10 Clever Cleaning Hacks for Busy Professionals

Jake Michael writes on behalf of Daily Poppins

Are you finding it hard to balance a clean and organised home life with work? Even experienced professionals can struggle with this task, as they often lack the time to dedicate hours to cleaning every week. Recent data from the Office of National Statistics have shown that 28% of UK adults have opted for hybrid work arrangements that include both remote and office-based work, leading to a considerable increase in the number of workers returning to traditional office environments this year. This trend has made it even more challenging to keep your home clean and tidy.

According to recent statistics, 61% of people only tidy up when they have free time. If you’re one of the many Brits who struggle to maintain a clean and tidy home due to the demands of commuting and working on-site, we’ve compiled a list of 10 innovative cleaning solutions that use common household items. From cleaning the washing machine drum with white vinegar to using dishwasher tablets to remove stubborn stains from oven racks, these tips will keep your home in excellent condition without requiring too much of your valuable time and energy.

1 – Add White Vinegar To Your Washing Machine To Keep Your Clothes Clean

Keeping your washing machine clean is crucial for maintaining its longevity and ensuring that your clothes come out clean and fresh, from your regular everyday attire to your work uniforms. Over time, regular use can lead to the accumulation of dirt and grime in the machine, causing unwanted odours and potentially affecting the quality of your laundry. That’s why it’s important to take steps to clean your washing machine regularly.

To effectively clean your washing machine, simply pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum and run it on a full, hot water cycle. This simple hack is effective in breaking down and dissolving any grime that may have accumulated in the machine over time. Once the cycle is complete, be sure to wipe down the drum to remove any remaining vinegar mixture, leaving your washing machine clean. Not only will this help keep your clothes clean and fresh, but it can also save you money in the long run by extending the life of your washing machine.

2 – Use A Dryer Sheet To Remove Pet Hair From Your Clothes

It’s no secret that pet owners adore their furry friends, but dealing with their pesky shedding can be a daily struggle that soils your clothes and furnishings. Luckily, one of the greatest cleaning hacks that involves using a tumble dryer sheet to remove pet hair from carpets, furniture, and clothing. The static properties of the sheet work to draw in and remove hair while leaving a delightful scent in its wake.

All you need to do is take a dry fabric softener sheet and wipe it over the surface of the item. Depending on how much hair you’re dealing with, you may need to use multiple sheets. As you glide the sheet over the surface, you’ll notice the hair starting to stick to it. Afterwards, give the area a quick vacuum to remove any leftover hair strands, and voila: Your clothes and furnishings will be sparkling clean and hair-free

3 – Dryer Sheets Can Easily Remove Burnt Food Remnants From Your Pans

Tackling tough, burnt-on food can be an arduous task, leaving you with greasy, dirty pots and pans. However, tumble dryer sheets can be employed to dissolve or loosen stubborn food remnants. With this simple cleaning hack, you can save time and avoid frustration with more difficult chores. Start by removing any remaining food bits or liquid from the pots and pans and filling them with warm water.

Add two tumble dryer sheets to the mix and let the kitchenware soak overnight or while you are busy with your day. The fabric softening agents in the sheets will work to loosen the burnt-on food remnants without the need for harsh chemicals. When you’re ready, empty the pots and pans of the water and sheets, and use a sponge or brush to scrub them thoroughly. The stubborn spots should come right off, leaving you with sparkling-clean pots and pans in no time.

4 – Use White Vinegar To Remove Dirt Buildup From Your Showerhead

Maintaining a clean and organised living space can be a difficult task to fit into a busy work schedule, and as a result, small yet significant details like mineral buildup on showerheads can often be overlooked. However, failing to address this problem can lead to reduced water pressure and higher energy bills. Luckily, a simple and cost-effective solution exists in the form of white vinegar.

To clean your showerhead, detach it and soak it in a tub of white vinegar overnight, or while you’re away at work. If your showerhead is fixed, you can still use vinegar by securing a plastic bag filled with vinegar over the head with a rubber band. The acidity of the vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, restoring water pressure and potentially reducing heating bills. By incorporating this quick and easy cleaning method into your routine, you can start each day with an invigorating and hygienic shower experience.

5 – Remove Soap Scum From Showers By Using A Solution Of Sodium Bicarbonate

Shower maintenance can be a hassle, but keeping your shower door tracks clean is essential to prevent damage to your shower glass and avoid unsightly hard water stains and soap scum buildup. A simple solution to this problem is to create a paste made from ¼ cup each of sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. This mixture acts as an abrasive that dissolves unhygienic mineral deposits, leaving your shower door tracks looking clean and shiny.

To apply the paste, use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. After scrubbing, rinse the applied areas with warm water and use a clean cloth to remove any remaining paste. Finally, thoroughly dry the tracks with a towel to prevent water spots from forming. By following these easy steps, you can maintain a clean and hygienic shower that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

6 – Apply A Vinegar Solution To Your Windows For A Streak-Free Shine

The accumulation of grime and dirt on your windows can cause more harm than meets the eye. Not only can it affect the transparency of the glass, but it can also lead to allergic reactions. Fortunately, cleaning your windows with vinegar and water solution is a simple and effective way to remove streaks and grime without harming the environment. The acidic properties of vinegar work to break down grease and dirt, while water dilutes it for easy application.

This solution is safe to use on glass, chrome, and stainless steel surfaces. However, it’s important to avoid using it on natural stone and marble surfaces as it may cause etching. With basic ingredients that are readily available in your home, along with a microfiber cloth, you can quickly clean your windows and mirrors without resorting to harsh chemicals.

7 – Make Use Of A Lint Roller To Clean A Variety Of Surfaces In Your Home

Whether working at home or in the office, it can be challenging to keep up with household cleaning, especially with furry pets around. However, there’s an easy solution to keep your surfaces and furniture clean and free of dust and pet hair. A lint roller is a versatile tool that can make cleaning your home a breeze, with its adhesive surface effectively collecting hair and dirt without causing any damage to the surfaces or fabrics.

For best results, you can slightly dampen the surfaces you’re cleaning with a cloth to help the lint roller pick up stubborn dirt and hair. By incorporating a lint roller into your cleaning routine, you can quickly and easily stay on top of dirt and dust build-up, ensuring a fresh and clean living environment while avoiding the development of respiratory problems like asthma.

8 – Clean Your Blinds Using A Solution Of Vinegar And Water

Cleaning blinds can be a time-consuming task, but with simple cleaning hacks, it can be quick and effortless. Each slat must be wiped down individually to ensure that all the dirt and grime is removed. To start, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl, and soak a microfiber cloth in the solution, wringing out any excess liquid.

Begin by wiping each slat of the blinds with the damp cloth, starting at the top and working your way down. Scrub particularly dirty areas thoroughly. After cleaning all of the slats, use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture and prevent the development of mould on the fabric. This hack allows for quick and easy cleaning of your blinds without the use of harsh chemicals.

9 – Get Your Oven Racks Sparkling Clean With The Help Of Dishwasher Tablets

If you are struggling to clean your oven racks with little success, there is fortunately a quick and easy solution that involves using a dishwasher tablet. These tablets contain strong cleaning ingredients that can dissolve stubborn stains and grime, making them an excellent choice for cleaning oven racks. Start by filling up your sink with hot water that’s at least 30 degrees Celsius or more. Then, add 1 or 2 dishwasher tablets to the water and submerge your oven rack in the sink.

After submerging your oven racks in the hot water and dishwasher tablet solution, you can either leave them to soak overnight or while you’re busy working from home or at the office. This will give the solution enough time to break down stubborn grease and food particles. When you’re ready, drain the sink and rinse the oven racks thoroughly with hot water. To remove any remaining residue, use a brush or scrubber before drying the racks with a clean towel or placing them on a drying rack. With this method, you can enjoy a sparkling clean oven rack without sacrificing too much of your free time to scrub away stubborn stains manually.

10 – Use A Sodium Bicarbonate Paste Made To Clean The Interior Of Your Dirty Oven

When it comes to cleaning ovens, it can often feel like a daunting and time-consuming task. However, there is a simple hack that can make this chore much easier. All you need to do is mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste, which will help to lift away any stubborn grime and grease from your oven walls. Before applying the paste, it’s important to remove any loose debris from your oven interior. 

Once you have done this, use a scraper to apply the paste to the walls, focusing on the areas where dirt and grease are most prominent. It’s crucial to avoid applying the paste on any heating or electrical elements to prevent any fire hazards. After two hours of letting the paste sit – or for as long as you are busy – use a damp cloth to wipe it away, making sure to scrub thoroughly in any stubborn areas. Finally, use a dry cloth to wipe down any remaining residue from the walls, leaving your oven looking clean and fresh.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and tidy home while working full-time can be challenging, but there are numerous cleaning hacks that make it easier and more efficient. Using household items like sodium bicarbonate, vinegar and dryer sheets, you can clean surfaces, floors and appliances without harsh chemicals. It’s also important to incorporate cleaning into your routine, like letting oven grates soak in a solution while you work, to maintain a healthy work-life balance and a sparkling clean home.
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