5. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
To give your stainless steel appliances a brilliant shine, apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth. Use about a teaspoon of oil for a medium-sized appliance. Gently buff the surface of the stainless steel in the direction of the grain, which will help to remove smudges and fingerprints.
Once the surface is polished, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil. This method not only cleans but also adds a protective layer to the stainless steel, helping to repel future smudges.
6. Remove Carpet Stains with Shaving Cream
For a quick and easy way to remove carpet stains, reach for a can of shaving cream. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The shaving cream will work to lift the stain from the carpet fibers.
After the time has passed, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the shaving cream and stain. Rinse the area with a small amount of water and blot dry. This method works well for most types of stains and is a great alternative to commercial carpet cleaners.
7. Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Baseboards
Dryer sheets are not just for laundry; they can also be used to dust baseboards. Simply take a used dryer sheet and run it along the baseboards to pick up dust and dirt. The anti-static properties of the dryer sheet help to repel dust, keeping your baseboards cleaner for longer.
This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for a last-minute touch-up before guests arrive. Plus, it leaves a fresh scent behind, adding an extra layer of cleanliness to your home.
8. Clean Blinds with a Vinegar and Water Solution
To clean your blinds, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a clean sock or microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and then use it to wipe down each slat of the blinds. The vinegar will cut through dust and grime, leaving your blinds looking fresh and clean.
For stubborn spots, you can use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub away any buildup. This method is effective for both horizontal and vertical blinds and is a great way to keep them looking their best.
9. Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fans
Cleaning ceiling fans can be a messy task, but using a pillowcase can help contain the dust. Slide an old pillowcase over each blade of the fan, then gently pull it back, trapping the dust inside the pillowcase.
After removing the dust, use a damp cloth to wipe down the blades for a thorough clean. This method not only makes cleaning easier but also prevents dust from falling onto your furniture and floors.
10. Freshen Up Your Mattress with Baking Soda
To freshen up your mattress, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Use about one cup for a queen-sized mattress. Let the baking soda sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper clean.
The baking soda will absorb odors and moisture, leaving your mattress smelling fresh. After the time has passed, vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the baking soda. This method is a simple and effective way to keep your mattress clean and fresh between deep cleanings.
11. Use Newspaper for Streak-Free Windows
For streak-free windows, try using newspaper instead of paper towels. Spray your windows with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then use a crumpled piece of newspaper to wipe them clean. The newspaper will not leave lint behind and will result in a clear, streak-free finish.
This method is not only effective but also a great way to recycle old newspapers. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional window cleaning methods and leaves your windows sparkling clean.
5. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
To give your stainless steel appliances a brilliant shine, apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth. Use about a teaspoon of oil for a medium-sized appliance. Gently buff the surface of the stainless steel in the direction of the grain, which will help to remove smudges and fingerprints.
Once the surface is polished, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil. This method not only cleans but also adds a protective layer to the stainless steel, helping to repel future smudges.
6. Remove Carpet Stains with Shaving Cream
For a quick and easy way to remove carpet stains, reach for a can of shaving cream. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The shaving cream will work to lift the stain from the carpet fibers.
After the time has passed, blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the shaving cream and stain. Rinse the area with a small amount of water and blot dry. This method works well for most types of stains and is a great alternative to commercial carpet cleaners.
7. Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Baseboards
Dryer sheets are not just for laundry; they can also be used to dust baseboards. Simply take a used dryer sheet and run it along the baseboards to pick up dust and dirt. The anti-static properties of the dryer sheet help to repel dust, keeping your baseboards cleaner for longer.
This method is quick and easy, making it perfect for a last-minute touch-up before guests arrive. Plus, it leaves a fresh scent behind, adding an extra layer of cleanliness to your home.
8. Clean Blinds with a Vinegar and Water Solution
To clean your blinds, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a clean sock or microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and then use it to wipe down each slat of the blinds. The vinegar will cut through dust and grime, leaving your blinds looking fresh and clean.
For stubborn spots, you can use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub away any buildup. This method is effective for both horizontal and vertical blinds and is a great way to keep them looking their best.
9. Use a Pillowcase to Clean Ceiling Fans
Cleaning ceiling fans can be a messy task, but using a pillowcase can help contain the dust. Slide an old pillowcase over each blade of the fan, then gently pull it back, trapping the dust inside the pillowcase.
After removing the dust, use a damp cloth to wipe down the blades for a thorough clean. This method not only makes cleaning easier but also prevents dust from falling onto your furniture and floors.
10. Freshen Up Your Mattress with Baking Soda
To freshen up your mattress, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Use about one cup for a queen-sized mattress. Let the baking soda sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper clean.
The baking soda will absorb odors and moisture, leaving your mattress smelling fresh. After the time has passed, vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the baking soda. This method is a simple and effective way to keep your mattress clean and fresh between deep cleanings.
11. Use Newspaper for Streak-Free Windows
For streak-free windows, try using newspaper instead of paper towels. Spray your windows with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then use a crumpled piece of newspaper to wipe them clean. The newspaper will not leave lint behind and will result in a clear, streak-free finish.
This method is not only effective but also a great way to recycle old newspapers. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional window cleaning methods and leaves your windows sparkling clean.
