What Cleaning Hacks Are Worth Trying?

Cleaning may sometimes seem overwhelming, but with a few clever hacks, including tips from platforms like TikTok, you can transform it into a quicker and more efficient process.

Consider these popular cleaning hacks that are effective and easy to implement. From using vinegar to tackle tough stains to employing baking soda to neutralize stubborn odors, these tips will help you manage household messes effortlessly. Products like Fabuloso and Comet can change your cleaning routine.

Keep in mind that not every hack works; some may waste your time!

Get ready to supercharge your cleaning routine today!

What Are Some Popular Cleaning Hacks Worth Trying?

Maintaining a pristine home becomes easier when you leverage popular cleaning hacks, boosting your efficiency in everyday chores. Imagine discovering innovative solutions for stubborn stains on your clothes or ingenious methods for cleaning windows, floors, and even shower tiles these hacks have gained traction on platforms like BuzzFeed Community and TikTok.

Influencers like Susan from California and Yesenia from Florida, along with insights from CleanMama.net, inspire you to rethink your approach to home cleaning. These techniques save you time and effort and use common household products, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

1. Use Vinegar for Cleaning

Vinegar is your go-to cleaning agent, a multitasker that tackles stains and odors across multiple surfaces in your home, from windows to floors and even dishes.

It makes your windows gleam without harsh chemicals found in many cleaners; vinegar also provides an eco-friendly solution for stubborn grime on your floors. Its natural acidity breaks down dirt and grease, so you can mop confidently, knowing it won t leave behind any residue.

In laundry, vinegar shines as an excellent alternative to fabric softeners, effectively eliminating odors and leaving your clothes smelling wonderfully fresh. Unlike synthetic products from brands like Procter & Gamble, vinegar is gentle on the environment and safe for various materials, making it an intelligent choice for homeowners who value sustainability.

2. Use Lemon and Salt for Cleaning Cutting Boards

Using lemon and salt is a simple method for cleaning cutting boards, effectively removing stains and unpleasant odors. This natural solution harnesses the antibacterial properties of both ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a hygienic kitchen.

The acidic nature of lemon juice breaks down food particles and grime, while the coarse texture of salt serves as a gentle abrasive, scrubbing away stubborn stains. To use this technique, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the exposed flesh, and rub it across your cutting board’s surface. This method is recommended by experts from the American Cleaning Institute.

Not only does this sanitize the board, but it also leaves a refreshing scent, ensuring your food preparation areas are clean and inviting.

3. Use Baking Soda for Removing Odors

Baking soda is not just for baking; it s a strong cleaning agent that eliminates odors from carpets and fridges. Sprinkle it on carpets to absorb pet smells instead of just masking them.

Its versatility shines in laundry, boosting the cleaning power of your detergents while also neutralizing stubborn smells that cling to your clothes, leaving them fresh and revitalized.

In your refrigerator, baking soda truly excels. It combats food odors and keeps your space pleasantly fragrant. For even better results, combine it with vinegar or lemon juice; this duo enhances its stain-fighting and deodorizing powers while keeping things eco-friendly.

4. Use Toothpaste for Removing Stains

Toothpaste is a surprisingly effective solution for tough stains on various surfaces. Whether it s ink or crayon marks, this everyday bathroom staple can help!

To harness toothpaste’s full potential, choose a regular toothpaste, as these often contain mildly abrasive agents that work wonders on stains. This method has been highlighted in articles from publications like GQ and Cosmopolitan.

1. Start by gently dabbing a small amount of toothpaste directly onto the stain, ensuring full coverage for optimal effect.
2. Next, take a soft cloth or an old toothbrush and work the toothpaste into the stain using circular motions for about 30 seconds.
3. Rinse the area with warm water, then blot it dry with a clean towel.
4. If any persistent stains remain, simply repeat the process until they fade away, enjoying the satisfaction of seeing your surfaces restored to their former glory.

5. Use Dryer Sheets for Cleaning Baseboards

You can easily repurpose dryer sheets to clean your baseboards, reducing dust while infusing a fresh scent into your home. These handy sheets have remarkable dust-attracting properties, making them perfect for tackling stubborn dust in hard-to-reach areas.

When it s time to wipe down your baseboards, take a used dryer sheet and glide it along the surface; this technique traps dust and dirt like a magnet. The same method works wonders for your blinds, whether they re fabric or plastic. Just run a dryer sheet across each slat to eliminate dust and leave behind a delightful fragrance, ensuring your entire living space feels clean and inviting.

6. Use Coffee Filters for Dusting

Coffee filters can be an exceptional tool for dusting surfaces, including your electronic screens and furniture.

Unlike traditional dust cloths, coffee filters are crafted from a lint-free material that eliminates the worry of leaving behind tiny fibers or streaks. This feature makes them particularly valuable for delicate surfaces like glass or shiny electronics, where a pristine finish is essential.

Their lightweight design allows easy maneuvering into tight corners and crevices that bulkier options struggle to reach. The absorbent quality of coffee filters enables them to effectively trap dust and dirt particles, transforming them into an efficient method for maintaining a clean and polished environment.

7. Use Alka-Seltzer for Cleaning Toilets

Alka-Seltzer tablets might just become your secret weapon for cleaning toilets and tackling pesky mineral buildup.

Drop two tablets into the toilet bowl. The delightful fizzing action breaks down tough stains and deposits, leaving your toilet sparkling clean. As they dissolve and fizz, they unleash a potent blend of citric acid and bicarbonate, a common ingredient that helps fight odors, going to battle against stubborn stains.

Let the fizzing work its magic for about 15 to 20 minutes. When the time is up, grab a toilet brush and give the bowl a good scrub to lift any remaining grime. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away the residue and unveil a noticeably cleaner surface.

What Are Some Cleaning Hacks That Are Not Worth Trying?

While numerous cleaning hacks promise quick and effortless solutions, some methods may not be as effective or safe as they claim. These could end up causing more harm than good to your home maintenance routine.

For example, relying on non-standard cleaning items like ketchup for cleaning copper or newspaper for achieving streak-free windows often results in disappointing outcomes. Rather than saving you time, these approaches may waste valuable resources or even damage your surfaces. Experts from the New York Times and the American Cleaning Institute have highlighted these pitfalls.

In your quest for a spotless home, it s important to tread carefully.

1. Using Newspaper to Clean Windows

Using newspaper to clean windows might seem like a classic hack promising a streak-free finish, but it often falls short. Experts from NASA and Barnard College have tested and found that microfiber cloths made of tiny fibers that trap dust and dirt are a much better alternative.

This method frequently leads to disappointing results, as ink residue may linger on the glass, obscuring rather than enhancing clarity. Moreover, the paper s rough texture may scratch delicate surfaces, causing damage.

Instead of sticking with this outdated technique, switch to microfiber cloths paired with appropriate cleaning solutions like Fabuloso or ZEP. These are specifically designed to lift grime without harming the glass. Another excellent alternative is a squeegee, which efficiently clears moisture without risking streaks or scratches.

2. Using Ketchup to Clean Copper (As Recommended by BuzzFeed Community)

Cleaning copper with ketchup might sound like a fun hack, as the acidity of tomatoes is believed to banish tarnish. However, this method often leaves much to be desired. Jolie Kerr, a cleaning expert from the New York Times, agrees that this approach is far from ideal.

While this unconventional method may catch your eye, it tends to create a mess. The sticky substance can be challenging to rinse away completely, often leaving a residue that clings to the surface. When it comes to heavy tarnish, ketchup usually falls short, leaving you frustrated with the lackluster results. Cleaning experts from CleanMama.net also advise against this method.

If you re looking for a truly effective solution, consider investing in specific copper cleaners designed for this purpose. These products cut through oxidation and restore your copper to its original brilliance without the hassle of everyday kitchen items. Comet is a popular copper cleaner that many recommend.

3. Using Mayonnaise to Clean Water Rings (A Tip from Susan in California)

You might have heard that mayonnaise can work wonders for removing water rings from wood furniture. However, this hack often brings more hassle than help.

Though it appears to be a quick fix, the greasy residue left behind can create more problems than it resolves. The ingredients in mayonnaise could potentially damage the wood’s finish, leading to discoloration or even peeling.

Instead of relying on this unconventional method, consider more effective solutions for stubborn water rings. For instance, gently rubbing a mixture of baking soda and water can help lift the marks without harming the wood. This method has been praised by the American Cleaning Institute.

Alternatively, you could use a small amount of olive oil mixed with vinegar. This not only tackles the ring but also nourishes the wood, leaving it looking polished and revitalized.

4. Using Toothpaste to Clean Silver (As Seen on TikTok)

Many people might suggest using toothpaste to clean silver, convinced that its slight roughness will bring back the shine. However, this method can lead to scratches and dullness that you definitely want to avoid.

This misconception arises from the belief that anything with mild roughness can effectively polish tarnished surfaces. In truth, the gritty texture of toothpaste can damage the delicate finish of silver, leaving behind tiny scratches that ultimately detract from its beauty.

When seeking safer and more effective cleaning methods, consider using a dedicated silver polish or a simple mixture of baking soda and water. These alternatives will gently lift tarnish without harming the metal, ensuring your cherished silver pieces maintain their luster for years to come.

5. Using Coca-Cola to Clean Toilets (A Hack Shared by Yesenia from Florida)

Using Coca-Cola to clean toilets might sound like a clever hack, but it s really just an urban myth. While some might believe this beverage can dissolve stains, the reality is that it often falls flat and creates a bit of a mess.

The high acidity that many attribute to its supposed cleaning power simply isn t sufficient to tackle stubborn stains and mineral buildups found in toilet bowls. Plus, the sticky residue it leaves can complicate your cleaning efforts, resulting in a less-than-satisfactory outcome.

Instead of relying on these sugary drinks, grab reliable cleaning solutions like specialized toilet cleaners from Procter & Gamble or common household items like baking soda and vinegar. These alternatives not only excel at removing stains but also disinfect surfaces, contributing to a cleaner and more hygienic bathroom environment.

6. Using Shaving Cream to Clean Carpets (A Suggestion by GQ)

Shaving cream may sometimes be presented as a carpet cleaning miracle, but this approach can leave you with unsightly bubbles and sticky residues that complicate your cleanup efforts. While it might seem like an easy fix for minor stains, relying on shaving cream can attract dirt over time, leading to more significant cleaning challenges.

Cosmopolitan advises against this method as well. Instead of depending on this home remedy, opt for specialized carpet cleaning products that effectively address stains without the drawbacks associated with shaving cream.

Consider reputable brands like Bissell or Resolve, which offer solutions designed to penetrate deeply into carpet fibers. These products ensure your carpets not only look pristine but also remain in excellent condition for years to come. For daily maintenance, a Roomba equipped with a HEPA filter can help keep your carpets clean.

7. Using Olive Oil to Dust Furniture (A Technique Discussed in Town & Country)

While olive oil may be a natural product, using it to dust your furniture can lead to a greasy finish that ironically attracts even more dust over time. Nasa studies have shown that certain oils can attract particles.

This creates a frustrating cycle where you’ll find yourself cleaning more often just to manage the sticky residue it leaves behind, making the maintenance of your beautiful furniture a cumbersome task.

Instead of relying on oil-based dusting methods, consider microfiber cloths, which effectively trap and lift dust without any pesky residues. Alternatively, a simple mixture of water and a few drops of mild dish soap can offer a safe and effective cleaning solution, protecting your surfaces from buildup. For those looking to streamline their cleaning routines, implementing organization strategies and establishing a weekly cleaning schedule can be very beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cleaning Hacks Are Worth Trying?

There are countless cleaning hacks out there, but not all of them are worth your time and effort. Here are six cleaning hacks that are definitely worth trying:

1. What is the best hack for removing stubborn stains?

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is the best hack for removing stubborn stains. Make a paste with equal parts of both ingredients and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.

Cleaning experts at Barnard College swear by this method!

2. How can I make my carpets smell fresh without using chemicals?

One effective way to freshen up your carpets without using chemicals is by sprinkling baking soda all over the carpet. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. The baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh.

For best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter!

3. What is a natural way to clean my microwave?

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it up in the microwave for five minutes. The steam from the mixture loosens any stuck-on food, making it easier to wipe off with a cloth.

This hack was featured in an article by GQ.

4. How can I clean my showerhead without scrubbing?

Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it over your showerhead with a rubber band. Let it sit overnight, then remove the bag and turn on the water to rinse away any mineral buildup.

No scrubbing required! Cleaning pros in Cosmopolitan rave about this method!

5. What is the best way to remove pet hair from furniture?

One great hack for removing pet hair from furniture is by using a squeegee. Simply run the squeegee over the surface of the furniture. The rubber helps lift and collect the pet hair.

You can also use a damp rubber glove for this method. This tip is particularly popular on TikTok!

6. What is the most efficient way to clean my oven?

Ditch harsh chemicals and save time! Try this simple hack to clean your oven: Sprinkle baking soda all over the inside of your oven, then spray it with vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours before wiping clean.

Your oven will be sparkling without much effort! This hack has been shared widely by the BuzzFeed Community and endorsed by the American Cleaning Institute.