4 household cleaning hacks (that won’t take all day)featured
Disclosure: Part of this “cleaning hacks” post is sponsored by Window Genie. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and ridiculously clean surfaces are entirely my own.
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First off, a promise: I will do my very best to not abuse the word “hack.”
Because really.
Here are four of my very favorite cleaning hacks, the kind that definitely don’t take all day.
Because really.
Cleaning Hack #1: Baking soda couch refresher
Truth time- winter break has really done a number on my home. And this living room couch? Oof. Between the kids, the cats, and the various snacks of the kids and cats, it ain’t pretty. (And it doesn’t smell pretty either.)
I liberally sprinkled baking soda all over the cushions (and let me tell you, I had a minor palpitation when I saw what I had done) and let it sit for roughly twenty minutes. Then, I vacuumed the whole shebang with the brush attachment. And guess what? It all came up: white powder, dirt, and lingering smells of- let’s just go ahead and call it- Christmas.
I am in love.
Cleaning Hack #2: Vinegar soak for shower heads
This is one that I’d filed away for the longest time but had never really tried. (And yes, to answer your unspoken comment- you’re right, I really should be a photojournalist with that baggie capture.)
So. Pour white vinegar in a plastic bag, submerge the shower head and secure with a rubber band or a twist tie. Leave on for as long as you can go without showering. (I kept mine on overnight.) Turns out, it’s a super-satisfying project for two specific reasons: one, all of the loosened limescale floats around in the bag like a fascinating science project and two, it works, it works, oh my goodness, hot water that doesn’t feel like shards of glass because of misplaced pressure.
Cleaning Hack #3: WG-57’s 57 uses
This newcomer to my scrubbing arsenal is a winner for sure. Window Genie (a brand in the Neighborly family), who specializes in window (and whole house) goodness, is the maker of this WG-57*, a powerful spray with 57 uses- and counting.
Here’s why I love it: See that photo on the left? That’s my patio door. My patio door features 40 small windows and, usually, 40 small handprints. This guy wiped ’em out. And that photo on the right is my fridge. Yep, I used “glass cleaner” on my fridge. And it wiped the floor (ha ha) with every stainless steel cleanser or streak-free product I’ve ever owned.
Here’s why else I love it: It’s 100% ammonia-free, cuts through grease, dust, and dirt, and because of the dust-reducing nature of WG-57, it actually lets go a little longer between cleanings (and let you see directly outside your home for a bit longer, too).
(*While orders for WG-57 can’t be fulfilled online at this time, check their locations page to see if it’s in stock at your local Window Genie!)
Cleaning Hack #4: Dish soap & lemon juice microwave sparkler
At long last, you finally possess a photo of my microwave and my kitchen sponge. (Sorry.) It’s worth it, though, if you’ve never tried this lightning-fast microwave trick.
All you need is about a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. A few drops of dish soap. A splash of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy (and I’m always feeling fancy). And for a one-two punch of sanitizing fabulousness? Throw in the oft-neglected sponge. Microwave the whole mess for about 2+ minutes, depending on your particular microwave. (Bubbling water is nice- explosions are not. Also! Caution: Let the bowl cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before touching.)
Once it’s cool? Take the sponge, squeeze it out, and give the interior of the microwave a quick wipe-down. Zero scrubbing. Zero effort.
Aren’t those a lovely pair of sentences?
