15 Last-Minute Cleaning Tips
The holidays are HECTIC! Whether its traveling, cooking, cleaning and special events, it sometimes feel like there is never enough time to get everything done exactly how you want to. So, I decided that it might be good to share some quick and easy last-minute cleaning tips that will lighten your schedule and freshen up your home.
1. Dryer Sheets
Even after they've been used, dryer sheets can work magic around your house!
Here are some great uses:
Buff water spots from mirrors, bathroom/kitchen fixtures and shower doors
Remove the ring inside the toilet
Wipe baseboards clean
2. Easy way to clean the microwave
Microwaves can get pretty messy, but there's an easy way to make it shine again.
Put equal amounts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl (along with a small wooden object, like a toothpick, to prevent boiling or other dangers).
Then set it on high for 5 to 10 minutes.
Wait a couple minutes to let it cool, then when you open it up, all you have to do is wipe down the inside of the microwave with a sponge or paper towel.
Clean microwave without the hassle of expensive (and often non-effective) cleaners.
You can also add lemon to the mixture for a fresh, clean scent!
3. Clean your sponge
Sponges can pick up a lot of bacteria, especially if they're left in the sink. So you want to make sure you clean it frequently.
Put the sponge in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove any bacteria.
Just wait a minute or two before pulling out since it'll still be hot.
You can also put your sponge in the dishwasher to get it nice and clean again.
4. Baseboards
If it's been a while, use a broom or dry rag to sweep off the dust, and then vacuum the area.
Use a wet cloth or sock to remove any remaining dust or dirt.
To clean the baseboards, all you need is a sponge (or soft toothbrush) and a bucket of water with a small amount of dish detergent.
Once you've done the washing part, then use a damp rag to remove any leftover soap residue.
5. Air vents
If you haven't checked in a while, your air vents are probably pretty dirty and dusty.
Not only does that send dust into the room, but it also blocks the air from getting out.
Easy fix:
First try to remove dust with a soft vacuum brush tool.
If that doesn't get the job done, then soak a rag with any cleaning agent you have and wrap it around a butter knife to clean the air vents.
6. Use vinegar to get rid of hard water spots
Vinegar can do wonders for your faucets with hard water spots. Check out this video to see how it works!
7. Baking soda for brighter, cleaner laundry
Just pour a cup of baking soda in with the wash and your clothes will come out even brighter and cleaner!
8. Use salt to remove fabric stains
9. Easy way to clean stainless steel appliances
To give stainless steel appliances a good, clean shine, all you need is a microfiber cloth (or just a soft cloth) and some rubbing alcohol. If you really want to get your stainless steel super clean -- maybe once a month -- you can use a few drops of olive oil! Check out this video to see how it works.
10. Clean cloudy glasses with vinegar
Just use a paper towel and a small amount of vinegar to get your classes nice and clean again.
11. Remove grease stains from the carpet
To clean grease stains from carpet or other surface:
Mix four parts rubbing alcohol with one part salt
Then rub the mixture into the stain
Let the surface dry and vacuum up any remaining salt if necessary
12. Clean up dust, dirt and crumbs using tape and/or a lint roller
Use a strong adhesive tape or a lint roller to pick up dust, dirt and crumbs pretty much anywhere around the house -- lamp shades, drawers, fabrics -- anything!
13. Use toothpaste to clean sneakers
All you need is an old toothbrush and a little toothpaste to get your sneakers looking like new again.
14. Remove kitchen/bathroom cabinet gunk
Mix a solution of vegetable oil and baking soda.
Then use an old toothbrush to scrub all that gunky stuff out of the corners of cabinet surfaces.
15. Clean a burnt pan with vinegar, water & baking soda
Fill the pan with water and then add a cup of white vinegar.
Bring it to a boil, take it off the stove and then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
Let it sit for a few seconds so it can cool and then wipe the mixture out of the pan.
*Learn more amazing cleaning tips and home improvement tips from my inspirations: Good Housekeeping & Real Simple
