5 Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work!
Cleaning is one of those things we all have to do but rarely enjoy, especially if you end up short a product or tool in the middle of a task. Now, you guys know that I’m a proponent of using the right tool for the job, but there are some clever cleaning hacks out there that can come in super handy when you’re in a pinch. Here are some of my favorites.
Give Your Oven Racks a Bath
Cleaning those crusty oven racks is one of those cleaning jobs that rarely, if ever, gets done. It also gets the kitchen and bathroom working together in concert—we don’t see that too often, now do we? To clean your oven racks effectively, start by laying a towel in your bathtub to protect it. Place the dirty racks on top of the towel then fill the tub with hot water until the racks are fully submerged. Next, dissolve a dishwasher pod (or two) in hot water in a container then pour it into the tub. Let the racks soak for 6-10 hours (or overnight). Drain the tub, give the racks a quick wipe, and voila… clean oven racks!
Clean Your Showerhead
Shower heads accumulate a lot of buildup as mineral deposits naturally form over time. If you don’t clean your shower head, these mineral deposits can become unsightly and eventually clog its holes. Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to detach your showerhead and soak it in a vinegar bath to descale it. After you’ve soaked your showerhead for about an hour, use a cleaning toothbrush to scrub away any remaining buildup. If you don’t want to (or can’t) remove your shower head, you can fill a strong plastic bag with vinegar and attach it around your shower head with elastic bands.
Ice Cubes for Carpet Indents
Do stubborn furniture marks on your carpet from heavy objects drive you crazy? Grab a few ice cubes and place them on the indented areas. As the ice melts, the carpet fibers will slowly lift back up. Once the area is dry, fluff it up with a clean fork or the edge of a spoon to restore the carpet's original texture. No more unsightly marks!
Quick and Easy Pet Hair Removal
If you have a dog or a cat, you are familiar with the cleaning nightmare that is pet hair. It gets EVERYWHERE. And pet hair can even miraculously dodge even a regular vacuum. So what can we pet owners do? My favorite quick and easy pet hair removal method is to use a squeegee (or rubber gloves). Take a squeegee and use it across any hair-laden area. This works especially well on carpets and upholstery. I recommend short strokes, and you’ll need to go over the area a few times. When you’re finished, you’ll be amazed at the amount of pet hair that was hiding.
Eliminate Stinky Smells
White vinegar, baking soda, and activated charcoal are all natural odor absorbers and don’t even require any work! To use white vinegar, pour half a cup into a bowl and place it in the corner of a smelly area. Baking soda is also perfect for deodorizing. For me, my front hall closets can get very stuffy, especially in the summer with my daughter’s smelly sandals! I put some baking soda into a small container with a few sprinkles of essential oil to freshen up the space. Activated charcoal works much the same way—put some into a sachet and into a stinky area too, just be careful not to stain anything light, as the charcoal can leak onto your surfaces.