Keeping your home consistently clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart techniques and some creativity, tidying up becomes a manageable and even satisfying task. DIY cleaning hacks are a great way to cut costs and minimize chemical exposure, making your cleaning routine safer and more eco-friendly.
These simple tricks make use of everyday household items, turning them into powerful cleaning solutions. Whether you’re dealing with tough grime, refreshing your space, or simply maintaining a tidy environment, these 20 DIY cleaning hacks will help you get the job done with ease.
1. Steam-Clean the Microwave Using Lemon Water
Microwave interiors can accumulate splatters and odors fast. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and squeeze in a lemon. Heat it on high for five minutes. The steam softens grime while the lemon neutralizes odors. Wipe the inside clean with a damp cloth for a fresh-smelling microwave.
2. Refresh Grout with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make a thick paste from baking soda and vinegar and apply it to grout lines. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. This combo effectively lifts dirt due to the chemical reaction and mild abrasiveness.
3. Use Toothpaste to Polish Faucets
To make faucets shine, rub non-gel toothpaste on them using a damp cloth. Rinse off and dry with a clean towel. The gentle abrasives in toothpaste help eliminate water marks and restore sparkle.
4. Clean Glass with Vinegar and Newspaper
Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray onto windows or mirrors and wipe with crumpled newspaper. This method leaves surfaces streak-free and crystal clear.
5. Deodorize Carpets Using Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda generously over your carpets and let it sit for 15–30 minutes before vacuuming. It naturally absorbs odors and leaves the carpet smelling fresh.
6. Tackle Upholstery Stains with Rubbing Alcohol
Dab a bit of rubbing alcohol onto a cloth and gently blot the stained area on your upholstery. Test on a hidden spot first to prevent fabric damage. Alcohol breaks down many stains and dries quickly without residue.
7. Clean Blinds with a Vinegar-Dipped Sock
Mix water and vinegar in equal parts. Slip an old sock on your hand, dip it in the solution, and wipe each blind slat. It’s efficient and allows you to reach all areas with ease.
8. Refresh Mattresses with Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then vacuum thoroughly. It helps eliminate odors and freshen up your bed.
9. Unclog Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and wait 15 minutes before flushing with hot water. This fizzy mixture helps dislodge blockages and buildup.
10. Dust Electronics with a Coffee Filter
Wipe down screens and electronic surfaces using a coffee filter. It won’t scratch surfaces and removes dust without leaving lint behind.
11. Soak Oven Racks in the Bathtub
Place oven racks in your bathtub filled with hot water and dish soap. Let them soak for a few hours or overnight. This loosens baked-on grease, making scrubbing much easier.
12. Remove Water Rings from Wood with Mayonnaise
Apply a small amount of mayonnaise on water stains and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Wipe away with a clean cloth. The oil content can help lift moisture and fade the marks.
13. Disinfect Cutting Boards Using Lemon and Salt
Sprinkle coarse salt over your cutting board and scrub with half a lemon. Rinse well afterward. The acidity disinfects, while the salt exfoliates the surface.
14. Buff Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
Apply a little olive oil to a microfiber cloth and rub stainless steel appliances along the grain. It removes fingerprints and creates a glossy, protective layer.
15. Remove Mineral Buildup from Shower Heads with Vinegar
Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the shower head. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight. Run the water afterward to rinse away loosened deposits.
16. Deodorize the Garbage Disposal with Citrus Peels
Drop citrus peels into the disposal and run it with cold water. The natural oils clean the blades and leave behind a pleasant, fresh scent.
17. Clean Windows with a Cornstarch Mixture
Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch, one quart of warm water, and a quarter cup of vinegar. Wipe windows with the solution and a cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Cornstarch helps eliminate streaks and grime.
18. Collect Pet Hair with a Damp Rubber Glove
Put on a slightly wet rubber glove and run your hand across surfaces like furniture. The static helps lift pet hair, making it easy to gather and discard.
19. Dust Baseboards with Dryer Sheets
Wipe baseboards with a dryer sheet to remove dust and leave a layer that helps repel future buildup. It’s quick, easy, and leaves a subtle fresh scent.
20. Freshen the Air with Essential Oils
Use an essential oil diffuser to refresh the air in your home. Just add a few drops of your preferred scent and let it run. Essential oils offer both pleasant aromas and wellness benefits.
Conclusion: Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Sparkling
A clean home doesn’t require harsh chemicals or hours of work. With these 20 DIY cleaning tips, you can tackle messes and odors efficiently using everyday, natural ingredients. These hacks help save money, reduce chemical exposure, and maintain a healthier living environment. Try incorporating them into your routine for a consistently fresh and spotless home.