With spring cleaning on the horizon, why not have some fun with it? Here are some cleaning hacks that use everyday household items, and better yet, are environmentally safe. Grab a balloon, some vodka (shot glass optional!), two laundry baskets, a bottle of vinegar, a pillowcase, and get to work. Even better if you’re having a bad hair day!
Use a balloon for dusting. Do you have trouble cleaning delicate objects or hard-to-reach areas? Use a balloon. To use a balloon for dusting, inflate it, then rub it against your hair. You can then rub the balloon against blinds, baseboards, and even electronics and art. The gentle action won’t cause any damage. You can even inflate and activate several balloons and place them on the floor for 30-60 minutes to serve as passive dust collectors. To clean the balloons, rinse them in the sink. If you pop them, they will release dust, defeating the purpose. How this works. When you rub the balloon against your hair, it creates an electromagnetic charge that attracts dust.
Use vodka to remove odors from upholstery. Martha Stewart approves of this method. Fill a spray bottle with plain vodka and spray it onto sofas, chairs, and other soft furnishings that harbor odors. Make sure the bottle is set to fine mist. Let the vodka evaporate, and for best results, do this on a sunny day so it dries faster. If you’re skeptical, test the vodka on a small section of your upholstery first. You can also use it to refresh clothing. How this works. The alcohol in the vodka kills the bacteria that cause odor. Make sure to use only plain vodka for this hack. As a plus, you can always take a few shots while you clean.
Use Two Laundry Baskets
Think about this one. Why would you put clean laundry into the basket that previously held soiled laundry? Clothing or linens that are heavily soiled with dirt, germs, grease, and even blood can leave residue and odors in the laundry basket. Use the clean laundry basket to carry the contents of the clothes dryer to your sorting and folding area. It’s a safe, hygienic way to ensure your clean laundry stays clean. This is especially helpful in households with kids or pets, or during cold and flu season.
Washing Pillows
Even if you use pillowcases, pillows can get funky. The good news is that you can safely machine-wash your down and synthetic pillows. For best results, wash them in cold water on the delicate cycle, using 1-2 tablespoons of a mild liquid laundry detergent. If you’re using a front-load machine, run an extra rinse cycle. Tumble-dry the pillows on low heat. You can add tennis balls or wool dryer balls to fluff the pillows as they dry. For best results, wash your pillows every 3-6 months.
Using Vinegar to Remove Labels from Glass Jars
There are many methods for removing stuck-on labels. Applying OxyClean, boiling the jars in water, using a hair dryer, and rubbing the label with a paste made from oil and baking soda. An effective (and cheap) method is to use vinegar. Soak cotton balls or a paper towel in white vinegar, then apply it to the label. Leave it alone for about 45 minutes. After that time, the label should peel off the jar easily. If any sticky residue remains, you can scour it off with the rough side of a sponge and some dishwashing liquid dissolved in warm water. While this method may take a little longer, it’s less messy, and you’re using a common, inexpensive household product that you probably have on hand.
Using a Pillowcase to Clean a Ceiling Fan
This isn’t new, but worth repeating. Grab an old pillowcase and a sturdy stepstool. Place the pillowcase over a ceiling fan blade and gently dust it. Rotate the fan blades until all of them have been dusted. You can then use the outside of the pillowcase to dust the fan base and motor. Toss the pillowcase in the washing machine for reuse — no need to purchase special (and expensive) single-use dusting supplies.
Most of these cleaning hacks use products that you already own or are inexpensive to purchase. As you won’t be using any hazardous chemicals, they are safe for you, your family, and your pets. Even better, they can make cleaning more enjoyable, and who doesn’t deserve to have a little fun while doing dreaded housework?
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