35 cleaning hacks & tips for your home

Deep cleaning your house can often be time consuming and hard work. Our 35 savvy, time-saving cleaning hacks can make the job a little easier, so that you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Kitchen cleaning tips

1. Cut up a lemon into small slices and put through the garbage disposal to add a fresh scent to your sink.

2. Clean a wooden chopping board by sprinkling with bicarbonate soda or salt. Then, run the cut side of a lemon over the chopping board. Rinse and air dry.

3. Make your dull stainless-steel sink sparkle again. First, sprinkle bi-carb soda onto the sink, then scrub with a damp soft bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Want to remove built up film and restore cloudy glasses and stemware? Soak in white wine vinegar for a few minutes. Rinse and dry with a soft microfibre cloth.

Natural clean

5. Add 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 cup of water in a microwave safe bowl. Place in microwave on high setting for 5 mins. The steam will break down grease and grime. Wipe with soft cloth.

6. Place your mesh rangehood filters in the dishwasher on a hot cycle. The steam will loosen particles and the water spray will get into the nooks. If your rangehood needs extra TLC read about more handy hints on our blog.

7. Ever dropped a plate or glass and need to pick up all the tiny shards of glass? Press pieces of bread onto the surface. The spongy surface will easily lift tiny glass particles.

8. Get your windows sparkling again with your own DIY solution – Just mix ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups water into a spray bottle. Spray and wipe clean with a soft microfibre cloth.

9. Use an eraser pad block (such as Magic Eraser) to clean light grease and grime on your oven glass.

10. Clean out crumbs in and around your toaster with a paint brush (making sure the toaster is cool and unplugged first).

11. Enjoy your morning smoothie without the big clean up. Half fill your empty blender with water, add a drop of dishwashing detergent and switch on for 30 seconds. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

12. Use left-over ground coffee beans to gently scrub pots and pans.

13. Buff your stainless steel fridge with olive oil. Just add a few drops to a soft cloth and rub in circular motions to gently clean and shine.

Laundry tips

14. Put your machine through a vinegar and bicarb soda cycle. For top load washing machine, set your machine at its hottest and longest setting. When it has filled up with water, add 2 cups vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. Let it run for a complete cycle.

For front load washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and ½ cup white vinegar into the drum. Let it run for a complete cycle on the hottest setting.

15. Remove oil or grease stains from clothing by rubbing white chalk into the stain. Wash as normal.

16. Make your whites brighter by adding a cupful of vinegar after the detergent.

17. Give each family member a mesh bag for their dirty socks. Pop the mesh bags into the wash on laundry day. Never lose a sock again!

18. Hate ironing? Iron clothes while they’re damp – it will save you time and the moisture helps release wrinkles.

For more washing machine and dryer cleaning hacks check out our blog post

Bedroom cleaning tips

19. Vacuum your mattress to remove dead skin sells that attract dust mites.

20. To freshen up carpets, sprinkle some baking soda and let set for a few minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.

Kids room organising tips

21. Place kids’ plastic toys through the dishwasher and run through a warm wash for a thorough clean.

22. Creative time is fun, but not when there are texta marks on your wooden furniture! Erase marker stains with toothpaste.

23. Crayon marks on walls can gently be wiped way with a credit card, then lightly dabbed with methylated spirits.

Bathroom cleaning tips

24. Unclog your shower head by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Pour into a plastic bag and tie around the shower head to fully immerse in the solution. Tie with a twist tie and leave overnight. Remove and wipe away any debris.

25. Remove stubborn stains, toothpaste splatters and soap scum from your bathroom counters by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar. Using a soft bristled brush, gently scrub the counter tops in circular motion.

26. Get your mirror sparkly clean with shaving cream! Take a soft cloth and apply a little shaving cream to it. Buff your mirror in circular motions.

27. Make your own DIY toilet cleaner. Add 10 drops tea tree essential oil with 10 drops lemon essential oil to 1 cup baking soda. Then, let the mixture sit in the bowl for an hour and scrub with toilet brush before flushing.

Living room tips

28. Buff out scuffs on timber floors with a clean tennis ball.

29. Fresh wine spills on your carpet can be cleaned with salt! Pour a generous amount of salt over the area and once dry, vacuum the excess.

30. Dust window blinds with old socks. Make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, then add a few drops to a clean old sock. Wipe over each section of your blinds.

31. Clean your couch with baking soda. Simply brush the couch to remove any dirt or debris. Sprinkle baking soda and let sit for 30 minutes. Vacuum any residue.

32. Give your air conditioner filter a clean. Remove excess dust, grime and debris with a vacuum cleaner. Next wash the filters in warm soapy water. Allow to dry completely before replacing.

Read our full guide to cleaning your air conditioning filter on our Statewide blog.

Other handy tips

33. Your phone is a breeding ground for bacteria! Remove your phone from your case and switch off power. Use an alcoholic wipe to gently clean your screen. Avoid ports. Lastly, let air dry for 5 minutes and then wipe with a clean soft cloth.

34. Freshen up smelly sneakers by sprinkling bicarb soda inside to deodorise. Just be sure to tap away excess before wearing them again!

35. Use a lint roller to clean your screen doors. It’s a great way to get rid of cobwebs, pet hair and debris.

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