7 genius cleaning hacks you never knew you needed
Cleaning is a necessary, but very labor-intensive and sometimes lengthy process, which not everyone likes. We offer you a few tricks to make it easier to tidy up your home and free up some time for more enjoyable activities.
Eliminating stains on the sink
7 genius cleaning hacks you never knew you needed
If white stains from hard water constantly form on a metal kitchen sink and/or faucet, generously soak a clean, dry rag in regular food vinegar and make a “compress” out of it: wrap the rag around the stained areas and leave for an hour. Then remove the cloth and thoroughly rinse off the vinegar using a brush or stiff sponge and warm water. After this, there will be no trace of white streaks left on the surface of the sink and faucet.
By the way, a vinegar solution will also help with soap stains in the shower stall - mix it with dishwashing detergent (1:1), apply to a sponge and wipe the dirty areas.
Bleaching clothes
Regular baking soda can act as a bleach and stain remover. Just add a cup of baking soda to your washing powder and your light-colored bedding and clothes will become even brighter and cleaner (read also: “How to remove any stains?”).
Removing greasy stains from carpet
7 genius cleaning hacks you never knew you needed
To remove grease stains from carpet or any other fabric surfaces, mix four parts rubbing alcohol with one part salt and rub the mixture into the stain. Let it dry and then vacuum up any remaining salt.
Cleaning textiles from dust and wool
Simple adhesive tape will help remove dust, pet hair and small crumbs embedded in home textiles (be it sofa upholstery, fabric lampshade or carpet). Stick it to surfaces that need cleaning for a few seconds and quickly remove - the adhesive tape will collect all the dirt.
Collecting broken glass
7 genius cleaning hacks you never knew you needed
If you break a plate or glass, do not try to collect small fragments with a broom or vacuum cleaner. The first will only help with large glasses, while the second runs the risk of breaking after such cleaning. It’s better to use an old folk remedy: take a piece of rye bread and press it to the area where the fragments remain. The bread will collect all the smallest sharp particles.
Getting rid of household stains
Different types of stains require different approaches. Here are some popular methods for removing the most common household contaminants.
Juice: Blot the juice stain with dishwashing liquid diluted in warm water (one teaspoon per cup of water). When the stain has reduced, rinse and dry the surface.
Lipstick: Acetone-based nail polish remover will help here. Wipe the stain with it, then moisten it with the same dishwashing detergent solution, and finally rinse with water.
Wine: In mild cases (especially if the stain is fresh), plain warm water will help. If the wine does not wash off, go over the stain with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Cleaning the microwave
7 genius cleaning hacks you never knew you needed
Place equal amounts of water and vinegar, along with any small wooden object (such as a toothpick) in a microwave-safe bowl. Set the microwave to maximum power and place the solution inside for 5-10 minutes. Then remove the bowl, wait a couple more minutes, and wipe the inside of the oven with a sponge or paper towel. You will be surprised how quickly and easily you can get rid of all contaminants (read also: How to properly reheat food in the microwave (you did it all wrong)).
