Whether you dislike household chores in general, there are always those specific ones you loathe the most. Yes, we’re talking about those time-consuming, tiring, and unpleasant cleaning tasks. If you think they can’t be made simpler, quicker, and less 'icky,' think again!
Nowadays, most people look up cleaning hacks to make chores moreNowadays, most people look up cleaning hacks to make chores more efficient and convenient. Luckily, there are plenty of shortcuts to make those tough tasks less dreadful.
Today, we’re sharing some of the most disliked house cleaning tasks and how you can eliminate the struggle of getting them done. Read on!
1. Window Cleaning
Cleaning windows is often dreaded because of the scrubbing needed for stubborn stains. However, the rest of the glass pane can be cleaned in just 2-3 minutes.
Here's a quick window cleaning guide:
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Remove dust from the windowpane with a cloth.
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Spot clean stubborn dirt and stains with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth or sponge.
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Spray the glass with window cleaner or a vinegar-water solution and wipe clean with coffee filters or crushed newspaper.
TIP: Wipe in circular motions and clean during the cool of the evening or on a dull day to avoid streaks.
2. Microwave Interior Cleaning
Microwave interiors quickly become greasy and stained, especially in busy households. Even without a self-cleaning option, you can clean your microwave in minutes with this guide:
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Wipe out food crumbs or charred debris with a damp sponge.
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In a glass bowl, mix 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar; heat it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until the interiors steam up.
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When cool enough to touch, dip a clean sponge in the vinegar solution, squeeze out excess water, and wipe away the loosened grease and grime.
For stubborn spots, use a clean old toothbrush and a little elbow grease with the same cleaning solution.
3. Toilet Bowl Cleaning
Coca Cola might not be great for your diet, but it's fantastic for cleaning your toilet bowl. This fizzy drink can effectively remove hard water stains and discoloration. Here's how:
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Pour Coca Cola around the interior of the toilet bowl, or transfer it to a spray bottle to target specific stained areas.
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Let it sit for at least 4 hours.
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Lightly scrub with a damp toilet brush. The soda will have loosened most stains, making it easy to clean.
Flush to rinse away the cleaner and scrubbed dirt away
4. Stovetop Cleaning
No matter how careful you are, a messy stovetop is bound to happen. But fear not! We have a super-effective cleaning method suitable for all cooktop materials, including glass, ceramic, and stainless steel. Follow these steps to tackle grease, grime, and stains without a struggle:
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Make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda.
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Apply the paste generously over the stovetop, covering the entire surface or specific greasy areas.
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Let it sit for 5 minutes.
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Dampen a microfiber cloth or scrubbing pad and wipe off the cleaning solution.
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Rinse the cleaning tool and scrub areas with stubborn grime and stains.
Finish by wiping the surface with a clean damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth to prevent water spots.
5. Dusting Household Surfaces/Items
Dusting furniture and household objects can be a dreaded task due to its time-consuming nature, the spread of dust, and the challenge of navigating around knickknacks. However, with the following tips and hacks, you can make dusting a smooth, efficient, and quick affair:
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Clear shelves/tabletops to dust the surface in one quick swipe.
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Use dusting gloves or a large, slightly damp paintbrush to quickly wipe knickknacks and objects.
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Wrap a microfiber cloth around a flexible ruler secured with a rubber band for dusting narrow spaces.
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Dampen non-static dusting tools to efficiently pick up dust.
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Clean window blinds quickly by using tongs with socks over each side.
Remove dust from screens using coffee filters or dried dryer sheets.
6. Kitchen Sink Cleaning
Cleaning stainless steel sinks, prone to grease and grime, can be a daunting task. However, you can complete this cleaning chore in just 2-3 minutes without getting your hands dirty. Follow this quick and simple kitchen sink cleaning guide:
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Sprinkle baking soda around the sink.
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Lightly scrub with a handheld kitchen brush, preferably a flexible one for convenience.
Pour white vinegar around the sink and give the interiors a final scrub.
7. Washing the Trash Can
Washing the trash can is another dreaded cleaning task that nobody enjoys. It always feels like there's so much to do to ensure it's clean, sanitary, and smelling fresh. But fear not, we have a shortcut to achieve all these goals!
Here's how to quickly clean your trash can:
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Take your empty trash can and fully soak the interior and exterior with a multi-purpose cleaner. You can easily make a DIY all-purpose cleaner with liquid dish detergent and warm water.
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While the trash can is wet, sprinkle baking soda around the interior walls and bottom to act as a cleaning agent and deodorizer.
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Let it sit for 5-15 minutes to tackle grime and stains.
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Wipe down the exterior while the interior is soaking, using a clean, damp cloth.
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For the inside, use a scrub brush with a long handle for convenience and effectiveness. If the interior has dried up, re-spray it with your all-purpose cleaner and scrub.
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Rinse off the trash can to remove all traces of the cleaning solution and then spray it with a disinfectant for added cleanliness
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry to prevent water spots.
8. Washing Dishes
One of the most frustrating aspects of hand-washing dishes is dealing with dried-up food stains and bits clinging to the dish. This not only makes the job harder and more time-consuming but also more tiring. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: rinsing and soaking the dishes before washing them!
Cleaning dishes doesn't have to be a struggle or a dreaded task when minimal scrubbing and rinsing are all that's needed. If you prefer not to soak dishes in the kitchen sink, a large basin can suffice to accommodate plates, cutlery, and dishes.
TIP: While plain water can effectively soak dishes to loosen stuck-on foods, using soapy water can cut through grease and gravy stains more effectively.
9. Vacuuming Carpets
To maximize the efficiency of your vacuum cleaner, it's crucial to take certain measures. For instance, if the bag exceeds 50% capacity, the suction power diminishes. Conversely, a full bag renders your vacuum nearly useless, resulting in spending more time than necessary on carpet cleaning.
Additionally, employ these vacuum cleaning hacks for faster and more efficient results:
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Insert an empty toilet roll halfway over the hose and pinch the end to narrow it for cleaning tight spaces.
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Place 1 or 2 dryer sheets inside an empty vacuum cleaner bag for a fresh scent.
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Instead of a back-and-forth motion, maneuver the head in different angles over specific areas for thorough cleaning.
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Use the hose or a suitable attachment head to vacuum carpet corners and edges, eliminating dust and dirt effectively
Conclusion
Although you have the option to delegate these "dreaded" tasks and other household cleaning needs to a professional cleaning service, tackling them yourself will no longer be a struggle, thanks to the helpful cleaning hacks provided above!
Related
- 10 Often Overlooked Areas in Home Cleaning: Don't Miss These Spots!
- 5 Quick Tips to Keep Your Office Floors Spotless
- How to Clean and Disinfect Your Toilet: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Remove Candle Wax from Walls and Wooden Floors
- How to Get Mud Out of Carpet: Step-by-Step Guide
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