Unconventional house cleaning tips are those that use unexpected or creative methods, tools, or products to make cleaning easier, faster, or more effective.
Here are 15 unconventional house cleaning tips with examples of how to use them:
- Use coffee filters to clean glass surfaces without leaving streaks or lint. For example, you can use a coffee filter to wipe down your mirrors, windows, or glass tables after spraying them with a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Use baby wipes to erase chalkboard surfaces without any dust or residue. For example, you can use a baby wipe to clear off your chalkboard wall, calendar, or menu after writing or drawing on them with chalk.
- Use hairspray to remove dry erase marker stains from whiteboards. For example, you can use hairspray to spray on the stubborn marks on your whiteboard and then wipe them off with a paper towel or a cloth.
- Use vodka to spray and freshen up your camping gear or other smelly items. For example, you can use vodka to mist your tent, sleeping bag, backpack, or shoes and let them air dry to get rid of any odors or bacteria.
- Use dryer sheets to soak and loosen burnt-on food from pots and pans. For example, you can use a dryer sheet to fill a dirty pot with water and let it sit overnight. The next day, the food will come off easily with a sponge or a scrubber.
- Use a soap dispenser dish brush to scrub your shower while you are in it. For example, you can use a soap dispenser dish brush filled with dish soap to clean your shower walls, floor, and door while you are taking a shower. Dish soap can effectively remove soap scum, mildew, and grime from your shower.
- Vacuum your floors in a crisscross pattern (horizontally and vertically) to pick up more dirt and dust. For example, you can vacuum your carpeted or hardwood floors in both directions to ensure that you get all the dirt particles from different angles.
- Use a spray bottle with water and dish soap to clean various surfaces in your kitchen. For example, you can use a spray bottle with water and dish soap to spray and wipe down your kitchen counters, appliances, cabinets, and backsplash. You can also add some vinegar or lemon juice for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.
- Use Bar Keepers Friend to make your sink, counters, and other surfaces sparkle. For example, you can use Bar Keepers Friend to scrub your stainless steel sink, granite countertops, ceramic tiles, glass cooktops, and other hard surfaces. Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleanser that can remove stains, rust, tarnish, and mineral deposits.
- Use a timer to limit yourself to 15 or 20 minutes of cleaning per day. For example, you can use a timer to set a realistic and manageable goal for yourself to clean one area of your house each day. This way, you can avoid procrastination and overwhelm and keep your house tidy without spending too much time or energy.
- Use different colors of microfiber cloths for different areas of your house to avoid cross-contamination. For example, you can use blue microfiber cloths for the bathroom, green microfiber cloths for the kitchen, yellow microfiber cloths for the living room, etc. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning because they can trap dust and dirt without scratching surfaces. They are also reusable and washable.
- Use olive oil to polish your stainless steel appliances and remove fingerprints. For example, you can use olive oil to rub on your stainless steel fridge, oven, dishwasher, or toaster with a soft cloth. Olive oil can give your appliances a shiny and streak-free finish and prevent fingerprints from sticking.
- Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots like faucets, vents, and grout lines. For example, you can use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda or vinegar to scrub the crevices of your faucets, the slats of your vents, or the grout lines of your tiles. A toothbrush can help you get into the tight spaces that a sponge or a cloth can’t reach.
- Use baking soda and vinegar to clean your oven, microwave, sink, and other appliances. For example, you can use baking soda and vinegar to make a paste or a solution that can dissolve grease, food residue, and stains from your oven interior, microwave interior, sink drain, garbage disposal, etc. Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that can create a fizzing reaction that lifts dirt and grime.
- Use hooks and pegs to hang items like fire extinguishers, tools, and gloves. For example, you can use hooks and pegs to organize your fire extinguishers, tools, gloves, and other items on the wall of your garage, basement, or laundry room. This way, you can save space, keep things accessible, and prevent clutter.
