Cleaning Hacks: Top 10 Household Items You Can Use for Cleaning

Keeping your house clean might seem like a challenge, but in reality, there are simple cleaning hacks you’re probably missing out on. If we’ve got your attention, you’ll love this next part – they’re inexpensive and uncomplicated. Now for the best part, you already have most of the household items needed to perfect these general cleaning tips and techniques. 

So if you’re ready to give your house that extra bit of shine, the cleaning experts at SweepSouth have got you covered. Keep reading to discover the top 10 household items you can use for cleaning in your very own home. Don’t forget to share these cleaning hacks with friends and family!

10 Ordinary Household Items With Efficient Cleaning Power 

1. White Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaning powerhouse that can be used for most cleaning jobs, from disinfecting surfaces to removing those tough, frustrating stains. Plus, it’s safe to use around kids and pets, so it definitely falls under the category of green cleaning. 

3 Ways to use vinegar for cleaning:

1. Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.
2. Soak a cloth in vinegar until it is drenched before wrapping it around a tap to remove mineral buildup.
3. Want cleaner dishes from your dishwasher cycle? Add a cup of vinegar to the rack before turning it on.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used in various areas around your home. It works well as an odour and stain remover and is gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces.

3 Ways to use baking soda for cleaning:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to absorb odours before cleaning it with a vacuum.
2. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water that can be used for cleaning ovens and stovetops.
3. Add baking soda to your laundry to give your detergent that extra boost of cleaning power.

3. Lemons

Lemons may not be pleasant to eat, but they are a natural disinfectant and deodoriser. They’re also effective when removing stains and brightening surfaces.

3 Ways to use lemons for cleaning:

1. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards to disinfect and remove stains.
2. Use a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda for cleaning grout.
3. Freshen up your garbage disposal by adding lemon slices to it.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and powerful disinfectant that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It works well as a stain remover and germ killer.

3 Ways to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning:

1. Mix an equal amount of water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.
2. Use a cloth soaked with hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains.
3. Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry to give your white clothes that extra whitened look.

5. Salt

The power of salt does not only work wonders on food but also as an abrasive cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains and grime. It’s also great for absorbing moisture and odours.

3 Ways to use salt for cleaning:

1. Create a paste using salt and lemon juice and use it to clean copper and brass.
2. Sprinkle salt on a cutting board and let it sit for a while before wiping it away. This will help to remove stains and odours.
3. Give your whites that extra bit of brightness by adding salt to your laundry.

6. Olive Oil

Looking for a natural furniture polish that works wonders? Olive oil does the trick when cleaning and shining wood surfaces. It’s also a great solution for removing sticky residue.

3 Ways to use olive oil for cleaning:

1. Create a natural furniture polish by mixing equal parts olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Remove fingerprints from stainless steel appliances by rubbing a small amount of olive oil on them.
3. Use olive oil to remove sticky residue from jars and bottles.

7. Toothpaste

The mild abrasives and surfactants that toothpaste contains make it an effective natural cleaner. It’s useful for scrubbing away dirt and stains as well as breaking down oils and other substances.

3 Ways to use toothpaste for cleaning:

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth and use it to clean silverware or jewellery. 
2. Use a damp sponge or cloth with a small amount of toothpaste applied to it to clean crayon marks from walls and other surfaces. 
3. Clean your sneakers by applying toothpaste to a toothbrush and scrubbing the dirty areas. 

8. Cornstarch

Cornstarch has absorbent and abrasive qualities that make it effective as a natural cleaner. It works well for removing stains, polishing, and de-greasing.

3 Ways to use cornstarch for cleaning:

1. Remove stains from carpets and upholstery by sprinkling cornstarch onto the stain before letting it sit for about 20-30 minutes and then vacuuming it up.
2. Create a paste with cornstarch and water and gently apply it to silverware. Once rinsed, the silver piece should have an extra shine.
3. Use the same cornstarch paste from above to de-grease a kitchen surface. Simply apply the paste to the surface, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

9. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfectant and cleaner that dissolves and evaporates quickly. It can be used to clean and remove stains from a variety of surfaces and objects around the home.

3 Ways to use rubbing alcohol for cleaning:

1. Clean electronic devices by dampening a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wiping the device’s surface.
2. Remove stubborn stains, such as ink, blood, and grass from fabrics by applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain and then blotting it with a clean cloth.
3. Tired of streaks on your mirrors and windows? Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle, spray it onto a window or mirror surface, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. 

10. Sparkling Water

The carbonic acid that sparkling water contains helps break down and remove dirt and stains. It also has carbon dioxide gas which creates bubbles that can help lift dirt and grime to the surface a lot easier, making it effortless to wipe away.

3 Ways to use sparkling water for cleaning:

1. Use a spray bottle to spritz sparkling water onto windows and mirrors, then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the dirt and grime. 
2. Blot a stained area with a clean cloth to remove as much of it as possible, then pour some sparkling water on it and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Follow up by blotting the area again with a clean cloth until the stain is gone.
3. Soak jewellery in sparkling water for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the jewellery, and rinse it off with clean water.

Conclusion  

With the cleaning tips given above, you’ll have your house sparkling clean in no time, using just a few common household items. If you’re struggling to find the time to put your cleaning skills to the test, book from a range of SweepSouth cleaning services for a perfectly executed job. You won’t believe how convenient and easy it is to keep a clean, happy home, all thanks to a professional SweepStar.