10 Genius Cleaning Hacks You’ve Never Heard Of

Cleaning can be a real chore, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. With the right tips and tricks, you can make your home sparkle without breaking a sweat. Here are 10 genius cleaning hacks that you’ve probably never heard of before. These hacks will make your cleaning routine faster, easier, and maybe even a little fun.

Key Takeaways

Magic Erasers can clean almost anything, from grime to scuff marks, even permanent marker stains.
A GearLight UV Black Light can help you find hidden stains and odors that are otherwise invisible.
An Estilo Ceiling & Fan Duster makes it easy to clean those hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and high corners.
Using a Lazy Susan in your fridge can help you organize sauces and other items, making more room and reducing clutter.
Bread slices can be used to pick up broken glass safely and effectively.

1. Magic Erasers

Magic Erasers are a household staple for so many, filling caddies far and wide, because they have dozens of uses. Just wet it, wipe it, and watch scuff marks, burnt-on grease, and other tough stains disappear.

2. GearLight UV Black Light

The GearLight UV Black Light is a handy tool for uncovering hidden odors and stains. Powered by only 3x AA batteries (sold separately), this compact light is easy to use. Simply turn it on and immediately put this UV blue light to work. You don’t even need to turn off the lights, as it works in all kinds of lighting. The 100 LED lights will easily find that stain that doesn’t smell great. Plus, its grippy, weather-resistant design makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, like searching for stains on your patio furniture.

3. Estilo Ceiling & Fan Duster

Cleaning high places like ceiling corners and fan blades can be a real challenge. The Estilo Ceiling & Fan Duster makes this task much easier. With its extendable handle, you can reach up to 47 inches, making it perfect for those hard-to-reach spots. The circular design of the duster allows it to slide right over each fan blade, trapping dust effectively.

Here are some key features:

Extendable handle from 27 to 47 inches
Circular design for easy fan blade cleaning
Washable, bright yellow fibers that hold onto dust

This tool is a game-changer for anyone looking to keep their home clean without the hassle of dragging out a ladder. The dust is trapped inside the duster, not all over your floor, making cleanup a breeze.

4. Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that can make organizing your kitchen a breeze. It’s perfect for keeping your fridge tidy and making sure you can easily reach all your items. Simply place it in your fridge and arrange your sauces, jars, and other small items on it. When you need something, just spin the tray to bring it to the front.

**Benefits of Using a Lazy Susan: **
- Maximizes space in your fridge
- Keeps items easily accessible
- Reduces clutter

Not sure where to begin when it comes to how to clean a lazy susan? We’ve got some practical tips and step-by-step guidance. One of the biggest challenges is making sure you clean it regularly to avoid spills and sticky spots.

To clean a Lazy Susan, remove all items and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. For tougher spots, use a mild cleaner. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before placing items back on it.

5. Lint Roller

A lint roller is a versatile tool that can be used for more than just removing lint from clothes. It’s a must-have for easy cleaning hacks that busy people need to try. Here are some creative ways to use a lint roller around your home:

Dusting Lampshades: Lamp shades can be tricky to clean. Microfiber cloths often leave dust behind, and vacuum attachments can be cumbersome. Instead, try using a lint roller. Roll the sticky tape over the sides, top, and bottom edges of the lampshade to pick up dust effectively.
Cleaning Car Seats: If you have pets or kids, your car seats can get dirty quickly. Use a lint roller to pick up crumbs, pet hair, and other debris from the seats and floor mats.
Removing Pet Hair: Pet hair can be a nuisance on furniture and clothing. A lint roller can quickly lift pet hair off couches, chairs, and even your clothes.
Tidying Up Drawers: Drawers can accumulate small debris and dust. Run a lint roller inside the drawers to pick up any loose particles.

A lint roller is not just for clothes; it’s a handy tool for various cleaning tasks around the house. Keep one in your cleaning arsenal for quick and easy clean-ups.

6. Vodka

Vodka isn’t just for cocktails; it’s a versatile cleaning agent that can tackle various household chores. One of the most surprising uses of vodka is as a fabric deodorizer. Simply spritz it on upholstery to instantly restore some life to an otherwise stale chair. The alcohol in vodka neutralizes odors without leaving a strong scent behind.

Another clever use for vodka is as a floor cleaner. Spray it on the floor and use it with a push mop for an easy floor cleaner. This method is particularly effective for removing sticky residues and giving your floors a nice shine.

Additionally, vodka can be used to clean glass and mirrors. Just spray it on the surface and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. It’s a quick and efficient way to keep your glass surfaces sparkling clean.

Vodka is a multi-purpose cleaner that can simplify your cleaning routine. From deodorizing fabrics to shining floors and cleaning glass, it’s a handy tool to have in your cleaning arsenal.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent that can tackle a variety of household tasks. You can use cleaning vinegar to clean almost everything in your home. Here are some of the best ways to use vinegar for cleaning:

Clean Your Coffee Maker: Fill the water reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brew cycle, then run two more cycles with just water to rinse.
Remove Carpet Stains: Mix water and vinegar in a 1:3 ratio. Apply the mixture to the stain, cover with a wet cloth, and steam with an iron for 30 seconds.
Shine Woodwork: Combine 1 part lemon oil and 1 part white vinegar. Use this mixture to wipe down wood surfaces for a natural shine.
Clean Your Dishwasher: Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom of your empty dishwasher and let it sit overnight. Run the hottest cycle with vinegar instead of detergent to clean and deodorize.

Vinegar is not only effective but also an eco-friendly alternative to many chemical cleaners. It’s a must-have in any cleaning arsenal.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile and powerful cleaning agent that can tackle a variety of household tasks. It’s a must-have in any cleaning arsenal. Here are some clever ways to use baking soda for cleaning:

Freshen Drains: Pour a slurry of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide down slow, smelly drains. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes, then flush with running water. This combination neutralizes odors and liquefies grease.
Clean Grout: Mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to dirty grout, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Your grout will look refreshed and clean.
Dishwasher Cleaner: Add 1 cup of baking soda to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and let it sit overnight. Run the hottest cycle using vinegar instead of detergent to clean and deodorize.
Remove Hard Water Stains: Create a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Cover the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. This method is effective for stubborn water stains.

Baking soda is not just for baking; it’s a cleaning powerhouse that can handle tough stains and odors with ease.

9. Squeegee

A squeegee is a versatile tool that can be used for more than just cleaning windows. Using a squeegee to clean up spills on your floor is a great alternative to mopping. This is especially true if you need to rid a room of liquid quickly and efficiently. Here are some clever ways to use a squeegee around your home:

Clean Windows: The traditional use, but still one of the best. A squeegee can make your windows sparkle without leaving streaks.
Remove Pet Hair: Run a dry squeegee over your carpet or furniture to gather pet hair into an easy-to-pick-up pile.
Clean Shower Doors: Keep your shower doors free of soap scum and water spots by using a squeegee after each use.
Clean Mirrors: Get a streak-free shine on your mirrors by using a squeegee instead of a cloth.
Clean Car Windows: A squeegee can also be used to clean the windows of your car, both inside and out.

A squeegee is a simple tool that can make a big difference in your cleaning routine. It’s not just for windows anymore!

10. Bread Slices

Clean Up Broken Glass

Did you know you can use a slice of bread to pick up broken glass? This simple trick can save you from getting cut. Just press the bread gently over the shards, and they will stick to it. It’s a great alternative to using a broom, which might miss tiny pieces.

Keep Your Air Fryer Clean

To keep your air fryer clean with a single piece of bread, place a slice at the bottom before cooking. This easy hack will prevent your air fryer from getting too dirty by catching grease and crumbs. After cooking, just toss the bread away, and your air fryer will be much easier to clean.

Deodorize Your Trash Can

Bread can also help with odors. Place a slice of bread soaked in vinegar at the bottom of your trash can. The bread will absorb unpleasant smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.

Conclusion

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore you dread. With these genius hacks, you can make your cleaning routine faster, easier, and even a bit fun. From using everyday items like baking soda and vinegar to clever tricks like using a lint roller on lampshades, these tips are designed to help you tackle even the toughest messes. So next time you face a cleaning challenge, remember these hacks and make your home sparkle with less effort. Happy cleaning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I clean with a magic eraser?

Magic erasers are great for removing grime and scuff marks from various surfaces, including walls, floors, and even phone cases. They can also tackle tough stains like permanent marker.

How does a UV black light help with cleaning?

A UV black light can reveal hidden stains and odors that aren’t visible to the naked eye. It’s especially useful for pet owners to find spots where pets may have had accidents.

What is the best way to use a lazy Susan in the fridge?

Place a lazy Susan in your fridge to organize sauces and other small items. This makes it easier to find what you need and frees up space for other groceries.