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It might seem contradictory that I can claim love for “lazy-girl” cleaning hacks, and still state that I am living on purpose. But I think “living on purpose” can mean that we accept that we can’t do it all. So we choose to do the absolute best that we can, and we prioritize.
It’s no secret that I struggle with cleaning. Not that I don’t like to do it… just that it gets put on my back burner, even though a clean house is a priority for me. So I’m always looking for the little tricks that will make keeping things clean a just a bit easier.
Here are my favorite lazy cleaning hacks, and only ones that ACTUALLY work. (FYI, there are a bunch of cleaning hacks out there that flat out do not work. I get SO irritated every time I see the box of fabric softener sheets that I bought specifically for dusting my baseboards…because Pinterest told me to. And raise your hand if you’ve wasted hours trying to get your pans to sparkle??
Are gleaming cookie sheets REALLY a priority?! I no longer care if my cookie sheets look like ancient bits of beat up tin. I have more important things to do!
And I love this post on Cleaning Hacks That Don’t Work, by Maureen @ a debt free stress free life – I read it going “FINALLY, someone who will admit that it is absolutely pointless to be mixing up all that vinegar and baking soda and wasting so many lemons! Hallelujah!)
Rest assured, the following Lazy-Girl Cleaning Hacks actually do work!
(I didn’t invent all these hacks, but I sure do use ’em!)
In The Kitchen:
→ I’m starting with my number 1 favorite kitchen cleaning hack – citric acid in the dishwasher. If your dishes are ever cloudy or just not coming out totally clean… a spoonful of citric acid. It’s cheaper than good quality dishwasher tabs and it works freaking amazing. (Your dishwasher will sparkle too!!)
→ Microwave a bowl of water (with a splash of vinegar if you want) for 4 or 5 minutes and all dried on food wipes out of the microwave in no time flat. (Then use the hot vinegar water to scrub out your sink!)
→ Cooking bacon? Drain the fat into a tinfoil pouch (set it in a bowl – but not a plastic bowl, they melt!) and let it harden. Just throw it away.
→ Speaking of tin foil, use it to line pans that you’re cooking anything super sticky / messy on. Save yourself the scrubbing!
→ Whir up a squirt of soap and hot water in the blender AS SOON AS YOU FINISH using it, and rinse. Clean blender, no scrubbing.
→ PUT EVERYTHING IN THE DISHWASHER. If it can’t go in the dishwasher, it doesn’t belong in my kitchen. (I make an exception only for pretty wine glasses and my electric wok.)
In The Bathroom:
→ Bleach tablets in the toilet tank. Seriously, these things reduce the frequency that my toilet needs cleaning by AT LEAST 50%.
→You’ve seen the picture on pinterest before, but have you ever tried actually it? Plain white vinegar, in a bag, over the shower head (secure it there with an elastic band). Leave it while you clean the toilet and sink. I screw off the sink faucet end as well and throw that in the bag too! All the mineral deposits wipe right off.
→ Line the toddler potty with a coffee filter. It’ll still need bleaching once in a while, but not so much… scrubbing.
→ Throw that shower curtain right in the washing machine (I do mine with hot water and bleach), hang it back up to dry.
→ Wipe the bathroom sink down every morning and evening when you’re done with it. (I know it doesn’t sound like much of a hack, but it is, ‘cus you’ll RARELY have to actually clean it. Trust me.)
Around The House:
→ Use a lint Roller for dusting lamp shades, bedspreads, throw pillows and other material-sort of surfaces. (My mom bought me these reusable lint rollers and they are AWESOME, not only do I never have to buy lint rollers anymore, but the big one works wonders for picking threads/feathers/lint off the beds.)
→ The dishwasher is not just for dishes – clean/dust vents & filters, light fixture globes, hairbrushes, toys, anything that seems waterproof and gross. (Don’t do that salmon cooking thing. That’s weird.)
→ Keep rubbing alcohol on hand for pet accidents on carpets and beds. Gets rid of any smell and evaporates quickly. (Keep it in a spray bottle, for anything that could use quick disinfecting!)
→ Invest in a set of Norwex rags (- one microfiber anti-bac cloth and one window cloth). You will never buy Windex again and cleaning any glass (with JUST the rags and water) takes literally seconds.
Lazy Laundry:
→ “Iron” slightly wrinkled clothes by throwing them in the dryer with a damp towel.
→ Speed up drying of wet clothes by throwing them in the dryer with a dry towel.
→ Own all white towels and sheets. Sounds crazy, but you will never need to read another “get fresh smelling towels” post. Bleach & hot water, all the way. (I do not own all white towels and sheets… But I do own slightly bleach stained towels and sheets, that never smell bad, and I love it.)
What are your favorite lazy-girl cleaning hacks that ACTUALLY work?
before doing the pet stains with the alcohol, use that same bottle of alcohol to clean all glass, mirrors, screens(electronic),etc. works fast and no streaks.
Great to know Tracy! Rubbing alcohol is really cheap at costco.
I keep ginger ale on hand for pet stains n especially wine stains. Works great even on white or light colored carpet.
I am always struggling with cleaning! Great suggestion. My new go-to: 10% rubbing alcohol, 10% white vinegar and 80% water. It cleans glass like a dream! I use it everywhere: floors, toilet, windows, mirrors, cabinets, tv….. I spray it all over the kitchen sink and fauset whenever I think of it and it wipes clean very easily.
I’ll have to try that Sanja~ I’m perfectly happy when I can leave cleaners out of my life 🙂
I’ve never heard of Norwex rags. Are they really different than other cheaper micro fiber rags? Do you think they are worth the money considering the price of other micro fiber rags?
Hi Bridgett! I do really believe they are totally worth the investment. One day (perhaps in the spring) I will post a video of how they clean windows vs how other cheap microfiber rags clean windows. It is un.believe.able. BUT if you invest in norwex rags, they are ONLY Worth it if you follow the instructions and don’t wash them with fabric softener or bleach or other lint creating laundry. All those things ruin them. I love mine so much, I actually have three set and I am SO careful to take care of them 🙂
Their Tumble Balls for the dryer are AMAZING!!! No need for toxic dryer sheets or fabric softener again!
Oh, yes, they are worth every penny. In all my years of cleaning my house, I could never get windows to not look streaky after I wash them. With my Norwax ones, they look really nice when I am done. I would not be without them!!
Yep – Cleaning windows is the easiest thing EVER with Norwex!!
kristinahill.norwex.biz
they have micro silver (anti bacterial/self sanitizing) in them and are extra dense. they can get stains out of carpets, clean windows, bathrooms, counters, options are endless -with just water!save so much time and money and you aren’t using harmful chemicals in your home.
Yes, Norwex is AMAZING stuff!
I am a consultant for Norwex and YES, they are amazing! I joined just so I could get them cheaper because I wanted it all!
That’s totally why I joined too Jessica! lol
They are totally worth it. But if you buy them from Amazon you will not get the two-year warranty. They are sold illegally there.
Olive oil on a rag for taps, sinks and appliances. No finger marks!!
OO Beth, I am gonna have to try that!
Half to whole dropper of peppermint oil(depending on washer size) in laundry when water-filling. Much healthier than bleach as disinfectant and smells way better!I get the 16 oz Now brand at Swanson’s. It lasts a long time and I even but an extra dropper full(I have a large capacity washer) in the rinse dispenser w/ added water.
Hi Susan! Really?? Does it have the same disinfectant properties as bleach? (I love swansons… cheap cheap cheap!)
For people who have hard water, scrub your toilet bowl ring, and anywhere you can reach in there, with a pumice stone. It’ll take quite some elbow grease both SO worth it. Then, maintain your toilet bowl with a good rag and some comet or ajax – the powder soaps with some bleach in it. It’ll really get the mineral deposits out of there and keep them out.
And it’s also important to not let the yellow mellow, the pee helps the deposits to deposit. Trust me, I clean houses for a living. 😉
Hey Corine!! Thank for the great tip – I actually have a toilet that needs a little pumice love… I think because we have such hard water. And also good to know about the “yellow” lol that makes SO MUCH SENSE!
Have you ever tried denture tablets in your toilet? Just put about six into the bowl and leave it while you clean other things, then clean with a scrub brush. It will remove the mineral deposits and will have a fresh smell to boot.
Hi Rachel! I haven’t tried it – but I’m pretty intrigued now! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Once you get your toilet clean, you can get the chlorine tablets that people use in pools and throw a couple in the tank once a month or so to keep it smelling fresh and looking great!
That’s an awesome idea!! Putting them on my shopping list- thanks Renee 🙂
how have I never thought of using a lint roller around the house?? Awesome tips!
Thanks Bee! The lint roller is awesome – lol
I love the lint roller as it takes pet hair off of my furniture. I know make the dog stay on the floor, but she is a rescue and I spoil her!
Also, great tips from everyone. I am definitely saving this pin.
HI Ann! I don’t have dog, but if I did, it would be allowed on the couch too 🙂 That’s what they make lint rollers for right?!
I accidentally discovered that straight rubbing alcohol will remove road tar from carpets like magic. I saturate a rag and rub it on the spot. It also will help disolve candle wax from carpets, but will require some scrubbing with thumb nail. I clean a church and wheelchairs leave tar on the carpet and candle light service leaves wax on carpet.
Thanks Paula! That is SO interesting!! Rubbing alcohol really is a great cheap cleaning agent… apparently even better than I knew! lol
Want to dust wood less? I found Amish Secret, read all the comments and gave it a try. Two weeks after dusting, I still didn’t see any new dust and the wood was still shiny. How can that be? I guess that’s why it’s a ‘secret’. It was into the third week before I saw any dust starting to return. Bought it on eBay, but might be on Amazon, too.
Just found your blog a couple of months ago and can connect with your down-to-earth personality, common sense and that you put God first. Me too!
Ok Sharon, you’ve got me curious – I have to go find out what this amish secret is… I have dust like you’ve never SEEN dust before! Thanks so much for your kind words about my blog as well 🙂 SO glad you’re here!
We store our bacon fat in a disposable coffee cup (previously used) kept in the fridge. One full, we just toss cup and contents into the compost. Easy! ?
That is such a great idea!! Way better than the tinfoil one – if the cup is used. Thanks for sharing Karen 🙂
Why throw the bacon grease away? We keep a dish of it in the refrigerator to season green beans and other vegetables or to make white gravy for biscuits and gravy. I guess you can tell that I cook “Southern Style.”
Haha, Sherry – I do cook my eggs with it at the same meal, but I don’t store it.
Not a healthy idea…..sorry to be a party pooper! 🙁
What works to clean mildew in the shower?
Hi Helaine- in all honesty?! Good ole cheap bleach and a toothbrush. There are certainly things to be said for keeping it natural, but mildew is yucky and bleach kills it dead!
Helaine…just fill a spray (squirt) bottle with cheap bleach……spray the shower area once a week…….keeps it amazingly clean and mildew free …. 🙂
I use WD-40 on all my stainless steel appliances to make them shine. Works like a charm! Fronts only as it’s flammable!
I have GOT To try that on my dishwasher… Thanks Shelly!
For toilet stains I use the generic Mr Clean magic eraser. Works like a charm and very fast even the under part gets done. I just use my rubber gloves get the eraser wet and have at it.
Thanks for the tip Carole! I have a whole box of magic erasers from costco just sitting here that I have never used because I’m just at a loss for what I might need them for LOL. I’ll try it!
I use baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice for 90% of my cleaning. My favorites are:
Vinegar water (10% vinegar) for all purpose cleaner (I even use it for glass and floors). Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and the smell evaporates in seconds.
Baking soda and vinegar for toilet (don’t premix, just put in the BS then the V, let it fuzz and brush out)
Baking soda then lemon juice in the oven (let it fizz & sit for 30 min, then wipe out)
I totally use just vinegar and water for the floor too! Never would have have thought of baking soda and lemon in the oven. Thanks for the tip 🙂
I also use baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar cleans the hard water deposits off the shower door better than anything else I’ve tried. You still have to wipe and scrub a bit, but straight vinegar works best. I use a paste of baking soda and water to clean the stove top and the oven. Just baking soda and water. Apply the paste, wait a few minutes (not long at all) and wipe with a sponge until the baking soda is gone. Wipes right off. I use lemon essential oil in the wash instead of bleach – I can’t stand the smell of bleach. I also use vinegar when my towels start to smell sour.
Jeanie how much vinegar do you have to use on the towels? I can never get it to work and I go for bleach… my towels are a little spotty LOL
After cleaning your bathroom vanity & sink, spray & wipe with furniture polish. Fixtures will not water spot and water sheets off the sink, splashes on the vanity wipe off nicely and stays clean longer!
GREAT TIP!! Thanks Brenda 🙂
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I just read through these all! Every lovely one of the replies & questions! I love having a clean home. I am an active parent!!! I also try to put the Lord first ahead of all other things! 🙂 I teach or facilitate a Bible Study, I think I am doing a great job & then see dust! One room I do not go into! Life is sure Chaotic! Thank you for your great message as well as the followers! You have given me great insight! 2 Thumbs up!
So glad you enjoyed it Aimee- we ALL have dust 😉 Dust does not equal failure!!
Good to know about white sheets & towels. I have white but they don’t smell. If they ever do I’ll definitely bleach. Also I heard they can get a mildew smell if you either don’t dry them all the way or if they’re left wet in the dirty laundry too long. I do laundry a lot so they usually don’t sit long.
O yes, you certainly want to dry them all the way!!