3A Cleaning Group

05/08/2023

9 Cleaning Mistakes That Make Your Home Dirtier
(from www.southernliving.com )
Do you ever feel like you're constantly spending hours cleaning, only to find that your home seems to be dirtier than before? It happens to the best of us. You might be surprised to find that some of the things you do to get a tidier space might actually be making your home more dirty in the future.

Below, we tapped two experts to explain the cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier, and how you can avoid making them next time you clean.

1, Only running water and dish soap to clean the garbage disposal.
“Water and soap won’t fix everything—you need to thoroughly clean your garbage disposal to avoid mold and buildup,” explains Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “You can fix this issue by running ice cubes while cold water is running. Next, add a cut-up lemon through the disposal to cut through the grime.”

2, Rubbing carpet fibers to remove a stain.
When you do this, you actually open up the carpet fibers to hold more dirt in the future. “Spots that are rubbed too much will appear dirtier for the life of the carpet as a result,” explains Jessica Ruenz, the VP of Maid Right, a Charlottesville, Virginia-based cleaning service concept that’s nationally recognized. “Instead, dab at a stain or use an all-purpose product and press on it with a clean microfiber cloth. If the stain is set (usually longer than 24 hours), you should have a professional carpet cleaner address it.”

3, Buying fancy cleaning items to clean stovetops.
According to Peterson, the most expensive cleaning items aren’t always the best. “You normally already have cleaning supplies at home for the most effective cleaning solution,” she explains. “Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stovetop and add water to the baking soda to make a paste to cover the stain.” Leave a warm, damp rag on top of the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, wipe it clean.

4, Overusing dish detergent to clean everything.
Dish detergent is great at attracting grease, and it is handy for cleaning, especially in the kitchen. But, soaps attract dirt. That's how they clean! “If you use dish detergent too broadly, you might be leaving a dirt-attracting residue behind,” explains Ruenz.

5, Ignoring your dishwasher.
Most people think dishwashers clean themselves, but they need to be cleaned and maintained frequently. “For a fresh clean, begin by removing the baskets and racks,” suggests Peterson. “Spray the inside of the dishwasher with a 50/50 water and vinegar solution—then, wipe down the door, sides, and bottom using a clean cloth.” Make sure you replace the racks and baskets. For an extra clean, run the empty machine on its highest temperature setting without detergent.

6, Using Stainless polish on your fridge.
The flip side of stainless polishes on your fridge is that they leave a bright, attractive, reflective finish. “Although they really make stainless appliances pop, and they smell fantastic, they also attract fingerprints and pet hair,” explains Ruenz. “If you have a shedding pet, you might actually end up with a hairy fridge from knee level down.”

7, Not removing dust and dirt pile-up on the fridge.
It’s important to remove dust pileup in your fridge—this can get unsanitary since the dust can circulate in the air of your home. “Begin by using a vacuum cleaner attachment and long-handled brush to clean the dust and dirt from condenser coils on the bottom grille/kick plate,” suggests Peterson.

8, Taking a Magic Eraser to the walls.
Magic Erasers are wonderful for cleaning so many surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. The one area to avoid, though, is using them to clean scuffs off walls. “They will actually buff off the top paint layer in the process, leaving a dull patch next to the rest of the wall,” says Ruenz. “In certain lighting, you'll see patches on the walls.” Instead, use a slightly damp light-use sponge (not the Scotchbrite green ones, which are too abrasive) or a microfiber cloth to wipe scuffs from the walls.

9, Overusing floor polish.
According to Ruenz, there are so many things that can go wrong in mopping: too much product, water that's too cold, and the biggest issue of all, using dirty water to mop. “But too much product specifically will leave a sticky or filmy residue that attracts dirt, and it may feel tacky when you walk on it,” she says. “For most mopping, you should start by removing all debris with a high-powered vacuum, or at least a good sweeping. Next, use a minimal amount of product with warm clean water.” Hand-cleaning edges under counters and by baseboards in bathrooms is a good idea, too.




https://www.southernliving.com/cleaning-mistakes-7091561

We tapped two cleaning experts to explain the cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier, and how you can avoid them in the future.

01/08/2023

Window Washing Tips and Techniques
(from www.familyhandyman.com )
The fastest way to wash your windows with crystal clear, streak-free results.

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Basic Window Washing Equipment
When cleaning windows, remember that the same high-quality window washing tools the pros use are readily available online, at home centers, and in full-service hardware stores. Here’s what you need:
10 or 12-in. squeegee
A scrubber or a sponge
A bucket (a 5-gallon plastic bucket will work)
Dish soap
Lint-free rags or small towels
A ladder and a ladder stabilizer (if needed)
Keep your squeegee fitted with a sharp, new rubber blade. Purchase two or three extra rubber blades to have on hand. You can get a little more mileage out of blades that aren’t nicked or sliced by simply reversing them to expose a fresh edge. When you store the squeegee, make sure nothing touches the blade.

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DIY Window Cleaning Solution
The best homemade window cleaning solution is to just mix two gallons of water and about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid together in your bucket. Some people also opt to use vinegar and water to clean windows.
In warm weather, you’ll get a little more working time by using cool water. If you’ve procrastinated so long that you’re washing windows in below-freezing temps, add windshield washing solution until the water doesn’t freeze on the glass.

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Scrub the Glass
The first step in the exterior window cleaning process is to scrub the glass, working at all angles to clean the edges. Make sure to cover every square inch of the glass. This technique allows you to get great results immediately. We’re moving the squeegee horizontally across the glass, but vertical strokes will work too. If you work vertically, angle the squeegee to direct excess water toward the uncleaned area.

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Clean a Starting Strip
Tip the squeegee so that only the corner contacts the glass. Then, starting at the top corner of the glass, clean a narrow strip of glass from top to bottom on one side. This clean strip makes it easier to start the horizontal stokes.

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Squeegee Across the Top
Press the squeegee blade against the glass in the upper corner and pull it steadily across the window. Concentrate on keeping the top of the squeegee in contact with the top edge of the window.

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Wipe the Squeegee Clean
Wipe the blade on the clean towel in your front pocket or wipe it across the scrubber to remove dirt and excess water.

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Work Down the Window
Begin again, with the top of the squeegee overlapping the previous stroke about 2-in. Pull the squeegee across the window at an angle to direct excess water down. Wipe and repeat.

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Wipe Off Excess Water
The next step in exterior window cleaning is to use the rag in your pocket to wipe up excess water along the bottom edge of the window. Then poke your finger into a dry spot on a separate lint-free rag and run it around the perimeter of the window to remove any remaining suds. Wipe off any streaks using a clean area of the lint-free rag. Change rags when you can’t find any fresh, clean areas.

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You Can Use a Squeegee Inside the House, Too!
Pro cleaners use squeegees inside all the time, even in houses with stained and varnished woodwork. When cleaning windows with a squeegee indoors, the key is to squeeze most of the soapy water out of the scrubber to eliminate excessive dripping and running. Then rest the scrubber on the edge of the bucket rather than dropping it in the water after each window. Depending on how dirty your windows are, you may be able to wash five or 10 windows before rinsing the scrubber.
Keep a rag in your pocket to wipe the squeegee and quickly clean up soapy water that runs onto the woodwork. Use a separate clean rag to wipe the perimeter of the glass. Microfiber rags also work great for window cleaning.

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Changing a Squeegee Blade
Remove the worn out blade.
Grab the end of the blade and stretch it out to expose the metal clip.
Slide the clip off, then slide the blade out the opposite end.
Pro tip: Blades without clips are usually held together by a couple of screws and the clamp on the handle.
Install the new blade.
Slide it into the metal channel.
Stretch it and reinstall the metal clip.
Pro tip: If necessary, cut the end of the blade to leave 1/8 to 3/16 in. protruding from the channel.

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Tips for Hard-to-Clean Windows
Remove paint specks and labels with a razor blade mounted in a holder. Always use a new blade to avoid scratching the glass. Wet the window first and push the blade across once. Rinse the blade and repeat on the next section to avoid trapping debris under the blade that could scratch the glass. Don’t use a razor blade on tempered glass.

Remove tree pitch or bug droppings with a fine (white) nylon scrub pad. Wet the glass first and rub in an inconspicuous area to make sure you’re not scratching the glass.
Clean tough glass stains and built-up mineral deposits from shower doors and other glass surfaces using mild household abrasives and an ordinary power drill.
Use this glass cleaning solution for tough spots: Add 1/2 cup of ammonia per gallon of water to help remove greasy dirt for a DIY window cleaner
Loosen sticky residue left from labels or tape by soaking it with a specialty product like Goof Off. You’ll find Goof Off in the paint department at hardware stores and home centers. Then scrape off the residue with a razor blade.

Learn what tools you'll need for the job and the best ways to clean your home's windows with clear, repeatable results.

28/07/2023

Cleaning trick🤣
Have a great weekend everyone!

27/07/2023

22 Genius House Cleaning Hacks for a Tidier Space in No Time
(from Better Homes & Gardens)

Clean better and faster with our clever ideas that use unexpected tools and creative tidying techniques. These cleaning hacks help take the work out of your chore list by saving time and energy. So tuck these ideas into your bag of tricks and consider your home cleaning complete.

01
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Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves
As much as we love our four-legged friends, pet hair can accumulate quickly. Skip spending extra money on tools and special attachments and use this simple hack to clean up after your fur babies. Simply wear rubber household gloves and run them over the surface of your furniture. The rubber will cause the pet fur to gather into a ball that can be easily thrown away.

02
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Steam-Clean Your Microwave
Place a bowl of lemon juice in your microwave and set the microwave for 2 minutes or until the lemon juice comes to a boil. This will produce steam that will soften any debris stuck in the microwave. You'll be able to clean out the appliance with just the sweep of a cloth, plus you'll be left with a citrusy fresh scent.

03
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Remove Wine Stains from Carpet
Wine is known to be one of the toughest stains to remove. Luckily, club soda can be a saving grace. Start by spritzing the stain with club soda. Next, simply blot the wine, juice, or colored drink stain with a microfiber cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.

04
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Clean Cabinets with a Vacuum
Your vacuum can be a helpful tool for cleaning hard-to-reach cabinet areas. Use your vacuum's brush attachment to pick up dust and crumbs inside. For the outside of the cabinets, Debra Johnson from Merry Maids suggests cleaning the area around the hardware with a cloth dampened with warm water and Murphy Oil Soap ($4, Walmart).

05
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Use Your Dishwasher to Clean Light Fixtures
Did you know some light fixture pieces are dishwasher-safe? Amanda Thomas of Moxie Girl suggests running removable glass pieces, such as domes, through the dishwasher for this cleaning hack. Run a drying cycle to reduce spots on your light fixtures.

06
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Correct Common Cleaning Mistakes
Believe it or not, there is a wrong way to clean. But, by doing things the right way, you could save time—and the hassle of re-cleaning. Check out these house cleaning hacks to perfect your technique and shave minutes off your cleaning routine.

07
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Use a Pillowcase to Clean a Ceiling Fan
Leslie Reichert of Green Cleaning Coach shares one of her favorite cleaning hacks for dusting a ceiling fan quickly and efficiently. Slip a pillowcase over ceiling fan blades, one at a time, then wipe. This way, dust falls into the pillowcase, not on your furniture and floors.

08
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Clean with What You Have
Skip buying new items for cleaning and look at what you already have. The things you need to clean might be lying around your house. Watch and see how to tidy up using everyday items you wouldn't immediately think of as cleaning tools.

09
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Use Socks to Clean Blinds
This cleaning hack from Melissa Maker of Clean My Space uses socks as a duster. First, put an old sock on one of your hands and spritz it with water. Then, grip each blind panel and slide your sock-covered hand from one end to the other, removing dust from both sides of the slat.

10
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Learn the Trick to Cleaning Faster
The key to cleaning more quickly might actually be cleaning more often. You'll spend less time overall when you stick to a regular schedule. Watch this video from cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper to learn her best tips for a quicker clean.

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Use a Paint Roller to Clean Ceilings
Ceilings, especially textured ones, can be a pain to clean. Sweeping them with a broom can knock down pieces if you're not careful. For a more effective cleaning technique, roll a damp high-nap paint roller over the ceiling to pick up dust and cobwebs.

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Spot-Clean Fabrics with Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are surprisingly effective because they contain very little moisture, have gentle cleaning agents, and dry quickly. That's why Derek Christian from Cleaning Business Today suggests using them for spots and stains on fabrics. However, don't confuse baby wipes with cleaning wipes, which might contain bleach or other harmful chemicals.

13
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Use Tennis Balls to Launder Comforters
Washing a bulky comforter can be a tricky business. Amanda Thomas of Moxie Girl says you can machine-wash most comforters in front-loaders, as long as the comforter fills only half the washer. Then, add tennis balls to the dryer to keep the comforter's stuffing from collecting in one corner.

14
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Clean Window Treatments Faster
Keep window treatments on the rod to save time as you clean. Instead of taking them down, just shake them out to remove loose dust. Then vacuum drapes or curtains from top to bottom using the upholstery attachment. Finally, vacuum floors after cleaning window treatments to pick up any fallen dust.

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Have Your Kids Clean Your Mattress
Jumping on the bed can help freshen up your mattress. Mary Findley of Go Clean suggests a fun house cleaning hack: Have your kids bounce around on the bed to bring up dust from inside. Then vacuum the mattress top. (If your vacuum has a be**er bar, turn the bar off first.)

16
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Use Lemon Oil and Vinegar for Shine
Woodwork and wood furnishings can gather dust and dirt buildup over time. To keep wood looking shiny, regular wipe-downs are necessary. For extra sheen, mix 1 part lemon oil and 1 part white vinegar for an environmentally-friendly shine.

17
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Must-Know Dusting Tricks
Dusting can feel like a losing battle without the proper technique. Luckily, cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper has the tips you need to get dust under control. Try these clever cleaning hacks that make dusting a breeze.

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Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Melissa Maker of Clean My Space shares her cleaning hack to banish a dishwasher's dirt and odors. First, add 1 cup baking soda to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and let it sit overnight. Then run the hottest possible cycle using vinegar instead of detergent to clean and deodorize your dishwasher. Remember to remove debris from the filter.

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Remove Hard Water Stains
The house cleaning hack for removing hard water stains is simple:

Walk away.
Soak paper towels in undiluted vinegar and place them on the buildup.
Leave overnight, then scrub and rinse.

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A 50-foot, 16-gauge extension cord ($17, Home Depot) lets you plug in your vacuum at a central location so you can clean a whole level without stopping to find another outlet.

A microfiber mop ($17, Walmart) with an extension pole dusts ceilings and walls quickly and easily. When you're done, just remove the cover and toss it in the wash.

A double-sided squeegee ($21, The Home Depot) is the best tool for cleaning windows. Dip it in your cleaning solution of choice and work in a tight S-pattern from top to bottom.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers ($4, Target) make short work of soap scum, scuff marks, wayward crayon scribbles, and lots more.

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Must-Try Homemade CleanersClean Faster with These Products
Homemade cleaning solutions can be just as effective as store-bought cleaners. Go all-natural with these cleaning hacks that use items you already have around your home. Get a squeaky-clean space with these must-try homemade cleaners.

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Secret Weapons to Add to Your Shopping List
Add these cleaning essentials to your caddy to make chore day a breeze:

Zep Heavy Duty Citrus Cleanser and Degreaser ($15, Walmart) cleans cooking oil from cabinets near the stove. Look for it in the paint section at your home center.

Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser ($2, Walmart) has a combo of mild abrasives and oxalic acid that removes baked-on food, tea and coffee stains, and rust.

Better Life Naturally Smudge-Smacking Glass Cleaner ($6, Bed Bath and Beyond) is solvent-free, so you can clean the window trim, sill, sash, and tray without damaging painted or vinyl surfaces.

Clean better and faster with our clever house cleaning hacks that use unexpected tools and creative tidying techniques.

24/07/2023

The simple cleaning hacks that could save you big money
(from 7News.com.au)
Forget the expensive supermarket cleaners - a few everyday items and some elbow grease can keep your home squeaky clean.
If you buy different cleaning products for every surface in your home, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars that all do the same thing - or even nothing at all.

Consumer group Choice’s comparison of the top cleaners on supermarket shelves came up with alarming results.
“Surprisingly, price is not necessarily an indicator of performance,” Ashley Iredale from Choice told Sunrise.

“Sure you can pay a lot of money and get a premium product that will do a good job, but if you choose wisely you can also get a great performing product for a fraction of the price.”
But some products that promise to make your house sparkle are completely missing the mark.

“For most cleaners, they do a pretty good job of getting the grime off,” Iredale explained.

“For some of them though, rather than actually getting the grime off, they actually lubricate the stain - which means that instead of biting in and removing the soil, your cleaning cloth will just glide over the top of them.”
Finding a good multi-purpose spray can cover you pretty much everywhere apart from the bathroom, where you’ll need something different to combat soap scum.

Other products are best to avoid altogether.

“When it comes to floor cleaners, we find that none of them are very effective when used to the manufacturers’ directions,” said Iredale.

“In fact, some of them are no better than water, or even slightly worse ... so our advice is save your money and just use hot water and elbow grease to get your floors clean.”

Influencer advice
Melbourne mum Chantel Mila has gone viral for proving to her million-plus followers that sometimes all you need are a few basic supplies to get the job done.

“My top five things are white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, dishwashing liquid and a dish brush,” Mila told Sunrise.
“For cleaning a bathroom, I recommend using a dish brush ... simply mix half white vinegar and half dishwashing liquid into your dish brush, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, and you can use this to clean your entire bathroom,” she said.

“It leaves it squeaky clean and only takes about five minutes to do.”

Many homes have been impacted by mould following the recent months of steady rain.
“There’s a really simple DIY spray that you can use to prevent mould growth around your home,” Mila advised.

“Simply mix one cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle, and then add 20 drops of clove oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil.”

Forget the expensive supermarket cleaners - a few everyday items and some elbow grease can keep your home squeaky clean.

14/07/2023

DIY cleaning hacks (from NBCNews.com)

Get more done around the house with ingredients in your fridge, pantry and medicine cabinet.
Here’s a list of cleaning hacks for those of us looking to save time, money and of course, sanity.

1. Buff surfaces with olive oil
Olive oil has many nutritional benefits (and can possibly increase longevity). Turns out it can also help you clean the house.

“Olive oil is a great option for cleaning stainless steel, such as pots, pans and appliances. Put olive oil on a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots,” says Mat Franken, CEO and Founder of Aunt Fannie’s, a manufacturer of whole ingredient, food-based cleaning and pest solutions for the home.

2. Detox the garbage disposal with lemons or limes
The garbage disposal does a lot of dirty work on a regular basis, so it’s important to keep it clean and clog-free.

“To clean and deodorize garbage disposals, use a fresh lemon or lime,” says Franken. “Cut the citrus fruit into quarters, and while you have the water running put the lemon pieces one by one into the disposal.”

3. Remove carpet stains with vodka
Rubbing alcohol, clear vodka (which has a lot of cleaning benefits!) and even white wine can be used for this cleaning hack.

“First blot the stain. Second, pour any type of clear alcohol (rubbing alcohol, vodka, white wine) onto the stain,” says Greg Shepard, owner of the housecleaning service Dallas Maids. “This is better than any over the counter product.”
4. Eliminate water stains with shaving cream
Who’d have thought that shaving cream could be used to clean? Shepard vouches for it as a great way to remove water stains from shower glass.

“Apply the shaving cream and let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe off,” Shepard says.

5. Baking soda and vinegar will basically clean the tub for you
Jenice Findley, director of marketing at the newly launched Fins Property Maintenance, which offers various commercial cleaning services, recommends the following 10-minute plan of attack for tubs.

“[Mix] one cup vinegar, half a cup of baking soda with hot water and pour into [an empty] tub and allow to sit for five minutes,” says Findley. “Start filling the tub with hot water until it is approximately one-quarter filled, and let it sit for an additional five minutes. Then release drain and rinse thoroughly.”

6. Use the same solution to clean toilets
You can use the same concoction to freshen up your toilet, Findley notes. Just let it soak for a bit, then flush and wipe the seat.

7. Essential oils for a sparkling toilet
Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, recommends using essential oils in a DIY toilet cleaner.

“Mix one cup of baking soda with 15 drops of tea tree essential oil and 15 drops of lemon or orange essential oil. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for 30 minutes and scrub with a bowl brush before flushing.”

8. A DIY aromatherapy cleaning solution for shining sinks and tubs
James also recommends getting your sink or tub to shine by mixing baking soda, drops of lemon and basil essential oils and dish soap. “Sponge the mixture on the surface of your bathtub and bathroom sink for 10 minutes. After rising off with water, [they] will be glistening.”

9. Steam the microwave with lemon oil
You can also use essential oils to clean the microwave.

“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 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on inside walls/ceilings of your machine,” says Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. “Once complete, simply wipe away the softened food with a sponge.”

10. Nuke a damp sponge
Another way to clean your microwave is by putting a clean, dampened sponge or cloth on the tray and setting it on high for two minutes.

“This will kill bacteria,” says Jennifer Rodriguez, chief hygiene officer at Pro Housekeepers. “Then use sponge or cloth to wipe down the microwave.”

12. DIY Glass Cleaner
“If you don’t feel like running to the store for more glass cleaner, making your own is easy,” says Larry Patterson, franchise owner of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company. “Mix white vinegar, distilled water, drops of an essential oil and shake. This is an affordable and easy way to clean your windows, mirrors or even shower doors if you’re in a pinch.”

13. Lemon oil is a natural degreaser for the oven
“In addition to its scent benefits, lemon essential oil is a great degreaser and can be an excellent tool to remove stubborn grease stains naturally,” says Rogers.

“Spray a mixture of one cup water, one cup vinegar and lemon essential oil onto your stovetop and simply wipe clean. For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda first, then spray and wipe. You can use the same technique to clean your oven — which will help prevent kitchen fires — many of which are caused by grease.”

14. Baking soda for a hands-off stovetop scrub
Carol Meerschaert, a registered dietitian and the owner of Appleton Home Services, hails baking soda as a favorite stove-top cleaner.

“Just pour it on, sprinkle with water, let sit one hour and wipe.”

15. Remove pet hair with rubber gloves
“When your standard vacuum doesn’t seem to get all your pet’s hair, rubber gloves will get the job done,” says Leanne Stapf, VP of operations at The Cleaning Authority. “Just slide them on and rub down any areas that need extra cleaning. When rubber is pushed against fabric, it can generate elasticity to gather remaining pet hair. Rinse the gloves under running water when you’re done and the hair will unstick.”
16. Eliminate foul odors from upholstery
Joshua Miller, director of Technical Training of Rainbow International, a Neighborly company, recommends wiping out pet smells and other odors from upholstery by combining vinegar, water and your favorite essential oil (he vouches for lavender).
“Furniture is often the culprit behind persistent unpleasant smells in the home, as upholstery often retains odors,” Miller notes. “Pre-test the solution on an inconspicuous location and allow to dry to test for colorfastness before using on the rest of the upholstery.”

If all is good, then spray the mixture on the rest of the upholstery, and once dry, vacuum the area.

17. Spruce up the mattress with baking soda & vinegar
We tend to wash our bedding regularly, but we can’t exactly throw our mattress in the washing machine. Fortunately, we can keep it clean with our kitchen essential.

“It’s important to clean your mattress often to avoid dust mites, dead skin cells, etc,” says Stapf. “For stain removal especially, try spraying the mattress with vinegar and sprinkle baking soda over the top. You can place a towel over the area and let it sit for one to two hours. Then take your vacuum and go over the mattress for a final clean.”

18. Dust electronics with coffee filters
“Coffee filters are useful items to keep around your living room and office, not only in the kitchen,” says Stapf. “They are perfect for clearing dust from TV screens, computer monitors and any other screens around the home, without leaving behind any fibers like towels do.”

19. Clean ceiling fans with a pillowcase
“Instead of using a rag to clean your ceiling fan, which usually results in dust falling onto your furniture and floors, try using your pillowcase,” Stapf says. “Slip it in between the fan blades and swipe one at a time.”

20. Dust window blinds with old socks
“Blinds often have multiple sides and shapes, so they can sometimes be a hassle to clean,” Stapf notes. “With this simple and kid-friendly hack, it doesn’t have to be! Take 50/50 vinegar and water mixture with an old clean sock, swipe the sock over each section and the embedded dust and dirt will come right off your blinds.”

21. Use the dishwasher to clean hair brushes, flip flops and more
“If you only use your dishwasher to clean dishes, you aren't using it to its full potential,” asserts Stapf. “Take a look at this list of things you can safely wash in the dishwasher:

Rubber flip-flops, canvas sneakers and baseball caps
Makeup brushes
Non-electrical plastic and rubber kids’ toys
Contacts lens case
Mouth guards
Hair brushes and combs
Shower heads
Plastic and metal garden tools
Refrigerator shelves

Get more done around the house with ingredients in your fridge, pantry and medicine cabinet.