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Let’s face it, hardly anyone enjoys cleaning. We are all busy and we are all looking for ways to cut corners without it looking like we cut corners. I don’t know about you, but finding even an hour a week to clean the main level of our house is tough for me! Time-saving tips and tricks are one way I am able to stay on top of things around here.
Here are 10 hacks to get your house looking great with minimal effort.
Don’t throw away that lemon!
Have a leftover piece of fresh lemon? Don’t throw it away yet. Instead, rub it on your shower fixtures to remove hard water stains and your faucet will look sparkling clean and brand new.
Wait! Still don’t throw away that lemon!
Use it to clean your microwave next. Using a 1 cup glass measuring cup filled with water, squeeze the remaining lemon juice into the water and add the lemon rinds. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, getting a good boil going to create steam. Lemon is a natural cleaning agent, so let the steamy lemon water do the work. Wipe the sides and top with a paper towel and your microwave will be gunk-free.
Dish wands- not just for dishes.
Keep an extra dish wand in your bathtub to give the tile, grout and caulk lines a quick scrub while you’re in the shower. This easy cleaning trick will keep your bathtub and shower area mildew free. Use a mixture of 3 parts vinegar and 1 part Dawn for a non-toxic and bare skin friendly cleaning solution.
Hot weather = Stinky kids.
Don’t Febreeze your kids- instead, tape dryer sheets to their vents and let the AC do the work. If you don’t have central air, tape them to their window unit or even to a box fan. Their room will smell better with dryer sheets, but they will actually need to hit the showers.
Lint Rollers- not just for clothing.
Dusty lampshades? Give them a quick roll with a lint roller to remove dust and not damage the shade.
Moldy bathtub caulk?
Use liquid gel toilet bowl cleaner with bleach. Squirt it along the caulk line and let it sit. After an hour or so, give it a quick scrub with a toothbrush and rinse. No more mold!
Sick kids = Grimy Gross Toys.
Throw nasty plastic kids toys (like figures, LEGOs, toddler toys) right in the dishwasher to disinfect them. No point spreading more germs around the house with a trail of dirty toys.
Handheld showerhead.
Clean your shower in seconds flat by replacing your stationary showerhead with a handheld version. Make sure to get one with a long hose to reach the back wall of the bathtub/shower surround. I have these in all of our bathrooms because they save so much time!
Stinky sofas.
If your sofa is smelling like teen spirit or a lazy dog, sprinkle it with baking soda. Let sit for a bit and then vacuum. The odors will be gone. (Need a new vacuum? I absolutely LOVE the Kenmore Canister Vac. I have two (one at each house) and will never go back to an upright. These clean all floor types like a dream!)
Dark streaks on white dishes.
If you have white dishes, you know that silverware leaves dark grey-black streaks on them, and those streaks don’t come off in the dishwasher or when washed by hand. Never fear, sprinkle them with Bar Keeper’s Friend and scrub with the scrubby side of a sponge. The streaks will come right off and your dishes will look brand new.
Bonus Hack for the Truly Lazy.
No time to clean? My personal favorite: Leave the vacuum out in a very conspicuous area and say, ” I was JUST about to vacuum!” <grin>
Now go take a nap since you’ve saved so much time otherwise spent cleaning.
Looks Like Happy’s Favorite Cleaning Supplies
Kenmore Canister Vacuum I LOVE canister vacuums. They are so much more versatile than uprights and the Kenmore’s are capable of handling kid dirt and dog fur. I love that the big head is for carpeting and area rugs, and that it pops off and there is another head for wood flooring & tile. The cords are super long, and they are easy to use on stairs. You can get into every corner and crevice, and easily reach under sofas, chairs, beds and media consoles. The hose/wand extension is perfect for window sills and ceiling fan blades.
Cleaning caddies are perfect for keeping all of your cleaning supplies in easy reach & accessible. Mine holds cleaning solutions, a sponge, rag and toothbrush, and feather duster. I love a feather duster for a quick breeze through the main level if unexpected guests decide to come over.
The Libman Wonder Mop is awesome. For one, it does a fantastic job picking up dirt and dust. But the best part is that the head pops off and can be thrown in the washing machine. That way the next time you clean you’re actually cleaning, and not spreading nasty bathroom germs all over your kitchen. <gag>
Related:
6 Surprising Things You Can Do on Sunday to Have a Better Week
Clever Decluttering Solutions to Whip Your House Into Shape
Happy lazy days,
Allison
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