You may be loyal to specific cleaning product brands, but do they truly get the job done? If your regular cleaning products aren’t cutting it and you need to address a particularly difficult cleaning problem, it may be time to attempt a somewhat more unconventional method, such as grabbing a few cupboard items or trying a zany, off-the-wall cleaning trick. Are you up for a little adventure? Here are 10+ out-of-the-ordinary cleaning tips that truly work.
By Jamie Birdwell-Branson and Andréana Lefton
Chalk to Remove Oil Stains on Clothing
How many times have you ruined your favorite shirt by splattering it with bacon grease during the breakfast rush? After your next unfortunate encounter with oil or grease, before you throw your shirt in the washing machine, pretreat it by rubbing plain old white chalk into the stain. The chalk will absorb the grease, making it more likely that the shirt will emerge from the wash stain-free.
Common Items with Cleaning Superpowers
We frequently rely on commercial sprays, powders, and potions to clean our homes and keep everything clean, from camping gear to cabinets. Nature and everyday household products, on the other hand, have equally wonderful cleansing powers—if you know how to use them. We’ve compiled a list of the greatest cleaning tips that will save you time and money on specialized supplies. Furthermore, your home and possessions will appear (and feel) renewed and dazzling.
Baby Wipes for Cleaning Chalkboards
No longer do chalkboards live just in the classroom—now we have them all over the house as practical and playful decor. They’re not so pretty, though, when they’re covered with chalk dust. To get a truly clean slate without any chalky residue, clear off your chalkboard surfaces with a baby wipe.
Vinegar to Wipe Away Hard Water Stains
One of the best cleaning solutions is a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% water. The acid in the vinegar cuts through mineral deposits that cause hard water stains. Simply spray this vinegar solution onto faucets and tile, let sit for 5-15 minutes, then wash with clean water and a rag or sponge. For tougher stains and grime build-up, mix baking soda, vinegar, and water into a paste. Use a toothbrush or sponge to polish the surface clean and sparkling.
Hairspray to Clear Dry-Erase Boards
Nothing ruins a dry erase board faster than a dry erase marker stain that just won’t go away, no matter how much cleaner you put on the board. If you have a stubborn stain on your dry-erase board, try spritzing on some hairspray to remove it. After spraying and erasing, wipe down the board with good old-fashioned soap and water to get rid of the sticky residue.
Dryer Sheets to Clean Stubborn, Stuck-On Food
Scrubbing pots and pans is never anyone’s favorite chore, but it can seem truly impossible when you’re trying to remove heavily burnt-on food using just a scrubber and soap. Make the job easier by dropping a dryer sheet into a dirty pot filled with soap and water. Let the dryer sheet sit in the soapy water for an hour, then be prepared to be amazed at how easily all the gunk and grime come off.
Baby Powder and Dish Soap to Remove Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains are perplexing and tough to eliminate from furniture or clothing, no matter how much you dab or how hard you scrub. Remove those offending stains once and for all by treating them with a mixture of equal parts baby powder and dish soap.
Mayonnaise for Cleaning Cloudy Wood Stains
Those cloudy stains from heat or water rings can really mar the look of a nice piece of wood furniture. Brighten up that beautiful surface by slathering on some mayonnaise—yes, mayonnaise—and letting it sit overnight. Once the stain is gone, wipe off the mayonnaise, buff the spot, and then shine it up with furniture polish.
Mouthwash for the Washer
Have you ever pulled a load of laundry out of the washer that smelled less than fresh? Eliminate musty smells in the washing machine by running a cycle with mouthwash. Not only does this disinfecting substance leave your mouth smelling squeaky clean, but it also gets rid of odor-causing bacteria in the laundry room.
Cornstarch for Tarnished Silver
Cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening agent in soups, stews, and stir-fries, but it can also perform well around the house as a gritty cleaning agent. Apply a paste of cornstarch and water to your tarnished silver, let it dry, then wipe it off to reveal that sparkling surface.
Lemon to Eliminate Odors
Over time, smells build up in a garbage disposal. Grinding up some lemon or lime peel instantly cleanses and eliminates funky odors—no bleach required. Thinly slice a lemon, making sto ure that the portion of fruit is clear of seeds. Then, slip it down your disposal and—once your hand is out of the disposal, of course—flip the switch. A fresh, citrusy scent should fill your kitchen.
Toilet Cleaner in the Shower
Toilet cleaner is an often overlooked, multipurpose product that does wonders for bathtub mold and mildew. Look for a product with a “clinging” formula that will stick to bathroom tiles and grout. Squeeze the toilet cleaner along the moldy grout lines in your tub or shower, and wait about 30 minutes before rinsing. Scrub away any lingering dark areas with a sponge, and wash with clean water.
Baking Soda to Brighten Laundry
Like white vinegar, baking soda is another household champion. This mild alkaline compound is actually a salt, and has many uses from baking to laundry. Yes, for brighter, cleaner clothes, add ½-1 cup of baking soda to your washing machine after it has filled. Then run your cycle as usual. Baking soda has natural deodorizing, softening, and brightening powers – the perfect cleaning combo and gentle on clothes.
Toothpaste for Dirty Sneakers
Fashion-forward sneakers often have white soles, which look great when new, but pretty dingy after a few days of pounding the pavement. Keep your white soles looking brand-new with toothpaste. Non-gel toothpaste (like Arm & Hammer, which includes baking soda for surface stains) will get your sneakers clean in no time. With an old (clean) toothbrush, scrub soles with toothpaste and a little water. For tougher stains, let toothpaste sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.
Bread for Collecting Glass Shards
Remember the last time you dropped a glass and it shattered? It’s a challenge to wipe up all the tiny glass shards without accidentally stepping on them or getting glass embedded in your skin. Next time, grab a slice of bread. The spongy surface easily lifts tiny glass particles, which even a broom, mop, or vacuum can miss.
