Life is busy. Cleaning your home after a long day feels tough. It takes energy and know-how. Without tips, one hour of work stretches to three. These simple hacks help you clean fast without changing your routine.
If you love DIY, try these 9 safe, easy tricks. Stock up on basics: baking soda, lemons, olive oil, all-purpose cleaner, rubber gloves, and more.
9 DIY House Cleaning Hacks
1. Olive Oil for Stainless Steel
Olive oil shines up stainless steel items. First, wipe off dirt and food bits. Dampen a soft cloth with a little oil. Rub gently on surfaces. It boosts shine and lasts longer. This natural oil creates a thin protective layer that repels water and fingerprints, keeping your appliances looking new for weeks.
It’s a gentle alternative to chemical polishes, safe for kitchens with kids or pets. Plus, it uses something you likely already have in your pantry.
2. Alcohol for Stains
Alcohol wipes out stains quickly. Pour it on the spot. Rub with a soft cloth. Dirt vanishes in seconds. Safe for most surfaces—avoid drinking it! Rubbing alcohol, like isopropyl, evaporates fast, so there’s no sticky residue left behind.
It’s great for fabrics, countertops, or even walls without damaging the material. Test on a small area first if you’re unsure, to keep colors vibrant.
3. Shaving Cream for Shower Glass

Shaving cream cleans shower doors streak-free. Spread it on glass. Wait 5-10 minutes. Wipe off. Say goodbye to soap scum. The foam breaks down grime and minerals from hard water, leaving a smooth finish. Unlike harsh sprays, it won’t etch the glass over time. For extra shine, rinse with vinegar afterward—your bathroom will smell fresh too.
4. Baking Soda for Bathroom Tub and Tiles
Mix hot water, 1 cup of vinegar, and baking soda. Let it fizz 5-8 minutes. Scrub tub and tiles. It works on carpets and mattresses too. The fizzing action lifts embedded dirt without scrubbing hard, saving your arms. This eco-friendly mix is cheap and non-toxic, perfect for daily upkeep.
Sprinkle extra baking soda on grout lines for tougher spots—it acts like a mild abrasive.
5. Lemon-Boosted Baking Soda for Toilet

Use the tub mix, plus half a lemon. Pour into bowl. Wait 15-20 minutes. Brush clean. Your toilet sparkles white. The lemon’s acid cuts through rust and limescale naturally, while baking soda deodorizes. This combo kills mild bacteria, keeping things hygienic without bleach fumes. Repeat weekly to prevent buildup and maintain that fresh scent.
Tip: Water leaks cause many stains. Check for them early.
6. Baking Soda for the Kitchen Sink

Tackle sink stains with the bathroom mix. Apply it. Wait 10 minutes. Rinse with water. Baking soda is your all-around cleaner. It neutralizes odors from food scraps, like garlic or fish, in seconds. For deeper cleans, make a paste with water and scrub—it’s gentle on porcelain or stainless steel. This hack keeps your sink fresh and ready for meal prep every day.
7. Lemon Oil for Microwave

Oily microwaves are easy with this. Add 10-15 drops of lemon oil to a glass of water. Microwave 5 minutes for steam. Wipe walls and ceiling with a cloth. Fresh and odor-free. The steam loosens splatters, while lemon oil cuts grease and adds a citrus aroma that lingers.
No scrubbing needed, so it’s ideal for quick touch-ups between uses. Use any essential oil if lemon isn’t handy, but lemon works best for food smells.
8. Coffee Filters for Windows
Dust windows first with a cloth. Spray water. Wipe with coffee filters—they grab water without streaks. Use a few for best results. The filters’ texture traps lint and moisture better than paper towels, avoiding fuzzy marks.
They’re lint-free and cheap, so stock up from your coffee stash. For outdoor windows, do this on a cloudy day to prevent quick drying and spots.
9. Shampoo for Ceiling Fans

Dust blades with a dry cloth. Mix shampoo in water. Spray blades. Wipe clean. Rinse with plain water spray. Dry with a rag. Fans look new. Shampoo’s surfactants lift dust and grease without water damage to motors. This prevents allergens from circulating in your air. Do it monthly during fan season—your home stays cleaner and cooler.
Wrap-Up
These hacks make cleaning quick and safe. Follow them for a spotless home. Want more tips? Subscribe to our newsletter—no stress, just easy wins.
