As vital as appliances are in our daily lives, cleaning them is a daunting task most of us want to avoid. From microwaves to refrigerators, these appliances can accumulate grime, dirt, and bacteria over time, making them less efficient. However, cleaning household appliances doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore. As long as you use some smart cleaning hacks, you will be done with hours of hard work in a fraction of the time!
Easy appliance cleaning hacks to try at home
For a stainless dishwasher
Dishwashers can accumulate mineral and food debris buildup over time. This causes the appliance to perform poorly and develop unpleasant odors. Start off the dishwasher cleaning process by getting rid of the debris at the bottom. Make use of a highly recommended appliance cleaning hack at your home by keeping a cup of vinegar on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle. After that is done, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom and run another hot cycle. Voila! You will have a dishwasher that’s good as new.
For a sparkly clean oven
Like dishwashers, ovens are prone to accumulating food debris, grease, and unpleasant smells. Put together a mixture of water and baking soda to form a paste. Apply it to the inside of the oven and let it sit for a few hours, even overnight. The next day, use a damp cloth to get rid of the paste and the debris it has successfully loosened. If you come across any tougher stains, use a scraper to get them out.
For a rejuvenated coffee maker
Coffee makers are prone to having coffee residue and mineral buildup, decreasing the drink’s flavor and adding an unpleasant odor. Fill the reservoirs of your coffee maker with equal parts of vinegar and water to run a cycle. Once that is done, run another cycle of the coffee maker with water to rinse out any vinegar residue. Finally, run a final cycle with some used coffee grounds to deodorize and freshen up the machine.
For a clean blender
Blenders can be a difficult appliance to clean, especially if you use them to blend oily or sticky substances. Luckily, cleaning the blender is fairly easy; simply blend a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for a few seconds. Once done, rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry.
For a clear microwave
A microwave is a common kitchen appliance that makes life easier for a lot of us. However, due to the frequency of its usage, it can quickly become stained and dirty. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe container for a clean and shiny microwave. Place it in the appliance and turn it on for about five minutes. Let it sit inside and cool for another five to ten minutes. After that, take a toothbrush you wouldn’t mind parting with and use it to scrub the inside of the microwave. Wipe it all down with a clean cloth, followed by a final wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
For a magic refrigerator cleaner
Refrigerators are one of the most frequently used appliances in any home, meaning they can quickly be covered in food spills, stains, and debris. Start off your fridge cleaning task by pulling out all its ingredients, including shelves, drawers, and organizers. Once you’ve done that, mix a cup of water and a cup of vinegar and pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Soak the inside of the fridge by spraying the solution. Next, take a damp napkin, sprinkle some baking soda on it, and use this sponge to scrub the fridge. Once it looks spotless, wipe down the fridge with a clean dry cloth and replace its contents.
For stain-less stainless steel
We select stainless steel appliances for their endurance and sleek appearance. They add a modern touch to the kitchen, but that comes at a cost. These appliances can be a challenge to maintain. A simple hack that can help keep stainless steel clean is by making a paste of cream of tartar by mixing it with water. Use a microfiber cloth to scoop up some of this paste and get scrubbing. You can have a go at all of your appliances, including the hand blender and refrigerator. Once done, rinse it off with water and then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
For a fresh air filter
Air conditioners are breeding grounds for dust and debris and the health concerns they can give rise to. It can also cause the air conditioners to deliver less cooling combined with an unpleasant odor. Start the cleaning process by unplugging the air conditioner. Take out the air filter and wash it clean with some soap and water. Make sure it is completely dry before you insert it back into the air conditioner.
For a deodorized garbage disposal unit
If you use a garbage disposal unit to dispose of leftover and waste food, it can potentially be a Pandora’s box of foul odor. It can be impossible to live with that daily. This is why deodorizing your garbage disposal is crucial. All you have to do is cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some salt on it, put it into the disposal, and turn on the water and the unit for just a few seconds. Turn it all off and let the mixture sit for around 10 to 15 minutes. Next, turn it all on again to rinse off the solution.
A spill here and there on your favorite t-shirt, rug, or any other fabric is so common. What is not so uncommon is knowing that there are, in fact, easy and natural DIY hacks to remove stains from items. Using expensive detergents is not always the answer, so for some minor stains and spillage, you can follow some easy hacks. Check out these natural ingredients that can be turned into stain-removing products!
Baking soda
This is an inexpensive and effective stain remover you can use every time you do your laundry. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to your laundry detergent and start your load. This baking soda mixes well with the detergent and is even known to boost the detergent’s cleaning properties. Not only that, but baking soda also helps keep the fabrics soft and reduces the occurrence of suds. If you have kids at home and you’re doing their laundry, you can safely add baking soda to their clothes for cleaning, as it is not harmful to sensitive skin. It also acts as a natural odor remover, which can help keep your laundry smelling fresh.
Lemon
Due to its acidic nature, lemon can act as a great stain remover. However, due to its acidic nature, you must be careful when using lemon on colored clothes. It can fade the color quickly if the lemon stays on for too long, which is true for lemon and lime juice. So it is advised to use the lemon hack only on white clothes. It works exceptionally well if you need to remove any yellow underarm or rust stains. Not to mention, lemon can add a fresh fragrance to the laundry!
Distilled white vinegar
This inexpensive ingredient can easily boost laundry performance and help remove stains. Just add a cup of distilled vinegar to the final rinse of the clothes while doing your laundry. Some people may use chlorine bleach for stain removal; however, distilled white vinegar is a safer and cheaper alternative. In fact, it’s even better than using apple cider vinegar because it will keep the fabrics soft and gentle. This is specifically used for removing any yellow underarm sweat, mildew, or even whitening or brightening the clothes.
Hydrogen peroxide
You spilled red wine on your shirt and are now wondering what hack to use. Hydrogen peroxide is the best solution. This is an oxidizing agent that is used as a bleaching agent. If you’re wondering where to get it, look no further and just ask your local store, which sells first aid kits. Three percent hydrogen peroxide is sold as a first-aid disinfectant, and you can also use this same product for your laundry. It is usually preferred over chlorine bleach because it is environmentally safer. It contains hydrogen and oxygen, which break down into water and oxygen, making it completely natural and human-safe. You can also remove underarm yellow stains from shirts and stains from nail polish or curry.
Borax
This is a popular mineral that is a combination of sodium, boron, and oxygen, along with water. This mineral is known to boost the performance of any of the detergents it uses, so you can easily do a rinse cycle with borax and your regular detergent. Since this is a naturally occurring mineral with no toxic chemicals, it is also human and environment-safe, making it a preferred choice for many homemakers. One of the things to be careful of, though, is that if ingested, it could cause irritation to the skin, so always be careful. Because of its cleaning properties, this ingredient is used in almost all DIY natural cleaning remedies. It can also help soften hard water, remove poop stains from baby cloth diapers, and control bad odor.
Talcum powder
This ingredient is beneficial before your clothes go to the laundry room. If you’ve spilled something greasy or oily on your clothes, add lots of talcum powder, which can help absorb the oil. Of course, you must be quick with the remedy and add the powder to the stain immediately before the oil soaks in. You can even use cornstarch or chalk. Keep this on the stain for 10–15 minutes until it has absorbed the excess oil, and then you can wash the cloth; hopefully, the stain is not too big. While washing, you can even try adding some of the other ingredients mentioned above.
Table salt
Available in all households and easily accessible, table salt is another winning ingredient for natural stain removal. A red wine spill needs immediate attention, like putting lots of table salt on the stain before it sets in. Let the salt absorb the excess liquid, then leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Once that is done, you can brush off the table salt and wash your clothing. Remember that you cannot skip washing your cloth, as the table salt will leave white stains on the fabric if not washed immediately. The salt works as a gentle abrasive element and helps remove rust stains, so you can also try this remedy for rust stains.
Maintaining a clean and organized home is visually appealing and essential for the inhabitants’ overall well-being. A neat living environment promotes good hygiene, reduces the risk of illness, and creates a sense of calm and tranquility. That said, the task of cleaning can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That is where cleaning hacks come in handy. You can streamline your cleaning routine by implementing a few smart strategies and time-saving techniques.
This article will explore five effective cleaning hacks that will revolutionize how you approach cleaning.
Create a cleaning schedule
One of the most effective ways to save time on cleaning is to create a schedule for it. Planning and dedicating specific days and times for different cleaning tasks ensures that every task is completed without feeling overburdened. A neat and organized residence enhances its aesthetic appeal and contributes to a healthier living environment. Regular cleaning helps eliminate dust, allergens, and bacteria, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. Furthermore, a clean and clutter-free space promotes mental well-being, allowing you to focus and relax. With a well-planned cleaning schedule, you can efficiently maintain cleanliness, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Do little by little
Plan to do the cleaning jobs for a short period; otherwise, it will tire you. Set a timer for the fixed duration and start working towards decluttering and wiping as much space as possible. Plan the room to be cleaned and complete it there first, without flitting between different areas. Do the vacuuming or mopping as the last task.
Gather your supplies in one place
It is possible to dramatically reduce the time required to clean by storing all your cleaning materials in a single, conveniently accessible location. Put together a cleaning caddy or use a bucket to collect all necessary products, such as an all-purpose cleaner, microfiber towels, scrub brushes, and gloves. You won’t have to waste time searching for materials throughout the various rooms of the house if you do it this way. In addition, give some thought to employing cleaning chemicals that are adaptable and can be employed on a variety of different kinds of surfaces. By doing this, you won’t have to hire professional cleaners with specialized skills, saving you both time and money.
Use the two-minute rule
The two-minute rule is a productivity principle that can be applied to cleaning tasks. The idea is to tackle small tasks immediately if they can be completed in two minutes or less. Following this rule can prevent small chores from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Instead of procrastinating and letting clutter or minor cleaning tasks accumulate, take a few moments to address them immediately. Whether it’s wiping down a surface, putting away items, or tidying up a specific area, the two-minute rule helps you maintain a cleaner and more organized home in a time-efficient manner.
Optimize your cleaning techniques
Finding efficient cleaning techniques can significantly affect the time it takes to complete a task. For example, when dusting, start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already-cleaned surfaces. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels, as they are more effective at picking up dirt and can be reused. Additionally, consider using cleaning tools with extendable handles to reach high and low areas without needing a step stool or bending over. These small adjustments can save you time and effort during your cleaning sessions.
Delegate and simplify
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Involving other house members in the cleaning process lightens your workload and promotes a sense of shared responsibility. Delegate age-appropriate cleaning tasks to children or assign specific chores to your partner or roommates. By dividing the cleaning duties, you can save considerable time and create a more efficient cleaning routine. Additionally, simplifying your living spaces by decluttering and finding effective storage solutions can significantly reduce the time you spend tidying up the areas. Removing unnecessary items and organizing your belongings makes cleaning faster and creates a more visually appealing and stress-free environment.
Make the room smell fresh
Maintaining a pleasant-smelling living space is also part of cleaning. Use non-toxic room fresheners. Place scented absorbent papers in the bottom of waste bins to prevent leakage and smells from emanating.
Keeping your home clean is important for your physical and mental health. With the above five cleaning hacks to save time, you can change the way you tidy up the rooms and get more leisure time. Making a cleaning schedule ensures that jobs are spread evenly and keeps you from getting too busy. If you keep your cleaning supplies in one place, you won’t have to waste time looking for them. Choosing versatile cleaning products will help you avoid buying too many specialized ones. By eliminating clutter and organizing, you can make your living areas easier to clean and create a more peaceful environment. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your home neat and arranged while saving time and living a better and more balanced life.