10 Home Cleaning Hacks for the Worst Household Chores


Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Some chores just make us want to groan. Whether you hate diving elbows deep into a pile of dirty dishes, or if the thought of scrubbing the trash bin makes you sick, there are ways to complete the miserable tasks with less stress and strain.

While some hacks are about taking shortcuts so you can get your chores done in less time, others are cleaning methods that will allow you to clean less often or less painfully.

Check out some amazing cleaning tips for your home that will save time, energy or misery.

Cleaning the trash bin

This one is nobody’s favorite. Currently, there are a few products on the market that will attach to the inside of the bin so an oversized bag will actually fit and stay. They’re completely worth it to keep trash from leaking inside of the bin.

But until you have one, the best way to clean it out and keep it clean is by spraying it each time it’s emptied. It may seem like a lot of work, but it keeps you from having to scrub it with soap, spray bugs out with bleach or use other chemicals that can be messy or smelly.

Use a presoak spray to break up dirt and grease. This will save time, elbow grease and water.

Wash dishes in a bucket instead of directly in the sink to save water and space. It will also help keep your sink cleaner, avoiding the dreaded ring around the sink.

Clean as you go. If you clean while you cook, you won’t have to deal with quite as much afterward.

Cleaning the gutters

Leaf blowers or shop vacs will save time and hard labor when it comes to cleaning gutters. If you happen to have a power washer, this can work as well, but be careful of the pressure as it can cause you to fall off the ladder. The leaf blower or shop vac, therefore, are safer options and work just as well.

Washing baseboards

If you don’t want to break your back, professional cleaners suggest connecting a dryer sheet to a Swiffer-style mop. This will eliminate dust and hair without having to bend.

For a more thorough clean, a bucket of water with dish soap and a magic eraser is the best answer. No more scrubbing: the grime will come right off.

Washing the windows

For completely streak-free windows, professionals use a solution of vinegar and water after using a microfiber cloth to dust off the solid debris. You can then use the same cloth to dry your squeegee as you go.

A great way to keep it fresh after rinsing is by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the bin after it dries. And that brings on the next point: never put anything in the bin until it’s dry.

Washing dishes by hand

Occasionally there is an item that needs to be cleaned and is not dishwasher safe or simply won’t fit in the dishwasher. Then you have to face the loathsome task of washing it by hand.

A two-step process may seem time-consuming, but experts use this method to keep windows clean longer. Therefore, you’ll need to clean the windows less frequently, which is a very good thing.

Dusting

Especially if you have allergies, always start by dusting as much as you can with the duster accessory on your vacuum. Suck as much as you can into the canister, then empty it into the outside trash.

For the little bits of dust you can’t reach with the vacuum, use a damp cloth rather than a dry duster. A great way to keep dust particles from settling is by keeping an air purifier in your home. Though they may be pricy, they’re worth the cost to keep the constant dust away.

Cleaning the shower

Many say the quickest way to clean the shower is to do it while you shower. A quick once-over, while you wash, can be done with any brand of magic eraser. It does wonders for the porcelain, tile and chrome alike.

If you refuse to clean while relaxing in the shower, you can spray your shower down with an effective cleaner the moment you get out. The condensation and leftover hot water will help activate the cleaner, allowing it to work without scrubbing.

If the worst possible thing has happened— the showerhead is clogged—wrap it with a plastic bag that is filled halfway with full-strength white vinegar or a calcium, lime and rust cleaner.

Scrubbing the stovetop

There’s nothing worse than scrubbing stubborn grease from the nooks and crannies of a stovetop.

For this task, white vinegar is going to be your best friend. Pour some into a spray bottle and spray the entire surface of your stove. Then let it sit. Drink some coffee if you want. Then, once the highly acidic vinegar has done its job, simply wipe your stovetop with a damp cloth or a sponge. No scrubbing. If you hate the smell of vinegar, don’t worry. Once it’s wiped and dry, the smell will disappear.

Cleaning the toilet

For all the germ haters out there, cleaning the toilet is the worst.

But the process doesn’t have to be a killer. Simply pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bowl. If you want to clean your toilet brush, you can do this same process with your toilet brush inside the bowl. Wait 30 minutes, then flush. Both your bowl and brush are sanitized, and you don’t have to worry about germs anymore.

A great way to keep the inside of your bowl shiny and clean is by dropping in a toilet bomb. Toilet bombs are made from baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and water. They’re simply magic since you can drop them and you won’t need to scrub. Just plop a toilet bomb into the bowl once a week to keep your potty smelling clean and fresh.

Use a bath scrubber wand, like the one you use to scrub your back (but preferably not the same one), to clean the outside of the toilet. Simply spray the outside of the toilet with your favorite cleanser, and the scrunched plastic bits of the scrubber wand will get into every nook and cranny. Your back will thank you, and you won’t have to get up close and personal with your toilet. Any excess cleaner on the floor after cleansing can be easily mopped up with a dry swifter cloth.

Folding the laundry

There’s no way to get around this time-consuming task. Even the most seasoned homemakers don’t have the perfect answer to cutting down the long-winded efforts of folding laundry.

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