liner from the rod hangers, and toss it into the washing machine. You can add the decorative shower curtain as well. Cloth curtains can dry in the dryer, and you will need to air dry the plastic liners.
32. Clean Tile Grout
Tile grout is a relatively porous material, and it can easily accumulate mildew and other gunk in its crevices. For fast results, spray CLR directly on the grout. Allow this to remain in place for a few minutes. Then, scrub the grout using a rigid sponge or brush before rinsing it with clean water.
33. Keep the Bathroom Floor and Counters Hair-Free
If your bathroom is like many others, the counter and floor may gather hair and lint easily. In fact, these surfaces can look messy a day or two after you have thoroughly cleaned the bathroom. You can keep them hair-free and lint-free easily between major cleaning sessions by wiping them down quickly with a damp towel every day or two.
34. Scrub the Tub and Sinks
You can bypass the harsh chemical bathroom cleaning products and still keep your tub and sinks beautifully clean by making your own solution. Borax powder is a special cleaning product that is most commonly used to boost the power of laundry detergent. You can pour some borax powder on a plate. Then, dip half of a lemon into this powder. Rub the powder-coated lemon over the surfaces that need to be cleaned. This is most effective on enamel or porcelain surfaces.
35. Remove Stains from Your Cutting Board
Cutting boards endure heavy use frequently, and your cutting board may have seen better days. The stains on your cutting board may appear to be permanent, but it may actually be scrubbed away easily. Simply sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the surface. Then, run a lemon wedge or half over the surface until the stain is erased.
36. Sanitize Kids’ Toys
Your children’s toys may rarely be cleaned, but this may be easier to do than you think. Hard plastic toys may be placed in the dishwasher, but remember to turn off the heated dry cycle. For stuffed animals, use a lint roller for a superficial cleaning. You can also toss them in the dryer to remove more dust and dander.
37. Clean and Sanitize Your Mattress
Dust mites are commonly found on and around mattresses. Because they can live inside the mattresses, your regular efforts to launder your bedding will not suffice. There are a few different approaches that you can take to kill or remove dust mites. One idea is to run a hot iron or garment steamer over the mattress. Another option is to use your vacuum’s extension to suction the dust mites and other debris away. Regardless of which of these methods you select, you can wrap up your effort by lightly spraying Lysol over the surface. Allow the mist to dry fully before making the bed.
38. Launder Your Comforter
You may wash your bed sheets every week, but the comforter only needs to be washed a few times per year in most cases. If you have a larger washing machine, you can skip the trip to the laundromat and clean your comfort at home. To prevent the stuffing from clumping up, toss a clean tennis ball into the dryer with the comforter.
39. Freshen the Washing Machine
You may not think about cleaning your washing machine until it starts to develop an unusual or musty odor. However, the best time to clean the washing machine is before this point is reached. Periodically, run a special cycle only containing bleach and hot water through the machine. This is a great alternative to the store-bought washing machine cleaning products.
40. De-Fuzz the Dryer
Through the drying process, your clothes dryer generates fuzz that accumulates in the lint trap. This may be combined with human or dog hair and various other elements. Cleaning the lint trap before every cycle is an easy to way reduce the risk of a house fire. However, this will not remove all of the flammable lint. Each time you sanitize your washing machine, use your vacuum to clean around the dryer. You can also use the handheld extension tool to clean deeper in the lint trap crevice.
41. Buff Your Hardwood Floor
Sweeping your hardwood floor is the most common cleaning step that it requires. However, smudges can be problematic. You can easily buff out these smudges by rubbing a clean tennis ball or an old sock over the area. For stubborn scuff marks, apply a small amount of moist baking soda to the area. Remember to rinse and dry the area thoroughly and quickly to avoid damaging the floor.
42. Show Your Vacuum Some Love
You likewise may not think about cleaning the equipment that you use to clean your house, but this is essential if you want your equipment to continue working as efficiently as possible. Depending on the type of vacuum that you own, clean the bag or collection bin with each use. Replace the air filter regularly. All removable components should also be rinsed off periodically. Then, turn your vacuum cleaner over to clear away debris that is wound through the brush head. This is most easily done by cutting away the material with scissors.
43. Clean Your Broom Head
After you have thoroughly cleaned your vacuum, it is ready to be used to clean your broom’s head. A dirty broom will not effectively remove as much debris from the floor as you need it to. Vacuuming the head each time it appears to be dirty is an easy to way to keep this tool clean.
44. Extend Your Vacuum’s Abilities
If you grow frustrated by having to find a new plug for your vacuum each time you enter a new room, there is a simple solution. Invest in a long extension cord, and you may be able to cover an entire floor of your home without having to unplug the vacuum cleaner. In addition to reducing frustration, it saves time and energy.
45. Migrate to the Cloud
Cloud-based storage is used almost universally in businesses today, but many people still keep paper copies of important documents. You can decrease a significant amount of clutter and safeguard your documents in the process when you save digital copies in the cloud. This includes tax returns, birth certificates, marriage documents, home improvement receipts and more.
46. Transfer Photos to the Cloud
While you are digitizing important items, turn your attention to your old family photos. In addition to tidying your home, you can preserve the memories. After all, original photos will inevitability fade and deteriorate over time.
47. Go Through Closets and Drawers Seasonally
Some people wait until their major spring cleaning push to clean out old clothes and shoes from their closets and drawers. An easier solution may be to do this seasonally. At the end of each season, you are familiar with the items that you did not touch for the previous few months. Plus, you are only cleaning out items for one season rather than going through all of your clothes at one time, so the project is not as time-consuming.
48. Repurpose Old Clothes
While you may donate many of your old clothes and shoes that are still in good condition, you do not have to toss out the worn items. Consider that a tattered sock or t-shirt can be used as a dust cloth or to clean the windows.
49. Toss Old Games and Books
In many homes, old video games, books, DVDs and other items take up valuable space and gather dust in the process. These are items that you may have used once or twice several years ago. Consider selling or donating these items, and you can use the storage space more efficiently. By decluttering, you can give other items a dedicated storage space and keep your home tidier.
50. Clear Away Wall Smudges
You can invest in expensive products that are designed specifically to remove smudges, or you can use items that are sitting in your pantry right now. Baking soda has excellent properties that make it effective at removing many types of wall smudges without harming the paint. In fact, it can even remove crayon smudges.
51. Remove Pet Hair by Hand
Dog and cat hair clings to upholstery, and pulling out the vacuum cleaner every day to suction up the hair can be a hassle. An alternative is to put on your rubber kitchen gloves. Run your gloved hands over the surfaces to capture the hair. You can also use a lint roller if rubber gloves are not handy.
At Cleanzen cleaning service, we are here to make your life easier and you can book directly online for all types of house cleaning service. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
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