Doing home cleaning can be quite the chore with all the elbow grease from scrubbing, cleaning, and polishing. There are so many areas at home that need to be cleaned often, and you’re just one person trying to accomplish as much as you can in 24 hours!
We’ve scoured the internet for some common cleaning hacks that actually work, to make cleaning so much easier. And who knows, you might even enjoy doing the cleaning around the house with the help of these simple cleaning hacks!
Old toothbrushes make great soft scrubbers.
When your toothbrush seems like it’s at the end of its life, don’t throw it out! Instead, sanitize your old toothbrush with some rubbing alcohol, bleach, or disinfectant solution, and use it as a soft brush scrubber to clean out stoves, grout, and other hard-to-reach areas. The soft bristles scrub away grime without scratching the surface.
Vinegar and Baking soda is a power duo.
Our old science class in school has taught us about the interesting reaction between vinegar and baking soda, but none of our science teachers taught us that it’s the best power cleaning duo that can remove almost any stain from almost every surface.
Mold, oil, and mineral stains don’t stand a chance against a cleaning solution made with these two ingredients! Vinegar is known for its acidic properties that break down mineral deposits and get rid of oil streaks. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that also acts as a mold remover. Together, they form a powerful solution that can clean any grime off.
Hydrogen peroxide is a safer bleach.
Bleach has been known to cause burns on the skin, lung irritation, and is poisonous when ingested. As such, many homeowners may be intimidated by using bleach around their homes. The safer alternative is hydrogen peroxide, as this solution whitens fabrics but is safe in short contact with skin, has no odor, and does not pose an immediate danger when ingested in small amounts.
Steam cleaning – a safe alternative to chemical disinfectants.
With the rise of steam mops and steam cleaners on the market, you’ve probably wondered if they are actually worthwhile investments to keep in your home. Steam cleaning is a safe alternative to disinfectants like alcohol and chemicals, and the heat from the steam lifts dirt from its hiding place. It’s a two-in-one solution and makes cleaning easier.
Baby shampoo and coconut oil remove makeup stains!
A mixture of baby shampoo, coconut oil, and clean water is typically used as a DIY or homemade makeup remover, but did you know that the same solution can be used to remove makeup stains on fabrics and surfaces? Coconut oil breaks down makeup without leaving a stain, while baby shampoo ensures that the water and the oil can properly integrate.
Make-up stains on hard surfaces can be wiped away with a mixture of baby shampoo, coconut oil, and water. On fabrics, however, the same solution may be applied but with firmer scrubbing as the oils in the makeup tend to cling onto the fibers of the fabric. You may need to use a stronger detergent if the stain won’t come out.
Olive oil is a safe wood and metal polish.
Wood buffers and metal polishes typically have an unpleasant smell which is harmful for the lungs and respiratory system. They are also quite expensive for such tiny bottles and used for only one purpose. Instead, grab a few drops of olive oil from your pantry, and use the oil to buff out wood scratches, and bring the shine back to metal or chrome fixtures.
Ice and Hot water clean garbage disposals.
You’ve probably heard of this hack on popular social media channels like Facebook and TikTok, but is there any truth to the hack? The short answer is yes! Placing ice into your garbage disposal makes the blades work harder to crush the ice, while the friction loosens up any grime that attached itself to the garbage disposal. The hot water rinses off any remaining dirt.
An iron lifts up dents in wood and carpet.
Other uses for an iron other than removing wrinkles from clothes? Did you know that your clothes iron can lift up dents from wooden flooring and carpets left from decades of pressure from heavy furniture? Simply wet the dented area, apply a towel on top, and place the iron over until the dent is lifted. Only natural fibers and unvarnished wood can benefit from this hack.
Vinegar and lemons clean microwaves fast and easy!
The proper usage of a microwave oven is to have a loose lid on top of the container of food to prevent splatters, but in the event that your microwave is covered in food spills that have dried and crusted, vinegar and lemons will do the trick!
Microwave vinegar and lemon juice diluted in a cup of water on high for 2 minutes. Remove the solution carefully, as the liquid may be boiling hot. Apply salt on the leftover rind of the juiced lemon and use that as a scrubber. You should notice that the food scum comes out easily, and just wipe the microwave clean afterward with a damp cloth.
Professional cleaning services can be achieved at home.
Cleaning duties still look daunting? Leave it to the professionals! Professional cleaning services sound like they would burn a hole in your wallet, but they don’t have to be expensive! Scout for proper cleaning services that will bring you the best value for your money, as well as keeping their services cost-effective and client-friendly.
Most cleaning companies offer special packages that may drive down the cost of the services when you avail of promotions or scheduled cleaning services. However, the costs of cleaning services are worth every penny, as these experienced professionals can do a deeper clean of your home, and are equipped with the proper tools and cleaning equipment.
In Singapore, Luce Home offers cleaning services that range from one-time general cleaning, to full and part-time maid services. They also offer deep cleaning and disinfection services. You can view their full list of services on their website linked here: https://www.lucehome.sg/