Transform Your Home: 12 Simple DIY Cleaning Hacks for a Sparkling Space
We’ve all been there – you look around, and suddenly your home just feels… a bit too much. Dust on the skirting boards, a whiff from the sink, streaks on the windows that weren’t there yesterday… or were they? Don’t worry! Cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting, hours-long task. With a few simple DIY hacks, you can turn your space around and make it sparkle again without breaking the bank. Here are my top 12 tricks to help you make your home look and feel like new.
1. Freshen Up Your Mattress with Bicarbonate of Soda
Did you know that your mattress can trap dust and odours over time? Here’s the trick: sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda over it and leave it to work its magic for a few hours. Bicarbonate of soda is a natural deodoriser, and when you hoover it up, you’ll be left with a fresh mattress that feels brand new. Simple and satisfying!
2. Get Streak-Free Windows with Vinegar and Newspaper
Ever tried cleaning your windows with regular cleaners and still end up with streaks? Here’s an easy solution: mix equal parts water and white vinegar, spray it on, and wipe with newspaper. Yes, newspaper! It’s eco-friendly, doesn’t leave streaks, and the vinegar cuts right through grime. It’s a game-changer.
3. Revive Your Showerhead with Vinegar
Mineral build-up can clog your showerhead and reduce water flow, which is no fun in the morning. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, tie it around the showerhead, and let it soak overnight. In the morning, rinse it off, and you’ll be amazed at how well it works. Your shower will feel like new!
4. Zap Microwave Grime with Lemon
Microwave looking a bit… splattered? Just slice a lemon, place it in a bowl of water, and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam loosens all the gunk, and the lemon adds a fresh scent. Afterwards, just wipe down the interior – no scrubbing required.
5. Dust Skirting Boards with Dryer Sheets
Skirting boards tend to collect dust, but this quick trick makes it easy. Grab a dryer sheet and give the skirting boards a quick swipe. Not only does it pick up dust, but it also leaves a light residue that actually repels dust for a while. A little goes a long way!
6. Tackle Limescale on Taps with Vinegar
Are your taps looking a bit dull? Soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around the tap, and let it sit for an hour. Vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve limescale build-up, so you can easily scrub it off with an old toothbrush. Your taps will shine like new!
7. Banish Sink Smells with Bicarbonate of Soda and Lemon
Is your kitchen sink smelling a little… off? Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda down the drain, squeeze in some lemon juice, and let it fizz for a few minutes. This combo freshens the drain and leaves your sink smelling great.
8. Use an Old Toothbrush for Those Tricky Spots
There’s nothing like an old toothbrush for scrubbing those hard-to-reach places, like grout lines or around taps. Dip it in a bit of cleaning solution, and get scrubbing in those tight spaces. You’ll be surprised at how much grime it can lift!
9. Dust Screens with Coffee Filters
Ever noticed how TV and computer screens seem to collect dust overnight? Coffee filters are perfect for this – they’re lint-free, so they won’t leave streaks or bits behind. Just give the screen a quick wipe, and voilà, it’s dust-free.
10. Say Goodbye to Stains on Chopping Boards with Salt and Lemon
Got a wooden chopping board that’s seen better days? Sprinkle some coarse salt on it, grab half a lemon, and scrub. The acidity of the lemon combined with the abrasiveness of the salt lifts stains and freshens up the board. Rinse and dry – it’s like new again.
11. Get Rid of Grease on Cupboards with Washing-Up Liquid
Kitchen cupboards can build up a layer of grease over time, but here’s an easy fix: mix a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water, dip a sponge in, and scrub. If it’s a particularly stubborn spot, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, then gently scrub and rinse. Your cupboards will look spotless.
12. De-Dust Lampshades with a Lint Roller
Fabric lampshades seem to attract dust like magnets, don’t they? Take a lint roller to them – it picks up dust, pet hair, and anything else that might be lurking. Just a quick roll, and they’re as good as new!
Final Thoughts
These little tricks are easy, effective, and surprisingly satisfying once you see the results. But we all have those days (or weeks!) when the to-do list is just too long. That’s where we come in. For those times when you want a professional domestic cleaner, Get Set Clean is here to help make your home sparkle.
Happy cleaning—and remember, the small things really do make a difference!
