Source: My Dust Cleaning Services / Surface Masters
Let’s be honest: cleaning isn’t fun for most of us. It’s often tedious, time-consuming, and sometimes even physically exhausting. Still, having a clean and healthy home is essential for our daily well-being. Thankfully, there are many simple, affordable, and effective tricks that make cleaning faster, easier, and—dare we say—more satisfying.
Here are 14 cleaning tips you absolutely need to know to keep your home tidy without spending your entire weekend on chores!
1. Clean Stainless Steel Without Expensive Products
Source: The Prudent Pantry / Posed Perfection
No need to invest in pricey stainless steel cleaners to make your appliances shine. A natural and incredibly effective solution is to dab a microfiber cloth with a bit of olive oil. Gently wipe the surface: not only will it remove fingerprints, but it will also restore the shine and leave a protective layer.
2. Easily Descale a Kettle
Source: Facebook / Pastels and Macarons
Is your kettle full of limescale? Fill it with distilled white vinegar and bring it to a boil. The vinegar’s acidity will dissolve mineral deposits. If your kettle is heavily scaled, don’t hesitate to repeat the process. Then, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual smell. A simple, natural, and budget-friendly method.
3. Deodorize Upholstered Furniture
Source: FabHow
Couches, armchairs, and other fabric-covered furniture tend to absorb odors (from pets, food, smoke…). To deodorize them, generously sprinkle baking soda over the fabric. Let it sit for several hours—or overnight—then vacuum thoroughly. Baking soda neutralizes unpleasant odors and refreshes your furniture without damaging the material.
4. Shine Chrome Faucets
Source: The Happier Homemaker
Hard water deposits can dull the look of chrome faucets. A simple trick is to rub them with a piece of wax paper (parchment paper). This will remove spots and leave a light coating that helps repel water for a while.
5. Rescue a Burnt Pan
Source: The Simple Parent
Forgot a pan on the stove? Don’t panic. Sprinkle some baking soda on the burnt surface, add white vinegar to create a fizzing reaction, and let sit for about 15 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse. The burnt residue will lift more easily, and your cookware will look refreshed.
6. Disinfect Wooden Cutting Boards
Source: Integrity Botanicals / Apartment Therapy
Wooden cutting boards can harbor bacteria, especially after cutting meat or fish. For a natural disinfecting clean, sprinkle coarse salt over the board and rub it using the fleshy side of a halved lemon. The salt scrubs gently, while the lemon disinfects and removes odors. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
7. Clean and Deodorize the Microwave
Source: Not Just GreenFingers
Here’s a quick and chemical-free way to clean your microwave: fill a bowl with water and lemon slices, and microwave it for 3 to 5 minutes. The lemon-infused steam will loosen grime and neutralize odors. Just wipe down the interior with a damp cloth afterward.
8. Make a Porcelain Bathtub Shine
Source: Yelp / BTI Cleaning Services
To clean a porcelain tub that’s dull or stained, sprinkle baking soda all over the surface and pour white vinegar on top. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let the fizzing action work. Then scrub with a soft brush and rinse with warm water. The result? A sparkling, fresh tub.
9. Clean Up Nail Polish Spills
Source: In This Crazy Life
Spilled nail polish? Quickly pour sugar over the wet polish. The sugar will clump it up, making it easy to sweep away. This trick works best on hard surfaces and helps avoid staining.
10. Clean Glass Shower Doors
Source: My Dust Cleaning Services / Surface Masters
Shower glass is often marked by limescale. Mix white vinegar, lemon juice, and a bit of baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray onto the glass, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse well. Your glass doors will look crystal clear in no time.
11. Make Dishes Sparkle
Source: Mom 4 Real
To get sparkling clean glassware and dishes, place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher before running a cycle (without dishes). This acidic rinse removes soap scum and mineral build-up. Be careful not to pour vinegar into the rinse aid compartment, as it could damage seals and rubber parts.
12. Naturally Unclog a Drain
Source: Simply Home Tips
To unclog a sink drain without harsh chemicals, pour a mixture of coarse salt and baking soda down the drain, then add white vinegar. Let sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water. This combo breaks up grease and dissolves debris causing clogs.
13. Remove White Heat Stains From Wood
Source: Today’s Homeowner
White stains caused by hot dishes on wood tables can be treated with mayonnaise. Apply a generous layer on the affected area, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it overnight. In the morning, wipe it off with a damp cloth. The oil in the mayo rehydrates the wood, reducing or eliminating the stain.
14. Dust Blinds Quickly
Source: Today
Venetian blinds are notoriously hard to dust between each slat. An easy fix? Slip a clean old sock over your hand and use it to wipe each slat. You can lightly dampen the sock with a mix of water and vinegar for deeper cleaning. A small effort for a big difference.
In Conclusion
You don’t need a cupboard full of chemical cleaners to keep your home spotless. Most of the effective solutions are already in your pantry: white vinegar, lemon, baking soda, olive oil, salt… These natural ingredients work wonders for maintaining a clean, healthy, germ-free home.
By incorporating these 14 simple tips into your regular cleaning routine, you’ll save time, reduce your use of harsh products, and cut costs. So, are you ready to transform the way you clean?
