What’s inside this article: 10 hacks for deep cleaning some frequently overlooked areas of your home to have it looking sparkling clean and odor free.
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By the way — before you get started, you should know you’re going to need a ton of white vinegar and baking soda for these deep cleaning hacks!
Maintaining a clean and organized home is essential for a healthy and enjoyable living environment. While regular cleaning takes care of daily dirt and grime, sometimes our homes require deeper attention.
That’s where these 10 deep cleaning hacks come to the rescue! These tips and tricks will help you tackle those overlooked areas, eliminate hidden dirt, and revitalize your living space.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your home into a sparkling haven!
Refresh Your Mattress:
Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust mites, sweat, and stains, affecting your sleep quality. To refresh your mattress, start by vacuuming both sides to remove loose debris.
Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for a few hours to absorb odors.
Vacuum once more to remove the baking soda, leaving your mattress smelling fresh and clean.
For stubborn stains, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap, apply it to the stain, and gently blot with a clean cloth.
Tip: Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda to infuse your mattress with a relaxing scent to help you fall asleep.
Conquer the Grout:
Dirty grout lines can make even the cleanest bathroom or kitchen look dingy. Here’s how to make your ground sparkling clean:
- Create a powerful grout cleaner by mixing equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
- Apply the paste to the grout lines, focusing on the areas with discoloration or stains.
- Scrub the paste into the grout using a small brush or an old toothbrush.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to penetrate and break down the grime.
- Rinse the grout lines with warm water and use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away the residue.
Beat Dusty Blinds:
Blinds can be a magnet for dust, and cleaning each slat individually is time-consuming.
Simplify the process by using a pair of tongs wrapped in microfiber cloths. Secure the cloths with rubber bands, ensuring they cover the tongs completely. Glide the tongs along the blinds, starting from the top and working your way down. This method allows you to clean both sides of the blinds simultaneously.
For stubborn dust or stains, spray a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar onto the blinds and wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth.
Revitalize Your Oven:
An oven’s interior can accumulate layers of baked-on grease and grime, affecting its performance and emitting unpleasant odors.
Here’s an easy way to clean your oven:
- Create a paste with baking soda and water.
- Spread the paste on the walls and floor of the oven, avoiding the heating elements.
- Let it sit overnight to break down the buildup.
- The next day, use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste.
- For stubborn stains, use a vinegar-water solution and a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe the oven dry before using.
Brighten Up Your Baseboards:
Baseboards often go unnoticed during regular cleaning routines. To bring them back to their former glory:
- Start by removing loose dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket or basin.
- Dip a microfiber cloth or a sponge into the soapy solution, wring out excess moisture, and gently wipe along the baseboards.
- Pay attention to scuff marks or stubborn dirt, applying slightly more pressure if needed.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture and leave your baseboards looking clean and polished.
Defy Stubborn Carpet Stains:
Carpet stains can be a frustrating eyesore, but with the right approach, they can be effectively removed.
- If it’s a fresh spill, start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any liquid or residue.
- Next, create a DIY carpet stain remover by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth, working from the outer edges toward the center.
- Repeat this process until the stain disappears.
- For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area before vacuuming, leaving your carpet fresh and clean.
Deep Clean Your Showerhead:
Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your showerhead, leading to reduced water pressure and spray quality. To restore its flow:
- Start by removing the showerhead from the hose or wall mount.
- Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, ensuring there is enough to submerge the showerhead fully.
- Secure the bag around the showerhead using a rubber band and let it soak overnight.
- In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush or a small brush to gently scrub away any remaining deposits.
- Rinse the showerhead thoroughly with water before reattaching it.
Refresh Your Dishwasher:
Dishwashers can develop an unpleasant odor due to trapped food particles and mineral buildup.
To deep clean your dishwasher:
- Start by removing the bottom rack and inspecting the drain area for any debris.
- Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to scrub away any residue.
- Next, place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle to allow the vinegar to circulate and remove odors.
- Afterward, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle to neutralize any remaining smells.
This process will leave your dishwasher fresh and ready for sparkling clean dishes.
Rejuvenate Your Cutting Boards:
Wooden cutting boards can become stained and retain odors over time. To refresh them:
- Start by washing the cutting board with warm water and dish soap, scrubbing gently to remove any visible stains or residue.
- For deeper cleaning and odor elimination, sprinkle coarse salt over the surface and rub it with half a lemon. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasiveness of the salt will help lift stains and neutralize odors.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then rinse the cutting board with warm water and let it air dry completely.
Banish Fridge Odors:
Foul smells in the refrigerator can be banished using a simple hack.
- Start by removing all the food items and placing them in a cooler.
- Remove any removable shelves or drawers and wash them with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the interior of the fridge using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, focusing on any areas with spills or stains.
- For stubborn odors, leave an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves to absorb unwanted smells.
- Once the interior is clean and odor-free, place the shelves and food items back into the refrigerator, and enjoy the freshness.
Deep cleaning your home might sound like an arduous task, but with these 10 hacks, you can tackle the job efficiently and achieve exceptional results.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to transform your living spaces, leaving them clean and odor free.
So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and embark on a deep cleaning adventure that will breathe new life into your home!
