10 Smart Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work Wonders
Who DOESN'T want to spend less time cleaning? These tips and tricks will help you keep your home sparkling — from your bedding to your microwave! Image: iStock
In the past, we’ve highlighted hosting tips and organization hacks from smart social media creators. Today, we’re focused on tips and tricks that make it easier to maintain a clean home. From time-saving dusting techniques to natural cleaning solutions, you’re sure to find a few useful gems on this list.
Make exposed bulbs dust-repellant.
If you have light fixtures in your home with exposed bulbs, you’re probably sick and tired of dusting them. According to @thecleangroup, you can cut way back by using dryer sheets to dust. The sheets leave a fine film on the glass that helps to repel debris!
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Refresh your sofa in a hurry.
If your sofa needs a quick refresh, try this method touted by countless home influencers. Drench a cloth in the simple cleaning solution demonstrated here by @home.and.chaos, wring it out, wrap it around a saucepan lid, and go! You can use your makeshift couch cleaner to remove surface dirt and odors in minutes.
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Use lemons to clean your microwave naturally (and easily).
If you’re trying to cut back on chemical cleaners, you’re likely already aware that lemons and vinegar are powerhouse staples. But did you know you can use a lemon and a little water to quickly and easily clean out a dirty microwave? Check out this method from @thedishonhealthy.
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Another all-natural cleaning agent!
Tomato paste! Who knew?! Turns out, the acid in tomato paste makes it an excellent cleaning agent for metal cookware. This all-natural option is demonstrated here by @problemsolvedshow, a fun source for all kinds of life hacks.
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Remove stains from storage containers.
If you use plastic storage containers, you know those faint orange-y red stains well — the ones that tend to cling to Tupperware after storing tomato-based dishes like marina sauce, curry, or even chili and soups. This hack from @lynnmariejordan will fix you right up!
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Keep your white bedding white.
This tip from @rohina was echoed by multiple cleaning devotees on Instagram. It’s by no means an “all-natural” solution, but it doesn’t involve using bleach, which many folks prefer to avoid. It’s super simple, but be sure to note in Rohina’s caption that this is only recommended once every few weeks.
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Remove wrinkles from bedding.
Whether you’re making up guest beds in a hurry — or you simply live for a perfectly made bed any day of the week — this easy de-wrinkling method is a game changer. Demonstrated here by @aglassofbovino, you just fill a spray bottle with hot water, spritz evenly, and stretch the wrinkles out. (She adds lavender essential oil to hers!)
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Or, de-wrinkle an entire load of laundry.
Another great wrinkle hack! This one, courtesy of @twodaythreads, is ideal for forgotten loads of already-dried laundry with settled-in wrinkles or just a few wrinkly pieces you need to freshen up for the day.
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Make dusting ceiling fans a breeze.
Extendable dusters for high shelves and ceiling fans are easy to come by, but what makes this approach especially interesting is that, if used carefully, the pillow case can help catch any rogue dust! Perhaps not foolproof (depending on the height of your ceilings and the room’s configuration), but definitely interesting. Love the creativity here, @hey.im.rach.xo!
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And finally, a few car cleaning tips …
The algorithm works in mysterious ways. I stumbled upon the Instagram account for a car dealership in Tallmadge, OH, and man, the ladies at @serpentinichevyoftallmadge have some great tips. Beyond old reliables like using cans of compressed air for cleaning hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, they offer up this demonstration of using a massage gun to really shake the dirt loose as you vacuum!
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.