The 50 Best Tips to Get Your House Super Clean
We've got a trick for every corner of your home.
We've got a trick for every corner of your home.
Make an easy, all-purpose cleaner
Here's the cleaner recipe that will make nearly every surface gleam (especially kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator). Combine 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water, and use it with a sponge to wipe messes away.
Solve smelly sneakers
Freshen up after your Zumba class by sprinkling some baking soda inside your shoes (and your gym bag while you're at it). Just tap it out before you wear them again.
Banish marks from coloring time
Toothpaste will erase marker stains from wood — a handy trick to have in your back pocket if you've got creative kids.
De-stink the garbage disposal
Run a few lemon rinds through the disposal and follow with cold water to dispel any sour odors.
Freshen stuffed animals
In between baths (through the washing machine, of course), groom your kids' plush pals by giving them a quick once-over with a lint roller.
Wipe out wall doodles
When your child's artistic efforts end up all over your new paint job, scrub lightly with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda.
De-funk hairbrushes and combs
Combat build-up from hair products with a sudsy solution of a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water.
Fight pet stink
Deodorize the soft, cushy places around your house — including the dog bed — by sprinkling surfaces with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up.
Put a tidy bath on autopilot
Shed expired and unused items as well as bulky packaging (instead, store products in easy-in-and-out jars, bags, and baskets).
Clear a slow drain
When you notice your drain is starting to clog, a 1/2 cup of baking soda down it, followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover with a wet cloth to contain the science fair-like effects. Wait five minutes and then flush with hot water.
Clean up the car without the vacuum
A lint roller is a welcome, less hefty solution, and can fit in nooks and crannies where your vacuum attachments can't reach.
Make sneakers bright again
Get your tennis shoes to their just-out-of-the-box state by scrubbing with toothpaste.
Untangle a knotted necklace
Never waste time desperately tugging at tangled jewelry again. Loosen the knot with a little baby powder and use a pin to pull it apart.
Soften fuzzy towels
If you've got hard water, mineral buildup could be the cause of your scratchy towels. "To lift deposits, wash the towels in the hottest water possible, and add 1 cup of ammonia and nothing else," says Good Housekeeping homecare expert Heloise.
Be smart about denim
Not everything you wear gets dirty after you've worn it once. Jeans can be worn several times before they need a cleaning (and same goes for your bra).
Get stains out of a cutting board
Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
Remove towel mildew
Is that wet towel you left in your gym bag speckled? First, take it outside, brush off the spores, and sun-dry the item for about three hours. Then, pre-soak with a bleach and water solution (check the care tag to be sure its safe), and machine wash.
Shine silver in a pinch
Notice your favorite ring or bracelet looking a bit dull? Wet it, rub with a little toothpaste, rinse, and dry with a clean cloth.
De-grime patio furniture
Add a squirt of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water, and use it to wipe down your outdoor tables and chairs. Then, rinse clean with the garden hose.
Add shine with vinegar
Use white vinegar to brighten your windows. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on and wipe away with a clean microfiber cloth (not paper towels, which can cause streaking).
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