Sources: Dreamstime/Vadim Ponomarenko, Today Show, iStock
When it comes to cleaning our houses, most of us want to know the easiest, quickest, and cheapest methods to do so. Thankfully, there are a ton of great cleaning hacks for every surface out there that will help you effectively clean your house in a pinch.
1. Unclog Your Drains… The Natural Way
If your drains aren’t taking in water like they should be, you’re likely dealing with a blockage. Baking soda and vinegar are a powerful, natural combo. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by ½ cup of baking soda. Let that sit for 5 minutes, then pour in 1 cup of vinegar mixed with 1 cup of hot water. Cover with a drain plug (if available), and let sit for 10 minutes before flushing with hot water again. This fizzing reaction helps dislodge debris and build-up.
2. Remove Lingering Odors
Whether it’s pets, children, or leftover food, our homes can hold on to unpleasant odors that are seemingly impossible to get rid of. Activated charcoal, white vinegar bowls, or simmering citrus peels and herbs on the stove can act as natural air fresheners. Don’t forget to deep clean soft surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and carpets, which absorb smells over time.
3. Get Rid Of Pests
Are ants, fleas, and other pests taking over your home? If so, try sprinkling diatomaceous earth in areas where you suspect pest activity. It’s a natural powder that’s safe for humans and pets but deadly for insects. Another trick: Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar to clean surfaces – ants hate vinegar, and it also erases scent trails they leave behind.
4. Freshen Up Your Floors
Are your hardwood floors covered in scuffs, scratches, and other marks? Use a tennis ball to rub away scuffs. For deeper scratches, combine ¾ cup of olive oil with ¼ cup of vinegar and gently rub it into the wood with a soft cloth. Always sweep and vacuum before mopping to avoid scratches from debris.
5. Grandma Knows Best
When it comes to housekeeping and cleaning, grandma sure knows best. Some timeless hacks passed down include using lemon and salt to clean copper pans, newspaper to get streak-free glass, and boiling vinegar in the microwave to loosen grime and freshen the appliance. Sometimes the old ways really are the best ways!
Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
6. Microwave Deep Clean
Place a bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar and microwave on high for 3–5 minutes. The steam will loosen grime, making it easier to wipe down. Add a few slices of lemon for a fresh scent.
7. Oven Cleaning Without Chemicals
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over grimy oven surfaces and leave it overnight. The next day, spray vinegar to activate the fizz and wipe clean. This method is effective without using toxic oven cleaners.
8. De-Grease Cabinets
Mix two parts baking soda with one part vegetable oil. Scrub greasy kitchen cabinets with a toothbrush or sponge – you’ll be amazed how it cuts through buildup, especially above the stove.
Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
9. Toilet Bowl Freshener Bombs
Make your own toilet bombs by mixing 1 cup baking soda, ¼ cup citric acid, and a few drops of essential oil. Pack the mixture into molds and let dry. Drop one into the bowl for a fizzy clean.
10. No-Scrub Shower Cleaner
Mix equal parts white vinegar and Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray on shower walls and doors, let sit for 30 minutes, and rinse. It melts away soap scum and mildew with minimal effort.
11. Mirror Magic
For streak-free mirrors, mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with newspaper or a microfiber cloth. It removes buildup and leaves a crystal-clear finish.
Living Room Cleaning Hacks
12. Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water. Dab with a cloth (never rub!) and blot with a clean towel. Test on a small area first to ensure colorfastness.
13. Ceiling Fan Dusting
Slip an old pillowcase over each fan blade and pull back slowly, trapping dust inside. This prevents dust from falling onto the floor or furniture.
14. TV and Screen Cleaning
Use a dry microfiber cloth for electronics. If extra cleaning is needed, dampen the cloth slightly with a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. Never spray directly on screens.
Bedroom Cleaning Hacks
15. Mattress Refresher
Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum it up. Add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the baking soda beforehand for a soothing scent.
16. Dust-Proof Blinds
Wipe blinds with a mixture of water and fabric softener – it repels dust and makes future cleaning easier. Use tongs wrapped in microfiber cloths for a quick cleaning tool.
17. Under-the-Bed Dust Trap
Store items in sealed plastic bins to avoid dust collecting under the bed. Use a flat mop or vacuum attachment regularly to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Laundry Room Hacks
18. Washing Machine Cleaner
Run an empty cycle on hot with 2 cups of white vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda to clean out residue and eliminate odors.
19. Dryer Lint Hack
Use a vacuum hose or a flexible dryer vent brush to remove lint from inside the lint trap housing. This improves efficiency and reduces fire risk.
20. Detergent Spill Clean-Up
If you spill liquid detergent, sprinkle salt over the area to absorb it. Then wipe with a damp cloth. It cuts the slipperiness and makes clean-up much easier.
Window & Glass Surface Hacks
21. Cloudy Glass Cleaner
Soak cloudy glasses in white vinegar for 10 minutes, then scrub with baking soda and rinse. This removes hard water stains and restores clarity.
22. Window Track Gunk
Sprinkle baking soda into window tracks, spray with vinegar, and scrub with an old toothbrush. Use a paper towel to wipe away sludge.
23. Blinds and Shades
Use a sock over your hand dipped in vinegar water to swipe each blind slat. It’s quick, effective, and surprisingly satisfying.
Entryway & Mudroom Hacks
24. Deodorize Shoes
Place baking soda in socks or small cloth bags and insert into shoes overnight. This eliminates odors and absorbs moisture.
25. Organize & Clean Entry Mats
Vacuum rugs regularly and shake them outside. Wash rubber-backed mats with a hose and let them dry in the sun to prevent mildew.
General Cleaning Tips for All Surfaces
26. Magic Erasers Are Your Friend
These little pads can clean walls, baseboards, switches, sneakers, and more. Be gentle, as they are slightly abrasive and may damage some finishes.
27. Label Homemade Cleaners
Always label spray bottles when using homemade solutions. Include the ingredients and date made to ensure safety and effectiveness.
28. Speed-Cleaning Routine
Set a timer for 15–20 minutes daily. Tackle one room or task at a time. Over the week, this method keeps your home clean without overwhelming yourself.
Conclusion: Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With these tried-and-true hacks for every room and surface, you can tackle even the toughest messes using simple ingredients and smart strategies. By incorporating just a few of these into your routine, your home will feel fresher, healthier, and more organized — without hours of effort or piles of products.
So next time you’re faced with a stubborn stain, a grimy microwave, or a lingering odor, remember: the smartest solution might already be in your pantry.
