Household cleaning hacks come in handy, especially at this time of the year when most people want a squeaky clean house before putting up any festive decorations.
This kind of spring cleaning will have you faced with old stains that are difficult to remove but do not worry, because this article has the safest and most effective cleaning hacks that will get rid of the toughest stains.
Five household cleaning hacks you need to know
Get your household looking cleaner than ever with these simple and safe DIY cleaning hacks offered by NBC‘s Nicole Spector.
Remove carpet stains with vodka
Carpets are prone to stains that are hard to remove, but rubbing alcohol or clear vodka is so effective that it even cleans those tough red wine stains.
Greg Shepard, the owner of a house cleaning service, says “first blot the stain, then pour any type of clear alcohol (rubbing alcohol, vodka, white wine) onto the stain,”. Shepard swears that this is better than any over the counter cleaning product.
Use baking soda and vinegar to clean the tub
Baking soda and vinegar are versatile ingredients that are used for many household cleaning hacks. Jenice Findley, director of marketing at Fins Property Maintenance, which offers commercial cleaning services suggests, “mixing up one cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, and allowing it to sit for five minutes”. After that, fill up the tub with hot water and let it sit for another five minutes, then release the drain and rinse the tub thoroughly.
The same process can be done to clean the toilet, just let it soak, then flush and wipe the seat properly. Additionally, baking soda can be used to clean stovetops. You do not even have to spend time and energy scrubbing, all you need to do is sprinkle the baking soda on the stove, add a bit of water let it sit for an hour and all the work is done for you.
Steam the microwave with lemon oil
Essential oils do not only keep you calm and leave your house smelling good, but they are also great for cleaning.
The president of Mr Appliances Doug Rogers, says “add 15 drops of lemon essential oil into one and a half cups water to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for five to ten minutes, allowing the steam to condense on inside walls/ceilings of your machine”. Once it is done, the softened food will just need an easy wipe and the microwave will be spotless.
Use rubber gloves to remove pet hair
Pet hair can build up and even resist the vacuum cleaner, however, rubber gloves get the job done, and all you need to do is rub them on the stubborn areas. The Vice President of The Cleaning Authority, Leanne Stapf says, “when rubber is pushed against the fabric, it can generate elasticity to gather remaining pet hair.
Use olive oil to buff stainless steel
Despite its nutritional benefits, olive oil is also great for cleaning. Mat Franken, CEO and Founder of Aunt Fannie’s, which manufactures food-based cleaning and pest solutions for the home, says olive is good for cleaning stainless steel, such as pots, pans and other applications. All you need is a dab of oil on a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots.