Over the years, I’ve picked up my fair share of housecleaning tricks—some from sheer trial and error, others from seasoned professionals who make scrubbing and tidying look like an art form. The best cleaning hacks aren’t just about getting things spotless; they’re about getting there cheaper, better, faster, and without pulling a muscle.
1. The Pillowcase Ceiling Fan Trick
Slip a pillowcase over each blade of your ceiling fan, then slowly pull it off while pressing lightly.2. The Two-Minute Microwave Steam Clean
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a few slices of lemon (or a splash of vinegar). Microwave on high for two minutes, then let it sit for another minute before opening the door.3. The Lazy Mop Trip for Baseboards
Wrap a microfiber cloth around the head of a Swiffer or flat mop, spray with an all-purpose cleaner, and run it along your baseboards.4. Speed-Clean Your Shower With a Dish Wand
Fill a dish wand with a mixture of equal parts Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and vinegar, and keep it in the shower. Use it to scrub a little every time you shower.5. The Sock Trick for Blinds
Slip an old sock over your hand, dip it in a mix of vinegar and water, and run it along the slats of your blinds.6. Shaving Cream for Mirror Streaks and Fogging
Apply a little shaving cream to a mirror, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.7. Lemon for a Stainless Sink Shine
Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle the sink with baking soda, and use the lemon as a scrubber.8. Keep Your Trash Can Fresh With Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can before inserting the bag.9. Make Your Own No-Scrub Toilet Bombs
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup citric acid, and 1 tablespoon Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Press the mixture into a silicone ice cube trays and allow to dry overnight. Drop one in the toilet bowl as needed.10. Declutter As You Clean
Keep a donation box handy while you clean. If you find something you don’t use, love, or need—toss it in.11. The Magic of Rubbing Alcohol for Stainless Steel
Wipe stainless steel appliances with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.Why It Works: Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol cuts through fingerprints and smudges instantly, leaving a streak-free shine. Your fridge will look brand new—without the overpriced specialty cleaners.
Housecleaning doesn’t have to be a never-ending battle against dust, grime, and whatever mysterious goo is lurking in the fridge. With a few clever tricks from the pros, you can clean faster, smarter, and with far less effort. And let’s be honest—anything that makes housework easier is worth its weight in gold.