Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-island-2089698/
Cleaning your house from top to bottom can be a huge chore. It may even seem insurmountable at times, especially if things have built up and are now much bigger projects. Life gets busy so it’s entirely understandable that keeping your house clean slips on the list of priorities. It’s not a fun task and no one wants to spend a lot of time doing things they don’t like.
Thankfully there are some DIY tips and tricks to help keep your house clean that will really shake things up. You’ll be done cleaning and back to having fun before you even realize it’s over. From cleaning your carpet like the professionals to keeping your home organized, there are tips and tricks for all kinds of scenarios here. You’re sure to find something that will help.
1. Think Outside The Box
There are many products already in your home that can be used for more than one purpose. It’s time to get a little creative and see how quickly your cleaning goes from heavy duty to light maintenance after just a few times.
Give the wax paper a try when you’re cleaning your stainless steel or other metal finished faucets and sinks. First, you’ll want to make sure you clean your sinks and faucets as you normally would. Then take some wax paper and wipe the surfaces down. The wax will help resist water spots and other unsightly sink stains from building up again.
Wax paper isn’t the only option on the list for dual purpose items. Dryer sheets make great floor board dusters. You can wrap them around a microfiber dry mop, or just use your hands, but either way, your room will smell fresh and those floorboards will look amazing.
Don’t put away your dryer sheets just yet, there’s another use you probably never would’ve considered. If you have baking sheets or metal pans that have crusted on food, dryer sheets are the key to freedom. Let them soak in the sink with some dish soap and toss a dryer sheet in the water too. The food will slide right off after soaking for a few minutes.
While you’re in the mood to be a little more adventurous don’t forget about your coffee filters. Those are some valuable dusting options, especially for electronic screens like your TV or computer. Anything where a paper towel might leave frustrating residue behind, substitute your coffee filters instead. You’ll love how great your screens look.
2. Start Organized, Stay Organized
The best way to avoid spending a lot of your time cleaning is to just keep things clean as you go. Some of the best hacks are just about having some areas in your home where the organization is the main focus. Put a catch-all bin in a high traffic area, or a shoe organizer by the door.
The key with this is to keep things from getting out of hand by designating a place for even items that usually would just get tossed to the side. If you use a catch-all bin, set a time when you go through it once a week and put everything away. You’ll find that you feel more at ease when things (even if it’s clutter) are where they should be.
3. Lemons Are Multiuse Too
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sliced-of-citrus-lemons-997725/
You’re already thinking about what you can use for more than one thing so don’t forget about lemons while you’re at it. Almost every household at some point has a garbage disposal that needs a little TLC and freshening up. Lemons are the answer for an all natural but very effective way to do that. Squeeze the juice and let your disposal grind up those rinds while you’re at it.
You can also use lemons to clean your wooden cutting boards. If you’re especially fond of this type of cutting board you’ll know stains are a frustrating reality and they’re hard to get out. Lemons to the rescue once again. Sprinkle a little salt over the stain and rub it in with half a lemon. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes then rinse clean.
4. Baking Soda And Essential Oils For Your Carpet
You probably have scents you love to smell in your home. Using essential oils in your cleaning habits can help you keep your house smelling even better than you might’ve imagined. You can add essential oils to all kinds of DIY cleaning solutions but this tip is focused on cleaning your carpets.
Mix some baking soda and your favorite essential oil scents together and sprinkle it on your carpet. Vacuum it up and you have a room that smells like your favorite scent without any chemically harsh carpet fresheners. It takes almost no extra time and it will be a difference you’ll notice immediately after you’re done. Instant gratification with this trick!
Coincidentally you can also use baking soda to get out stubborn stains. Pour a mound of baking soda over the stain, and add some vinegar on top. Let the mixture soak in, then wipe it up and vacuum away any leftover residue. That’s two tricks with just one key ingredient.
5. Vinegar For A Better Shower
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-shower-head-switched-on-161502/
You aren’t done with the vinegar yet. If your shower head is clogged and you’ve tried everything out there you might think you’re just out of luck. That’s not true with this nifty little trick. Fill a plastic baggie with vinegar, and secure it around your shower head with a rubber band. Make sure the shower head is fully submerged in the vinegar.
This is a set it and forget it type of trick. Let the showerhead soak in the vinegar overnight. No need to scrub or worry about any extra steps here. This one is all about the soaking time. When you remove the plastic baggie you can test your shower and see how much better it’s working now.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what needs to be done when it comes to housekeeping. These tips and tricks should make your life a little easier. If you’re overwhelmed try picking your favorite tip from this list and starting there. Soon your surfaces will be shiny, your carpet spotless, and you’ll be able to move on to the better things in your life.
About The Author:
Gabe Nelson is a content specialist of over 7 years of experience, currently working for Msscleaning.com. Just out of high school he set off crab fishing on the Bering Sea in Alaska. From there he went back home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids enjoying the peaceful town of St. Joseph.
