Whether you love to bake or prepare huge family meals every night, keeping the oven clean at all times can be challenging—sometimes, even after you’ve tried everything.

You may clean up the occasional spills as they happen, but in the long run, you’ll still have to perform a deep and thorough cleaning of your oven. And yes, it’ll be messy and maybe even tiring, but at the very least, ovens nowadays have surfaces that release grime and grease more easily.

There are numerous commercial oven cleaners on the market, and there are DIY solutions you can try at home. Today, we’ll share a few nifty tricks that will make your oven cleaning a walk in the park.

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1. Start with Vacuuming

Before you begin your oven-cleaning process, vacuum out the accumulated dust, dirt, crumbs, and debris; it’s also essential to vacuum your oven after running a self-cleaning cycle. All you need is a vacuum hose or crevice attachment.

2. Scrub with a Foil

There are tough stains that simply won’t come off your oven. A good trick to handle such stains is using aluminum foil. First, use a sponge and water to wipe down the stains, then follow up with a balled-up sheet of aluminum foil. The foil helps break up the grime on the oven without leaving any damage.

Oven grates also have really tough stains, but instead of an aluminum foil, consider a pumice stone. Your grates will be free of burnt food stains in no time!

3. Make the Grime Loose

To make your oven-cleaning process easier, employ the power of steam. There are two ways to go about this: 

Vinegar and Water

• Boil 1/3 of a pot of water on your gas stove before adding an equal amount of white vinegar. Let the mixture boil for at least 30 seconds.
• Take your pot with the boiling mixture and place it on your oven’s middle rack, then close the oven door. Let the steam do its magic for about 45 to 60 minutes.
• Find a soapy cloth, open the door, and start wiping down the surface. You’ll notice the grime coming off more effortlessly than it would if you tried scrubbing only.

Lemon and Water

• Squeeze the juice of two lemons in an oven-safe dish. Alternatively, simply cut them up into quarters to save you some energy.
• Fill the dish with water and put it in the oven. 
• Turn your oven on and put it on ‘Bake’ at 250℉ for about 30 minutes to allow the water to boil.
• Once the time is up, remove the boiling water and let the oven cool. Then, using a sponge dipped in lemon water, wipe down everything, including the oven door.

4. Clean the Knobs and Handles

Your oven hardware, such as knobs and handles, also requires some wipe-down once you’ve done tackling the inside. Remove the knobs by pulling them off and soak them in a white vinegar solution for 30 minutes; this will loosen the grime. Rinse the knobs with clean water and set them on a paper towel to dry.

For things such as handles, spray them with a vinegar solution before wiping them down with a cloth.

5. Use the Self-Cleaning Function

Some ovens come with a self-cleaning feature, a lifesaver that will save you the time and effort in cleaning your oven. Check the manufacturer’s manual to learn how the feature works. Once you run a cycle, vacuum the debris and wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. It might take a few hours, and you’ll need to ventilate your space to get rid of the smell.

6. Perform a Deep Clean

Honestly, if asked, I’d say doing things as a whole, all at once, is better than handling them bit by bit. To deep clean your oven, you’ll require a baking soda and white vinegar paste, a microfiber cloth or sponge for scrubbing, and paper towels to wipe the stains. Here’s how to go about it:

• If your oven is on, switch it off and let it cool; never clean it while it’s hot! A hot oven can burn you and may react with cleaning agents, leaving unsightly stains behind or, even worse, releasing toxic chemicals.
• Remove the oven racks and soak them in a hot, soapy water solution. Since oven racks have an awkward shape and size, you can clean them in your bathtub, but ensure you line the tub with towels to avoid any scratches.
• Apply the cleaning paste to the sides and walls of the oven, its bottom and top, and the inside of the glass oven door. Be careful not to apply the paste to the heating elements.
• Scrub your oven thoroughly using a microfibre cloth or sponge. Avoid using materials such as steel wool, which will scratch the finish.
• For tough stains that are proving hard to come off, apply a second coat of your cleaning paste and leave it overnight.
• Wipe away the residue of the cleaning paste and lift the debris and dirt using a damp microfiber cloth. If the baking soda and vinegar paste still persists, use a rubber spatula or plastic pan scraper.
• For the final wipe-down, take clean water to remove any trace of your cleaning solution. Dry your oven by turning it on to the lowest heat for at least 15 minutes, or use paper towels.
• Put the oven racks back inside and enjoy a dirt and grime-free oven!

Cleaning and organizing your home is one way to feel relaxed and at peace when spending your time indoors. 

A clean home will always feel cozy and inviting. However, knowing when to clean your home or take on an organizational project isn’t always easy. But not to worry! If you’re busy cleaning your home frequently, there are a few signs to look out for to know its cleaning time. 

Here are a few expert signs that indicate your home has seen better days. 

Dust Buildup

When you are rarely messy, your space is always well organized, and everything is in place, but this is no excuse not to tidy up. Dust can build up even in the most elaborately arranged rooms. 

This buildup may take more than three days or even a week, so even though your space may look meticulous, you’re likely to find dust on window frames, baseboards, light fixtures, furniture, or even countertops. 

Areas that you rarely clean are most susceptible to dust buildup. If you notice such places filled with dust, it’s time to bring the cleaning brushes out.

Unpleasant Odors in Your Home

An unpleasant odor will likely be disturbing, no matter how well-designed your space is. Once you notice a distinct and distasteful smell in your house, you should take on a cleaning project ASAP. 

Once you have cleaned and removed the odor, you can take measures to ensure this isn’t a repeat occurrence. For example, you can use a dehumidifier or air purifier to clean the room’s air. 

Empty your trash can daily, clean your dishes as soon as you’re done using them, and ensure dirty clothes are placed in a breathable fabric to keep odors from building up.

Difficulty in Finding Essential Items

One of the leading indicators that it’s time for a cleanup is when you can count essential items you use each day. Items like headphones, phone chargers, keys, and even remotes are used frequently, almost on a daily basis, so when you can’t find them, it may be a sign that the clutter is getting out of hand and it’s time to reorganize the space.

Too Much Clutter

Making a house a home requires decorating and personalizing it with different kinds of decor. Sometimes, this can lead to clutter, especially when the space becomes disorganized. If your space is filled with too many items, you should include a cleaning and organizing day in your schedule. 

Cabinets and closets are some spaces that you need to organize. Reducing the clutter or organizing the space can keep your mind at ease and even improve your decision-making. 

Pet Hair on Your Furniture

Pets make good company, and it’s expected to have pet hair on your furniture. However, once the fur accumulates, it can make your space look untidy. 

So, grab a vacuum and get to cleaning. Make sure you regularly groom your pets to minimize the shedding of fur and reduce the accumulation. 

Non Functional Countertops

Your countertops are good places for temporarily placing items or working on them during meal prep. However, when you don’t make a habit of tidying up these areas, they can become cluttered and non-functional in no time. 

Make sure you regularly remove the items you place on your countertops and clean the dishes following every meal. Keeping the countertop clutter under control is crucial in maintaining a clean home. 

In cases where you notice an extremely cluttered countertop, then that’s a signal cleaning time has come.

When Your Home Hasn’t Felt Clean In a While

Even when you don’t have cluttered spaces, experiencing foul odors or piles of dirt can still make your home feel untidy. The thing with a clean space is that it’s easy to notice; switch rooms are like a vacation for your eyes where everything looks neat and organized. 

When you feel you haven’t seen your home at its best, that alone should be a reason to clean. Think of the times you marveled at your space’s tidiness and organization. If this feels like long ago, bring out the brooms and mops and start changing that.

There’s nothing more satisfying than getting a head start on spring cleaning. Although it can seem daunting, spacing out your cleaning list over a few days or weeks might relieve some of the pressure.

The most straightforward way to start is to take it room by room or appliance by appliance, and with even the simplest of ingredients and items already in your home, you can achieve a pristine-looking home.

Whether you have an entire weekend or ten minutes to spare for your spring cleaning, the following 26 cleaning hacks will help you clean the usual (and unusual) spots more quickly and effectively.

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How Long Will Spring Cleaning Take?

Spring cleaning can take a whole day or a couple of them, but it all depends on what you have on your spring cleaning list and your home’s size. Put your kids and pets into the equation, and it might take even longer!

1. Break Down Your Cleaning

Spring cleaning can sometimes seem like a marathon, but it doesn’t have to be so. You can break down tasks into short, highly productive short periods.

Assign yourself at least one 30-minute task a day. Alternatively, you can do two or three 10-minute tasks a day. Set a timer on your phone and check off each chore once you’re done.

2. Focus on Your Fridge

On top of occasionally cleaning your refrigerator’s interior shelving, the removable bins and shelves also need a deep clean regularly. Use warm, soapy water to eliminate any food spillage or bacteria.

Organizing your fridge is also essential to keep it clean and decluttered. Rotate older food items to the front before adding new groceries to reduce food waste, use roll-out bins to group small items, and remove packaging from single-serve yogurt and drinks.

3. Clean Your Dishwasher

You can treat your dishwasher to a proper rinse using vinegar. Begin by filling a dishwasher-safe tub with white vinegar, then place it on top of your machine’s rack.

To clean and disinfect your dishwasher simultaneously, run a full cycle with the temperature on high. Sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your machine and run a short cycle to freshen your machine further.

4. Organize Your Storage Spaces

If you store most of your items in your garage or outdoor shed, the following spring cleaning checklist will help to keep your space clutter-free: keep, donate, and throw away.

Remove the items you must throw away and donate, then vacuum and thoroughly clean the floor. Sort the items you choose to keep, storing them in labeled bins and preferably on wall shelves to save up some floor space.

5. Clean Your Walls

With a damp microfiber cloth, you can remove stains, dust, and greasy fingerprints from your painted walls.

Start from the top and make your way down the bottom. Spot-cleanings in between your springtime deep-cleans, whenever you see stains or marks, will also help keep your walls tidy.

You can also clean tiled walls in your bathrooms similarly, but you should include a disinfecting bathroom cleaner to help eliminate germs.

6. Refresh Musty Carpets

Carpets are a pain to clean, mainly because they’re like dust magnets. You can use a portable carpet cleaner with a rotating brush to refresh your carpets between deep cleanings.

Sprinkle carpet deodorizer or baking soda on your carpet to eliminate odors. Work the baking soda into your carpet using a soft brush and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Use a vacuum to clean off the baking soda, and repeat the procedure underneath your carpets for a deeper clean.

7. De-Smudge Your Windows

Spring cleaning can’t be complete without cleaning your windows. Instead of going for harsh cleaners, you can easily remove dirt and sticky residues using vinegar.

Mix 50% vinegar with 50% water, and use a microfiber cloth or sponge to spray your solution all over the window before wiping it down.

Pro tip: Start with the shady side of your house and do your cleaning on an overcast day. Cleaning your windows on a sunny day is a common mistake you ought to avoid.

8. Steam Your Microwave

You can save yourself from scrubbing all types of gunk that get stuck on your microwave’s wall by steam cleaning it.

Place some sliced lime or lemons in a microwave-proof bowl, fill it with a cup of water, then turn your microwave on high for several minutes or until the solution starts boiling and the window is steamy.

Let it cool for 5 minutes, remove the bowl, and wipe the inside and outside of your appliance using a sponge.

9. Wash Your Shower Curtains

Put your vinyl or plastic shower curtain, alongside a few old towels for scrubbing power, in the washing machine, add your favorite laundry detergent, and use a gentle cycle.

Spritz your white and clear shower liners with a bleach-containing all-purpose cleaner each month to keep them cleaner longer. Rinse it off before you begin showering again.

10. Unclog Your Drains

You only need hot boiling water and some baking soda to unclog your drains.

Pour boiling water into your drains before adding a cup of baking soda. Then, mix warm water with vinegar, pour it into the drain, and proceed to add more boiled water.

11. Remove Mold

Vinegar is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to spring cleaning, and you can use it to banish mold, too. Use white or distilled vinegar to avoid leaving stains behind.

12. Discard Pet Hair

If you’re a pet lover, you can clean up after your pet using a rubber squeegee.

You only need to scrape hair-covered surfaces with it to remove the fur without damaging your surfaces. A rubber glove is also ideal if you don’t have a squeegee at hand.

13. Clean Hardwood Floors

Just by simply perusing your kitchen cabinets or pantry, you can find unusual cleaning agents you’ve never thought of before, like tea bags!

Black tea contains tannic acid, which can clean and give excellent shine to your hardwood floors. Boil a kettle of water and let two tea bags soak in a mop bucket for about 10 minutes before you start mopping.

NB: This cleaning hack is only ideal for natural hardwood flooring; don’t try it with laminate wood. Also, conduct a spot test, just to be safe.

14. Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Find an empty spray bottle and fill it with a 50/50 mix of warm water and vinegar.

Splatter your cabinets with the solution and let it sit for a minute before using a microfiber cloth to wipe them clean. If there are tough grease stains, add some dishwashing detergent to your solution and repeat the cleaning process.

15. Get Rid of Pests

Pests can easily ruin your springtime, and if you have pets that love to roam outside, they can bring in fleas that may have overwintered in your carpet.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective pet deterrent alternative to toxic pesticides. The rock powder-based desiccant kills pests by drying them out, including larvae.

The solution also absorbs and deodorizes stains. Sprinkle your carpet with diatomaceous earth and let it sit for 12-24 hours; you’ll need to keep children and pests out while it’s working.

16. Don’t Forget Your Kitchen Sink

If your kitchen has a musty smell that irks you, you can get rid of it with supplies from your fridge.

Drop a few lemon rind silvers into your garbage disposal and turn it on for 15 – 30 seconds. Flush out any remaining lemon rind with cold water.

17. Spruce up Your Countertops

A bit of granite polish will help restore the shine on your countertops and keep stains at bay on your kitchen surfaces.

Use a specialized granite cleaner for daily wipe-downs to effectively clean your countertops without any damage.

18. Deep Clean the Oven

You can use your oven’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime. However, if your appliance doesn’t have one, place a hot, wet cloth on the burned spots to help soften the debris.

Afterward, apply an oven cleaner and let it sit per the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a thick paste of baking soda and water to clean your oven glass;  let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with water and a microfiber cloth, then dry it off.

19. Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Squeeze a few drops of dish soap or baby shampoo into your palm, rub the bristle tips of your makeup brushes into the soap, and gently work the suds through them.

Hold the brush with the bristles facing down under warm running water to rinse your brushes. Gently shake the brushes over the sink to remove excess water, and lay them down on a paper towel to finish drying.

20. Remove Hard Water Minerals

Hard water buildup in your shower head can affect the water flow and cause unsightly stains.

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a plastic bag and tie the bag around your showerhead, ensuring the showerhead is completely immersed. Secure the bag with a twist tie and leave it for at least an hour before wiping away any residue left behind.

Run hot water through your shower to flush out any vinegar in the showerhead’s openings.

21. Clean Tile Grout

Scrub grout with a simple solution of ½ cup chlorine bleach diluted in a gallon of water and a toothbrush.

Test on a small section of tile and grout first, and if deep cleaning doesn’t help, try regrouting your tiled surfaces.

22. Freshen Your Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers will have you rocking in any outfit, but they’re easily susceptible to dirt and debris.

To clean your white shoes, mix half a tablespoon of warm water, half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and one tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl until it forms a thin paste. 

Gently scrub the shoes using an old toothbrush and rinse your shoes with a damp cloth, allowing them to air-dry away from the sun. If you have a pair(s) of leather sneakers, skip the hydrogen peroxide.

23. Clean Your Cutting Board

Cutting boards can easily get stained, and these stains can sometimes be a headache to get rid of.

However, you can run a cut lemon over your board to help remove food stains and smells. Sprinkle your board with baking soda or salt first for extra pizzazz.

24. Wash Your Driveway

Mold and mildew tend to creep onto your concrete driveway over the winter months.

A pressure washer can quickly blast off this debris, and you can rent one from your nearest home retailer. You can also use it to freshen up your sidewalks and patio furniture!

25. Dust Your Ceiling Fans

Do you have a ceiling fan in your home? It probably doesn’t get regular cleaning like other areas. Spread a sheet or drop cloth on the floor to catch dust, set up a sturdy ladder, and wipe the fans.

26. Wash Your Bedding

Spring cleaning is a time for washing those bulky comforters and pillows. It would be best to clean bulky bedding at least twice or thrice a year, so they should definitely make it on your spring cleaning list.

Ensure you check the manufacturer’s label before putting them into the washing machine.

Why is it Called Spring Cleaning?

This big annual clean derives its name from the season it’s undertaken, spring. Most cultures perform this cleaning after the cold winter has passed, even though some do their major annual cleaning session at the end of the year.

The practice has been traced back to Jewish or Persian culture, and Maundy Thursday, the Catholic practice of altar cleaning, is also a spring tradition.

Despite its origins, spring cleaning in the US and the UK is mainly due to the climate during March, which makes a significant cleaning practical.

When Should You Begin Spring Cleaning?

Ideally, spring cleaning is best done in March, that is, if you want to follow the UK and US tradition. Spring typically has plenty of sunshine, making it easy to see which sections of your home need attention.

Furthermore, the climate usually gives your rooms a good airing, making them feel even fresher. All in all, the concept of spring cleaning is to do those tasks you don’t often do, and an annual date will help ensure you don’t miss them.

Happy cleaning!

If you have a mold or mildew problem in your home, you should definitely get yourself a dehumidifier! 

These devices are excellent for sucking moisture out of the air, and they need to be cleaned occasionally since they trap a lot of humidity internally; you don’t want mold and other bacteria growing from within your dehumidifier!

Luckily, cleaning your dehumidifier is quite a straightforward process. It would be advisable to clean your dehumidifier regularly and correctly to avoid damaging your unit and keep it operating efficiently. 

Today, we will highlight a step-by-step cleaning tutorial for cleaning your dehumidifier and help it last for many years.

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Do Your Due Diligence First

Dehumidifiers normally have several parts that need to be cleaned, and you’ll find some tutorials advising on disassembling your dehumidifier to gain access to the internal coils and clean them. 

Without a shadow of a doubt, the internal coils are susceptible to dirt and debris, but taking apart your unit by yourself to clean it can void the product’s warranty.

You should always check first with a manufacturer’s manual before you follow any DIY guidelines for cleaning a dehumidifier. Additionally, contact an HVAC professional to lend you a hand and reduce the risk of making mistakes.

How Regularly Should I Clean My Dehumidifier

We recommend cleaning it every few weeks depending on how frequently you use your dehumidifier. At the very least, you should ensure no mold, mildew, lint, or dust buildup in the dehumidifier bucket and the unit’s filter.

There are also parts of your dehumidifier that’ll need to be replaced every now and then, particularly the filter. However, this will depend on the make and model of your dehumidifier (same for cleaning as well), so you need to refer to the manufacturer’s manual to get the correct maintenance instructions.

Cleaning Essentials

Materials

• Distilled white vinegar
• Dish soap

Tools / Equipment

• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponge
• Soft scrub brush
• Replacement filter (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner (optional)

Cleaning a Dehumidifier: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Switch Off and Disassemble Your Dehumidifier

The first thing you need to do before you take apart your dehumidifier is to turn the power off and unplug your unit.

Next, take out the dehumidifier bucket and filter. The manufacturer’s manual will guide you on locating and removing these parts on the particular model you’re using.

Step 2: Clean the Dehumidifier Bucket

Take your dehumidifier bucket and drain the dirty water in a utility or kitchen sink. Then, pour some mild dish soap into the bucket and fill the bottom with a few cups of warm water.

Take your sponge and thoroughly clean the inside of the tank, then rinse out the soap. 

The next thing you need to do is disinfect your tank and prevent mildew, bacteria, or mold from developing. Take a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar, and coat the inside of your tank.

Finally, use a dry cloth to wipe down the dehumidifier bucket and carefully place your dry and clean reservoir back in your dehumidifier.

Pro tip: Let your vinegar solution sit for at least an hour before wiping it down if there are brown residues or discoloration in your dehumidifier bucket. This usually indicates the presence of mildew and mold, and you should allow the solution to kill it.

Step 3: Clean the Filter

A vacuum with a hose attachment is one of the best equipment for cleaning your dehumidifier filter; it’ll remove every speck of dust or lint collected in the filter.

Some filters will need you to go the extra mile for them to be clean. If so, use some mild soap and a soft scrub brush to remove debris from the filter while running it under water.

Rinse your filter and allow it to sit and dry completely before putting it back into your dehumidifier.

Pro tip: Try soaking your filter in a tub of warm, soapy water if you notice it’s very dirty, then gently scrub away the dirt. If this method fails to clean your filter, it’s probably time to go and buy a new one.

Step 4: Clean the Outside of Your Dehumidifier

Once you’ve adequately cleaned up the internal parts of your dehumidifier, the next thing is to focus on the outside of your unit.

Take a slightly damp cloth and wipe down your dehumidifier. Please do the same to your air grate (or vacuum it) to remove any lint buildup that may be present.

After you’ve assembled your dehumidifier and ensured that everything is back where it was, you can plug it into the wall unit and switch it on.

Pro tip: Never use water or soap to spay your dehumidifier directly; it poses a great risk to your unit’s electrical components.

How to Make a Dehumidifier Stay Clean Longer

• If you don’t use your dehumidifier frequently, meaning it stays turned off for long periods, unplug your unit and place it in storage once completely dry.
• To prevent bacteria, mildew, and mold from growing in your dehumidifier, empty the tank daily unless your unit drains passively.
• Replace your filter every few months to prevent bacteria, mildew, and mold buildup in your dehumidifier; this will depend on the make and model of your unit.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can the inside of a dehumidifier be cleaned?

Some cleaning tutorials normally recommend disassembling your dehumidifier to ensure everything from the coils inside to the exterior shell is clean, but this will likely void the product’s warranty.

Still, you can thoroughly clean the inside of your dehumidifier; you just need to refer to the manufacturer’s manual and seek an HVAC professional for assistance.

Should we clean dehumidifiers?

Dehumidifiers should always stay clean for them to perform optimally. Also, cleaning prevents the growth of mold and mildew in your unit, making your air free of contaminants.

What is this brown residue in my dehumidifier?

Bacteria, mildew, and mold are the likely causes of brown discoloration in your dehumidifier. The detailed guide above will help you disinfect your unit and prevent the buildup of these contaminants.

The bathroom is one of the most important places in your house, so keeping it clean is paramount. Keeping your bathroom clean can be a breeze with a good cleaning hack! Even therapeutic! 

In this article, we’ve compiled 35 of the best cleaning hacks to ensure your bathroom is always sparkling.

1. Cleaning Begins with Clean Tools

You’ll first need to use clean tools to get a clean bathroom. For example, a dirty mop could be clogged with dirt and grease, leaving some residue on your floors. 

Similarly, a broom with debris and hair or a dirt-filled vacuum won’t clean well. Start with clean tools and ensure that you clean them after every use so they’re ready to use whenever you want to clean. 

2. Use a Squeegee for your Mirrors 

A squeegee is one of the most effective cleaning tools to use in your bathroom, and if you don’t have one, now is the time to change that. 

Using a squeegee is one of the best ways to prevent water mineral buildup on your bathroom glasses. After every shower, take about two minutes to wipe down the tiles and mirrors like you would a car windscreen. 

This prevents mineral and soap scum buildup, reducing the need to clean your bathroom often. 

3. Use Baby Oil to Clean Metal Faucets and Surfaces 

You don’t have to have a baby to purchase baby oil; it’s pretty effective in cleaning, too. 

First, clean off metal surfaces such as faucets and other furnishings using warm water, then add some drops of baby oil to a soft cloth and wipe metal surfaces to give them extra shine. 

4. Use Food Coloring to Detect Toilet Leaks 

Do you often find puddles of water even after drying your bathroom? Chances are that you have a toilet leak. 

Put several drops of food coloring in the toilet’s tank to ascertain this. If the leak is coming from the tank, this should help you detect where it’s coming from. Identifying the leak can help you save money by reducing the gallons of water that would’ve been lost.    

5. Use Vinegar to Stop a Sputtering Shower

Deep cleaning your shower head could help stop it sputtering and creating a mess. All you’ll need for this simple hack is distilled vinegar. 

Remove the showerhead and soak it in some distilled white vinegar. The vinegar will cut through the minerals clogging the jets and leave your shower flawlessly smooth. 

Looking for a hands-free method to unclog the shower head? Just fill a plastic bag with some diluted white vinegar and attach it to the showerhead using several rubber bands; better still, you can opt for a zippered plastic bag.

Leave the bag overnight for the vinegar to soak up and remove the mineral buildup in the shower.

6. Try the Vinegar and Water Rinse

Some house cleaners swear by the effectiveness of using a solution of 50/50 distilled white vinegar and water rinse. Fill a spray bottle with a solution and use it to clean your shower daily or after two days to prevent soap scum from building up in the shower. 

7. Use Chopsticks to Clean Crevices Around Fixtures 

Kitchen cutlery differs from what you expect to use in the bathroom, but we’ll have to make exceptions for chopsticks. 

These utensils are the perfect tools for navigating hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your bathroom. Just get a chopstick and wrap a cloth around it. Then, you can easily use it to clean grouts, vents, faucets, and other hard-to-reach places in your bathroom. 

8. Try Microfiber Cloths 

When wiping surfaces, nothing does a better job than microfiber cloths. This material is highly effective in trapping dirt without leaving any spots or streaks that make the job seem incomplete. 

You can use microfiber to wipe surfaces such as sinks and other items in your bathroom. 

9. Clean your Hair Styling Tools

An ineffective flat or curling iron may yield a different result, which can be inconvenient. This is probably because it is covered with oil or hair sprays, accumulating over time and creating gunk. 

Since using water to clean these appliances may be ineffective or even dangerous, the best thing to do is apply some rubbing alcohol over the sticky surface using a cotton pad. Wait a few minutes, then wipe the surface using a microfiber cloth.  

If this doesn’t do the trick, you can use a simple paste of baking soda and water. Create a paste using one tablespoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of water. Then, apply it to the affected appliance and scrub. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe off the residue.

10. Keep a Convenient Caddy 

Cleaning isn’t just about the large sputter and openly glaring spots; sometimes, it’s about those small spots that can be cleaned in the shake of a lamb’s tail. 

Keeping supplies such as glass cleaner, store disinfectant wipes, and a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner in one place can make a significant difference in cleaning your bathroom. 

Toothpaste spots on your mirror and water sputters won’t stand a chance with these supplies ready at hand.

11. Clear Hard Water Rings and Streaks

For people residing in areas with hard water, you’ve probably come across rings and streaks in your toilet bowl that won’t just come off no matter how hard you scrub or how often you clean your toilet. 

High mineral content, such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, may form rust-colored stains that are very hard to come off. The solution to this menace is easy: mix some vinegar and baking soda and use it occasionally to keep the stains off. 

Alternatively, you can use borax paste if the discoloration is too persistent. 

12. Keep Surfaces Dry

Unless you’re taking a shower, puddles in your bathroom can be a recipe for disaster. Slips in the bathroom could be dangerous, and the presence of puddles multiplies this risk. 

Standing water attracts insects and is a magnet for dust and hair. Dry any wet spots immediately after seeing them to avoid any issues later. 

13. Embrace the Use of Steam

Dirty tiles are no match for a steam cleaner. A handheld steamer is especially useful in removing stubborn dirt from tiles, grout, and other fixtures. 

A steam cleaner’s high temperatures and pressure help dissolve and break down buildup. 

14. Ventilation can Make a Huge Difference

Mold can quickly develop and cause an unsightly scene in your bathroom. Since the bathroom stays damp for a given period after use, it may develop mold or attract scum. 

Opening up the windows improves air circulation, which helps the curtain dry. If your curtains have already developed mold, remove them by soaking them in a diluted bleach solution: one part bleach and four parts water.

15. Try Pumice to Remove Stubborn Stains

Pumice stones are often associated with pedicures, but they can be used to clean stubborn stains from your toilet bowl. 

This abrasive is available in powder or liquid form and is a cheap way to handle hard water stains and limescale and clear away rust. Lower the water level in the toilet, put on some gloves, and start scrubbing.

16. Unclog Your Drains 

A clogged drain may make the water flow and drainage process in your sinks and bathtub seem endless, but a mix of baking soda and vinegar can make all the difference. 

Simply remove the drain plug and add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda, then add equal amounts of vinegar. Let the mixture sit in the drain for about 20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. 

The mixture should clear up any scum or grease in the drain, leaving them draining freely. 

17. Make a Customized Air Freshener

An air freshener is like a breath of new life, especially in the bathroom, and it doesn’t always have to be the expensive commercial brand you can make your own at home. 

That’s right! A mixture of distilled water and essential oils creates a great air freshener. All you have to do is find a mister bottle often used in gardening. 

Fill the bottle with distilled undiluted white vinegar and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. You can choose different varieties, such as lavender, citrus, or woodsy scents. 

18. Get Creative with DIY Toilet Cleaner Bombs

One of my best things to do is use DIY hacks, and toilet cleaner bombs are among my favorites. 

All you need is some baking soda, citric acids, and essential oils, and you’ll have an effective toilet cleaner in no time. Drop these “ingredients” in the toilet bowl and let them fizz and react, then scrub the toilet bowl for a heavenly, squeaky, clean toilet.

19. Use Shaving Cream to Prevent Your Mirrors from Fogging 

Shaving Cream not only protects your skin, but it also has potential benefits in the bathroom. 

Applying a thin coating of glycerine-containing shaving cream on your mirror will prevent it from fogging. Just use a thin layer of shaving cream and wipe it off with a soft cloth. 

20. Repurpose Old Toothbrushes

Repurposing old toothbrushes as miniature bathroom brushes to clean hard-to-reach places is just the way to ensure that every corner is sparkling. 

All you need is some hot boiled water. Place the brush in the water, then use a pair of pliers or tweezers to bend one-half of the head of the brush backward. This creates a uniquely corner-shaped cleaning brush that can reach the tiniest of spaces. 

21. Sanitize and Dry Your Toilet Brush 

Many people forget that even the toilet brush needs cleaning every once in a while. Placing the brush back in its holder without drying it after use may attract bacteria or mold. 

Once you’re done using the toilet brush, disinfect it by spraying it with hydrogen peroxide, then place it where it can dry, for example, under the toilet seat. 

22. Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Mildew

Mold and mildew in the bathroom can change the whole complexion of the space. While chlorine bleach is one solution to this issue, some people may be unable to use it. 

In this case, hydrogen peroxide can act as a great substitute. Fill some hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle to target spray areas with mold and mildew, then scrub and rinse the area. 

23. Use Baby Shampoo to Remove Makeup 

Baby shampoo can make all the difference when cleaning your makeup brushes or removing makeup stains from your clothes. 

Use it as you would with soap when washing your makeup brushes, and then rinse them under a stream of lukewarm water. To remove stains from clothes, moisten a soft cloth with water and dab it in baby shampoo, then gently rub out the stains on the clothes. 

24. Use a Homemade Grout Cleaner to Clear Your Grout Lines

A mixture of baking soda and water is all you need for this hack. Then, apply a baking soda paste and water on stained grout lines. 

Once done, use a small brush or a repurposed toothbrush to scrub clean the grout lines and then rinse off with some water. 

25. Use Laundry Supplies To Remove Soap Scum 

Dryer sheets can be very effective in removing soap scum from the glass shower doors and tiles. 

Just wet a few dryer sheets and use them to wipe these surfaces. The fabric softener present in the sheets will work wonders in loosening and clearing soap scum. 

26. Go All Natural with Lemon Power

Lemons don’t just make lemonades; they are effective cleaners, too. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle one side of the lemon with salt, and then use it as a scrubber.

It can be used to clean bathroom shower heads, faucets, and other metal fixtures. The citric acid present in the lemons helps break down mineral deposits, making it an effective cleaning agent

27. Before cleaning, Dust

Bathrooms may sometimes accumulate dust, so the best way to start cleaning is to dust off the entire space. 

Before cleaning, use a duster to remove dust from countertops, toilet tanks, and window sills. 

28. Use Oxygen Bleach To Whiten Your Toilet

Are you looking to give your toilet bowl an instant new look? Try sprinkling it with some oxygen bleach, then let it sit for about 15 minutes or overnight. 

Use a toilet brush to scrub, rinse, and flush. There you have it; your toilet bowl will have a rejuvenated, clear white look. 

29. Try Some Vodka on the Toilet

Sometimes, we run out of cleaning supplies too soon, but some liquor may rescue us. Pour ½  cup of vodka into the toilet bowl, scrub well, and have a sparkling bowl. 

You can also mix the vodka with water and use it to create a disinfecting spray that you can use to disinfect the toilet seat and cover and other areas in the bathroom. 

30. Keep Your Bin Fresh

Once you have emptied your bin, clean it with warm water, spray disinfectant, and wipe it dry. 

Before adding a new page, sprinkle some bicarbonate soda in the trash can to keep it fresh for longer. This will also help with the odors.

31. Keep a Jar of Rice and Essential Oils to Reduce Odors

You’ve probably seen a lot of correlation between kitchen items and the bathroom; rice is the newest addition to items that can be used in both places. 

Since it‘s a natural odor absorber, mix some rice with essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or rosemary in a jar and cover it with a breathable fabric. 

This should soak up any odors in the bathroom, and the use can be extended to other rooms, too.

32. An Aspirin Could be the Solution to Your Cleaning Headache

Run out of bathroom cleaners? Try an aspirin. The salicylic acid in the aspirin makes it an effective bathroom cleaning agent. 

Dissolve the aspirin tablet in water and use the solution to clean it as you would with any other cleaner. The aspirin solution can be used to remove soap scum and stains in your shower.

33. Use a Bleach Pen to Clean the Grout

Bleach pens are surprisingly versatile; besides being extremely effective in removing stains from laundry and shoes, they can clean your grout deep. 

All you have to do is run the pen along the grout lines and let it sit overnight for the chemicals to react. Then, use warm water and a soft cloth to clean it, and you’ll have bright grout lines for days.

34. Powered Up Grout Cleaning 

Another neat hack to clean your grout is using an old electric toothbrush or one with an extra head. 

Just dampen the toothbrush head and dip it in baking soda, then use it to clean your grout and other tight spaces that are hard to reach. The baking soda acts as an abrasive and is effective in removing soap scum and trapped dirt.

35. Remove Rust from Chrome with an Aluminium Foil

Rusted chrome fixtures interfere with the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom. To help clear these stains, use aluminum foil, which can easily restore the shine. 

Cut an aluminum floor into a square, crumple it, dip it in warm soapy water, and gently rub it on the rusted surface in small circles. 

Once the foil begins to discolor and tear, dispose of it and use a new one, following the same steps until they’re sparkly again.