Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming chore. With the right hacks, you can cut through grime, save money on products, and even make cleaning a little more enjoyable. Whether you’re tackling a weekend deep clean or just trying to stay on top of daily messes, these home cleaning hacks will help you get the job done more efficiently and effectively.
1. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for Almost Everything
These two household staples can handle nearly any cleaning job. When combined, vinegar and baking soda create a fizzy reaction that helps lift stains, clear drains, and eliminate odors.
Unclog a Drain: Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.
Clean a Smelly Trash Can: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom and spray with vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub, and rinse.
2. Lemon for a Natural Fresh Scent
Lemons are a powerful natural cleaning agent thanks to their acidity and fresh scent.
Microwave Cleaner: Place lemon slices in a bowl of water and microwave for 3–5 minutes. The steam will loosen stuck-on food, and the lemon deodorizes the microwave.
Shine Faucets: Rub a lemon half on chrome faucets to remove water spots and restore shine.
3. Use a Lint Roller for More Than Just Clothes
Lint rollers are excellent at picking up small debris, dust, and hair from unexpected places.
Clean Lampshades: Gently roll over fabric lampshades to remove dust.
Remove Pet Hair: Use on couches, car seats, and even bedding to pick up pet fur quickly.
4. Dust with Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry. They reduce static and pick up dust like a magnet.
Baseboards and Blinds: Wipe them down with a used dryer sheet to repel dust and keep surfaces clean longer.
TV Screens: Gently wipe your screen (when it’s off and cool) to lift dust without scratching.
5. Steam-Clean Your Microwave
For an easy, no-scrub microwave clean:
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, a splash of vinegar, and lemon slices.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Let the steam loosen food particles, then wipe everything down with a cloth.
6. Clean Shower Heads with Vinegar
Over time, mineral deposits can clog your showerhead. Here’s a simple hack to fix it:
Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the shower head using a rubber band.
Let it soak overnight, then remove and rinse with water.
This helps remove buildup and improve water flow.
7. Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Why spend money on expensive cleaners when you can make your own?
Mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part water, and a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) in a spray bottle.
Use it on counters, tiles, sinks, and even glass.
8. Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans accumulate a significant amount of dust, and cleaning them can cause the dust to scatter everywhere.
Slide a pillowcase over each blade and gently pull it back.
The dust gets trapped inside the pillowcase instead of falling onto furniture or floors.
9. Squeegee for Pet Hair on Carpets
If you have pets, hair on carpets and rugs can be stubborn.
Use a window squeegee and pull it across the carpet like a rake.
You’ll be surprised how much fur it pulls up.
10. Clean Your Blender in Seconds
Don’t risk cutting yourself trying to clean blender blades.
Fill the blender with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
Blend for 30 seconds, then rinse. Done!
11. Toothbrush for Tight Spots
An old toothbrush is perfect for cleaning small or hard-to-reach areas.
Use it around faucet bases, grout lines, window tracks, and sink edges.
Dip it in a baking soda paste or vinegar for extra scrubbing power.
12. Remove Hard Water Stains with Toothpaste
White, non-gel toothpaste isn’t just for your teeth—it works great on hard water spots too.
Apply a dab to a damp cloth and rub onto faucets, glass, or stainless steel.
Rinse with warm water and wipe dry for a polished finish.
13. Keep the Toilet Fresh with DIY Bombs
Make simple toilet bombs that clean and deodorize between deep cleans.
Mix 1 cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of citric acid, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
Press into ice cube trays and let dry overnight.
Drop one in the toilet for a fizzy clean-up.
Home cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive, exhausting, or time-consuming. With these hacks using everyday items like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and even dryer sheets, you can keep your home looking and smelling fresh with minimal effort.
