According to research, adults spend from 7 to 19 hours a week cleaning their homes. The numbers vary depending on different factors: age and social status, type of building, number of rooms, and the cleaning methods used. However, there are many truly effective cleaning tricks that can make the process much easier.
Smalljoys has found easy and effective cleaning tips. We recommend that you try some of them because they are very original. And don’t miss the wonderful bonus at the end of the article.
1. Socks for cleaning shutters
Cleaning shutters can be very difficult, especially as a cleaning cloth can accidentally cling to something. An old sock can be a great tool to do this task if you put it on your hand.
2. Aluminum foil for cleaning baking dishes
To easily wash baking dishes, you can use an aluminum foil ball and a little bit of detergent.
3. Ketchup to make brass shine
To make brass shine, put some ketchup on the surface, and use a sponge to spread the ketchup by rubbing in circles. After that, use a cloth to clean the leftovers, and then wash the item. You can add some salt in particularly difficult cases.
4. Baking soda and vinegar to clean windows
Dirt and dust are often found in the corners of windows and should be cleaned up with baking soda and vinegar. Leave it for 5–10 minutes, and then use a toothbrush to move the mixture from the corner to the center. Remove with a napkin.
5. Paper towels and vinegar for cleaning the toilet
It’s much easier to remove the dirt in the toilet if you do some preparation beforehand. For this, pour some vinegar onto a few paper towels. Put them in the toilet, and leave them for a couple of hours. After that, all you need to do is remove the towels.
6. Toothpaste to make taps shine
To make your taps shine, you need to put some toothpaste on them and wash with a sponge.
7. Rubber gloves to clean soft furniture
Use rubber gloves to clean all your soft furniture from animal hairs. Such gloves attract this kind of dirt and garbage.
8. Shaving cream for cleaning stainless steel
Taps and stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean by using shaving cream and then drying the surface. You can also use such cream to get rid of spots on carpets.
9. Walnuts to fix scratches on furniture
To hide small scratches on wooden furniture, you should polish it with walnuts or Brazil nuts as they contain natural oils. After that, polish the surface with a soft dry cloth. This will make the scratches and other marks less noticeable.
10. Alcohol to make appliances shine
A great way to polish the stainless steel surfaces of devices and appliances such as microwaves, kettles, and toasters is alcohol (you can use vodka). You only need a few drops and a soft tissue to clean such things.
11. Trays and containers to sort things in drawers
In order not to let your things mix in drawers and to find them more easily, you can use small containers and trays. Put them in the drawer, and organize your things the way you see fit. This will help you reduce the cleaning time and its frequency because everything will be in its place.
12. The inside of a door for organizing items
The inside of doors can also help you save space and sort your stuff. All you need to do is buy some hooks and holders. You can organize different bottles, jars, brushes, and so on. This is especially good for storage room doors.
13. Vertical ordering
Towels and clothes stored in drawers should be kept vertically and in rows. This is the easiest way to find the necessary items.
14. Pillowcases
Ironed and folded sets of bed linen are best kept in the pillowcases from each set.
15. Using a file holder for storage
A file holder can be used not only in the bathroom for toiletries but also in the kitchen for cans, cake molds, and other kitchen items.
Bonus
In order to not let a toilet brush stay in the water, you can put it between the toilet and its seat for some drying time.