Do you ever wish you could make the task of cleaning your home a little easier? If so, housekeeping hacks are the way to go. As you probably know, a “hack” is a little tip or trick that is often unexpected, and can help make your job at hand a little simpler. Take a look below at 7 housekeeping hacks that you can try, so the next time you need to do a quick clean you can get the job done faster and with less stress.
7 Housekeeping Hacks to Make Cleaning Easier
1. Use denture cleaner for a sparkling toilet.
Hate scrubbing the toilet? You aren’t alone! Drop a few denture tablets into the bowl and let them sit for the time indicated on the package. Then just flush and enjoy a sparkling clean toilet. The tabs work hard to dissolve stains and whiten the bowl.
2. Use dryer sheets to repel dust.
Everyone hates dusting, especially if they have allergies. Use dryer sheets as the cloth when you dust. They will not only remove the dust that is present but will help repel dust that wants to settle on hard surfaces in the future. They are especially helpful when used along base boards where dust tends to settle often.
3. Olive oil can make furniture shine.
A few drops of olive oil on a soft cloth is the perfect way to make furniture shine. Use it on your hard surfaces such as dining room tables, side tables, and other accent furniture pieces. You can even use it on leather to help condition it and make it shine, or swab some on plant leaves to make them rich and dust free.
4. Use lemons to clean the drain.
Cut up lemons into chunks and drop a few down the drain, then run the disposal for a few seconds. Lemon oil found in lemons not only cuts through grease and grime, but helps make the drain smell a whole lot better too.
5. Save those toothbrushes.
Never toss out old and used up toothbrushes. Instead save them, and make a paste of baking soda and water. Use the toothbrush and the paste to scrub grout and tiles that are in need of a good scrubbing. They do a great job when paired together.
6. Save those old socks.
Old socks placed over your hands can make great dusting tools. Just swipe them over your surfaces for a great clean. When done, just toss them in the wash and use them again and again. They are sure to save you some cash.
7. Keep vinegar on hand.
Vinegar makes a wonderful cleaner for when you are in a bind and don’t have any of your usual all-purpose cleaner on hand. It can be used to make glass shine, and can clean sinks, tiles, and floors as well. Don’t like the scent? Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Citrus oils will boost its cleaning power and make the mixture smell fantastic.
The next time you need to clean in a hurry, give these housekeeping hacks a try. They are sure to make the job a little bit easier, and maybe even a little fun. Good luck!
Do you have any tried and true housekeeping hacks that you can share in the comments?
7 Must Haves for Making Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Do you want to clean your home more naturally while saving money? Making your own cleaning supplies could be the perfect solution. When you start making your own cleaning supplies, you have full control over the ingredients you use, giving you a safer, more eco-friendly option while cutting costs at the same time.
If you're curious about making your own cleaning supplies but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find 7 must-have essentials for making your own cleaning supplies. With these simple items on hand, you’ll discover that creating your own effective, budget-friendly cleaners is easier than you think.
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is the perfect product for cleaning glass and hard surfaces such as countertops and sinks. You can use vinegar in a spray bottle undiluted for cleaning glass, or mix in a little baking soda to create a fizzy concoction perfect for scrubbing tile, grout lines, and sinks. White vinegar and even cider vinegar both work well, although white vinegar is often preferred due to the cost.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda adds a scrubbing effect to your cleaner, so it's perfect for using when scrubbing sinks, tiles, floors, or other areas that are especially built up with dirt and grime. You can make a baking soda paste out of baking soda and water, and use it especially on bathroom surfaces. (I like this recipe.) You can also sprinkle baking soda into the garbage disposal or onto carpet (be sure to vacuum after a few minutes) if it is especially stinky, since it will help absorb odors.
3. Lemons
Lemons are perfect for cleaning your home! They smell great and they can help cut through grease and grime like a champ. Cut a lemon in half and use the half directly on surfaces to scrub down sinks and faucets to a shine. You can also add lemon juice to your baking soda/water paste to give it a boost and make the space smell great. I also really like this Super Citrus cleaner. If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon oilworks great too.
4. Fels Naptha Soap
Fels Naptha is a bar soap from days gone by that is a staple in many homemade cleaners today. (Buncha Farmers is a good replacement in Canada.) You can shave or grate the bar into a fine powder and use it in your stain fighting mixtures and laundry detergent recipes. It works wonders at removing stains from fabric and can bring many clothing items and linens back to life.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil that pairs well with many homemade cleaning product recipes. It offers a wonderful scent that will leave your home smelling great, and can also be used for its aromatherapy purposes. Lavender also has antiseptic properties, so it can help kill germs in commonly used areas such as bathrooms.
6. Peppermint Oil
If pests are a problem in your home, add peppermint oil to your homemade cleaning products. A few drops can help keep moths, spiders, and mice away. When you finish your basic cleaning routine, you can even dab some of the peppermint oil onto a cotton ball or two and leave them in or around areas where pests tend to be a problem.
7. Assorted containers.
Head to your favorite store for spray bottles, glass jars with lids, and plenty of peel and stick labels. All of these will come in handy when making your own cleaning supplies. You also want to be sure you always label supplies so you know what they are and what ingredients are in them. Your dollar store should have everything you need!
See how simple making your own cleaning supplies can be? With just a few essentials, you can create effective, budget-friendly cleaners right at home. Keep this list of must-haves handy and discover just how rewarding making your own cleaning supplies can really be!
I’m Wondering: What has been the most thoughtful gift you’ve received over the years?
For me, I’d have to say it’s the recipe box that my aunt made with all my Grandma’s recipes after she passed away. So meaningful! See more details about the recipe box here.
I have a basket full of freebies. Shampoo, conditioner, lotions, you name it, I’ve probably got it! But, being someone who hates to have excess stuff around, I started wondering about what I could do with all these samples. So…
I’m wondering: What do you do with all your freebies?
Have you got something you’ve been wondering about that I could feature in a future I’m Wondering post? Submit your question to me here!
