Clever Cleaning Hacks to Help Make Life Easier

This article, Clever Cleaning Hacks to Help Make Life Easier, is sponsored by Maids.com. All opinions are 100% my own.

As I was cleaning my baseboards the other day with a dryer sheet I realized that there are several pretty clever cleaning hacks that I do on the daily… ok weekly… I mean monthly (just kidding). I recently read an article from Maids.com suggesting NOT to spring clean. I thought this was brilliant! They give you tips for what not to clean and indicated that it is better to clean as you go throughout the year versus one deep clean <insert palm to the head here>. I know it sounds silly, but if you stay consistent and get clever, keeping your home clean all year long is a breeze.

So, I thought I’d come up with a list of clever cleaning hacks to share in hopes it helps make your already busy lives a little easier.

Clean with a dryer sheet.

Dryer sheets are for much more than your clothes. Use them to clean your baseboards, hardwood floor stairs, dust computer monitors & TV screens, furniture, and the inside of your car. It will easily pass the white glove test. You can also dampen it to scrub your shower doors.

Clean with coconut oil.

T wrote an article on the benefits of coconut oil. In there she mentions that coconut oil can be used to clean a wooden cutting board, remove gum from practically anything, or as a metal polish.

Disinfect your sponge with the microwave.

My Mother-in-Law taught me this one! Put your sponge in the microwave for two minutes and it will kill most germs.

Clean {stuff besides dishes and utensils} with your dishwasher.

I often clean Mia’s toys in the dishwasher. I also put personal items in there like combs and make-up brushes, as well as sponges.

Clean with a lint roller.

Typically known for getting lint off of your sweater, a lint roller can be used to clean upholstery, lamp shades, small crumbs off rugs, and glitter off of your crafting table!

Clean soot and wax from a candle with boiling water.

Don’t throw away those candle holders! You can use them for organization, as vases, and other things. Learn how to remove soot and wax from glass with boiling water.

Clean with an old sock.

Slip an old (but clean) sock over your hand and use it to clean in between shutters and blinds.

Clean with salt.

T wrote an article called Clever All Natural Spring Cleaning Tips. In it she tells us how you can clean wicker furniture, sticky irons, your refrigerator, and drains with salt.

Remove tough pet stains with vinegar and baking soda.

I had admitted that this article was pretty disgusting and embarrassing, BUT I did come up with a solution for cleaning really tough pet stains with vinegar and baking soda.

Clean with a pillow case.

This one is pretty brilliant. Hold on to an old pillow case or two because it’s perfect for dusting off fan blades and catches all the dust at the same time!

Clean with apple cider vinegar.

I have a pug with itchy skin. To help, I soak and bathe him in the kitchen sink. Fill your sink up with warm water and add two cups of apple cider vinegar. Let your pup soak for about 30 minutes. It seems like a long time but my pug, Harley actually liked it. I did this three times a week for two weeks and his itchy skin was SIGNIFICANTLY better!

Clean with toothpaste.

Toothpaste will sparkle much more than your teeth! Try it to clean your sneakers from scuffs and polish your rings with an old toothbrush. Another trick that I’ve been doing for a long time is to clean the mirrors with it to prevent them from fogging.

Use a shower caddy to organize cleaning products.

Not really a cleaning tip, but an organization tip for your cleaning supplies; use a shower caddy inside your bathroom cabinet door to hold cleaning supplies.