63 Simple Cleaning Hacks To Get The Job Done
Looking for easy cleaning hacks to get the job done easier and faster? Who has the time to scrub, dust, and organize for hours between work, kids, and everything else?
But what if I told you that it could be simpler? That you can take control of your cleaning routine and make it more efficient?
In A Hurry?
Use our table of contents to jump to the section you want.
- Time-Saving Cleaning Strategies
- Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
- Oven Cleaning Hacks
- Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
- Hacks For Dusting and Surface Care
- Cleaning Hacks For Floors and Furniture
- Hacks For Laundry and Bedding
- Decluttering And Organization Hacks
I’ve rounded up 63 clever cleaning hacks I’ve learned over the last 40+ years.
By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with a wealth of practical cleaning knowledge and inspired to maintain a spotless home without feeling overwhelmed. Let’s figure out how to get a cleaner, more manageable home together!
Time-Saving Cleaning Strategies
Cleaning doesn’t have to take up your entire day. So, let’s begin with some time-saving strategies that will help you clean smarter, not harder, or longer.
Create A Simple Cleaning Schedule
First, use a simple schedule to organize daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks. This will keep you on track without overwhelming you with everything at once. And here’s the best part: You can set up your own personalized system.
This post takes you step by step through the process of creating a simple cleaning schedule.
Check out my helpful fillable cleaning planner—it will walk you through the process. You’ll create a customized schedule and use room-by-room checklists to ensure everything gets DONE. And guess what? It’s easy to use! 👇👇👇
Get Kids Involved In Household Chores
Here’s the deal: everyone wins when kids help around the house. Parents get much-needed support with daily tasks, while children learn valuable life skills like responsibility, teamwork, and time management.
But wait, there’s more! Pitching in also boosts kids’ confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment, making the home run more smoothly for everyone.
Here are 5 Easy Chores that kids can do.
Use Charts To Keep Kids Organized
Here’s the thing, charts, and reminders make life easier. They keep kids organized and reduce the amount of nagging you have to do! These printables might become your new best friend.
My bedroom cleaning checklist is perfect for younger children. It walks them through cleaning their room step by step, using colorful graphics and easy-to-read fonts.
For older kids, my fillable chore charts are a game-changer. They introduce daily and weekly tasks and even include reward coupons. And the best part?You can edit the chore charts and reward bucks to fit your family’s needs!
Use A Timer To Stay Focused During Cleaning Sessions
Set a timer for short cleaning bursts, like 15 or 20 minutes. This helps you stay focused, work efficiently, and avoid being overwhelmed by larger tasks.
Apply Cleaning Solutions to Tough Spots First, Then Multitask While Waiting
It’s pretty obvious once you think about it tough stains and soap scum need time to break down. Spray cleaning solutions on those spots first and let them sit while you tackle another task. It’s multitasking at its finest!
Use A Basket To Collect Clutter And Reduce Trips While Cleaning
Want to save time? Use a basket as you clean to collect items that belong in other rooms. The result? Fewer trips and a streamlined cleaning routine.
Rinse Baking Dishes Immediately To Prevent Stuck-On Food
Don’t wait until later—rinse baking dishes right after use to avoid scrubbing. Trust me, this simple habit makes cleanup so much easier.
Unlock the Power Of A Reliable Multipurpose Cleaner
A high-quality multipurpose cleaner can transform your cleaning routine. These versatile cleaners are designed to tackle various surfaces, including countertops, fixtures, and appliances. The best part? Having one go-to solution means less clutter in your cleaning supplies and less time spent searching for the right product. It’s an effortless way to clean smarter, not harder. Why not give it a try and see how much time you save?
Use The Dishwasher For More Than Dishes
Your dishwasher isn’t just for plates. It can also clean plastic toys, bathroom accessories, and light fixtures. How cool is that?
Do A Quick Tidy Up Once A Day
Dedicating just 10 minutes daily to tidying up can make a world of difference. And the best part? When the whole family pitches in, it prevents messes from piling up and keeps your home feeling fresh.
Kitchen Cleaning Hacks
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where meals are prepared, and memories are shared. A clean kitchen keeps the space functional and inviting, making daily tasks more manageable. Ready to tackle messes and prevent stains? These simple yet effective cleaning hacks will keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Clean A Blender Quickly withWarm, Soapy Water
Cleaning a blender doesn’t have to be a hassle. Fill it halfway with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and run it for a few seconds. Rinse thoroughly, and it’s ready to use again. How easy is that?
Descale A Kettle With Vinegar
Mineral buildup in your kettle can affect its performance. Fill it halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, boil, let it cool, and rinse well. The result? A kettle that works like new.
Remove Tea And Coffee Stains With Baking Soda Paste
Do you have stubborn tea and coffee stains on mugs or pots? Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, scrub gently, and rinse. Want sparkling cups? This is your go-to solution.
Clean A Cast Iron Pan With Boiling Water
Boiling water can loosen food stuck to a cast iron pan without damaging it. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the bottom, bring it to a boil, and scrape gently with a pot scraper. Don’t forget to re-season the pan afterward. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Rejuvenate Gunky Cookie Sheets With Baking Soda And Peroxide
Are cookie sheets looking worse for wear? Sprinkle them with baking soda, add hydrogen peroxide, and let them sit for an hour. Scrub and rinse to reveal their original shine. You won’t believe the transformation.
Line Casserole DishesWith Foil Or Parchment Paper For Easy Cleanup
Line your casserole dishes to avoid scrubbing baked-on messes. Use aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch spills and make cleanup a breeze. Simple, right?
Use Silicone Mats orParchment Paper on Baking Sheets to Prevent Sticking
Silicone baking mats and parchment paper keep food from sticking to your baking sheets. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and perfect for baking cookies or roasting vegetables. Why not give them a try?
Invest In Liners for Drawers, Cabinets, And Refrigerator Shelves
Liners in drawers, cabinets, and fridge shelves protect surfaces and make cleaning easier. They catch spills and crumbs, saving time and effort in the long run. It’s a game-changer.
Use The DishwasherApp
Many modern dishwashers come with an app to track maintenance. The app will send reminders to clean filters, add rinse fluid, or run a self-clean cycle. We recently purchased a new dishwasher and found the app invaluable. Who knew cleaning could be this smart?
Sanitize Sponges In The Microwave
Sponges can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Dampen them, microwave for two minutes, and let them cool before use. This quick trick effectively kills germs. Put other cleaning utensils in the dishwasher for easy sanitizing.
Steam Clean TheMicrowave With Water And Lemon Juice Or Vinegar
Steam makes microwave messes easier to clean. Heat a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes. Wipe down the loosened grime with a cloth. The result? A spotless microwave.
Keep Trash Cans Odor-Free With Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of your trash can before adding the bag will neutralize odors. It absorbs smells and keeps your kitchen fresh. Say goodbye to bad odors.
Freshen Cutting Boards By Scrubbing With Salt And Lemon
Wooden cutting boards can trap odors and stains. Sprinkle coarse salt on the board, scrub with a halved lemon, and rinse. This will leave your board sanitized, clean, and refreshed. It’s that simple.
Rinse Baking Dishes Immediately
Don’t let food residue harden on baking dishes. Rinse them with warm water right after use to make cleaning quick and effortless. You’ll thank yourself later.
Get Stubborn Stains from Pots and Pans with Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
For tough stains, mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda into a paste. Apply it to the stained areas, let it sit, then scrub and rinse. It works wonders on burnt-on messes. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.
Clean As You Work
Stay ahead of the mess by cleaning as you go. Wipe counters, wash utensils, and put ingredients away while cooking. This saves time and makes cleanup much easier at the end. Why wait until later?
Oven Cleaning Hacks
Place A Cookie Sheet Under An Oven Dish To Catch Spills
Place a cookie sheet under your baking dish to prevent spills and messes in your oven. It catches drips and overflow, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. This is especially helpful when baking fruit pies. Why deal with stuck-on messes if you don’t have to?
Use Burner Liners On Electric Stoves To Catch Spills
Burner liners are a lifesaver for ring elements. They catch spills and splatters and make cleanup simple. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you managed without them.
Line The Oven Bottom With Foil Or Silicone Mats
Use an oven liner to protect your oven from baked-on spills. This simple step will save you hours of scrubbing later.
Steam Clean An Oven With Lemons And Water
Use the power of steam to loosen grime in your oven. Place a dish with water and lemon slices inside, heat to 250°F for 30 minutes, then wipe the interior clean once it cools. It’s an easy and natural way to refresh your oven.
Soak Oven Racks In The Bath With Hot, Soapy Water
You can effortlessly clean dirty oven racks by soaking them in hot, soapy water in your bathtub. Leave them for a few hours, then scrub lightly to remove the baked-on residue. It’s as easy as setting them aside and letting the water do the work.
Invest In A Self-Cleaning Oven
A self-cleaning oven is a worthwhile investment if you are looking for a new stove. With the push of a button, it burns off grease and grime, leaving only light ash to wipe away. We have one and think it is worth every penny. Imagine never dreading oven cleanup again?
Bathroom Cleaning Hacks
The bathroom is one of the most used spaces in the home, and keeping it clean doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These practical cleaning hacks will help you tackle grime, soap scum, and odors quickly, leaving your bathroom fresh and sparkling. Let’s get started.
Wipe Down Counters And Toilet Seat Daily
A quick daily wipe-down of your counters and toilet seat helps keep grime and germs at bay. It only takes a moment and prevents dirt from building up over time. Think of it as your first line of defense against bathroom messes.
Let Cleaners Sit On Soap Scum Before Scrubbing
Apply bathroom cleaner to soap scum and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. This gives the product time to break down grime, making cleaning faster and easier. Why work harder when you can let the cleaner do the heavy lifting?
Clean Shower Heads With Vinegar By Soaking Them Overnight
Mineral buildup can clog shower heads and reduce water pressure. Soak them in a bag of vinegar overnight to dissolve deposits and restore optimal flow. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.
Use A Squeegee After Every Shower
Keep a squeegee in your shower and wipe down the walls and glass doors after every use. This simple habit prevents water spots and reduces soap scum buildup. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from deep scrubbing later.
Wipe Down While Watching Kids Take A Bath
If your little ones have a daily bath, use that time to wipe down counters, faucets, and the toilet seat. It’s a simple way to stay productive while keeping an eye on the kids. Multitasking for the win.
Sanitize Toothbrushes Regularly
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria over time, so sanitizing the bristles regularly is important. Mix 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water, then soak the toothbrush for 15 minutes. Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly before using it. You can also use mouthwash, but hydrogen peroxide is probably cheaper. It’s a quick and affordable way to keep your toothbrush clean and germ-free.
Hacks For Dusting and Surface Care
Dusting and surface care can seem like endless tasks, but a few smart tricks can make them quicker and easier. These cleaning hacks will help you tackle dust and grime, keeping your home fresh and your surfaces sparkling with minimal effort. Let’s dig in.
Use Microfiber Cloths For Everything
These cleaning marvels work well on almost every surface. The tiny fibers pick up more dirt and food residue than other cloths. They actually attract grease and dirt. Microfibre cloths are reusable and reduce the need for chemical cleaners. It’s a simple switch that makes a big impact.
Use A Lint Roller For Broken Glass And Small Debris
After sweeping up large glass shards, use a lint roller to pick up tiny fragments. This is a safe and effective way to ensure no small pieces are left behind. Think about it—no more worrying about stray shards.
Dust Baseboards Using A Microfiber Cloth On A Broom
Attach a microfiber cloth to a broom to dust baseboards without bending over. This hack is perfect for a quick clean that saves your back. Why strain when you can let your tools do the work?
Use Dryer Sheets For Dusting Electronics And Baseboards
Even used dryer sheets work wonders for dusting. Their anti-static properties make them perfect for wiping down electronics and baseboards, leaving them dust-free. Who knew dryer sheets had this hidden talent?
Dust Blinds With A Sock Dipped In Vinegar-Water Solution
Put an old sock on your hand, dip it into a vinegar-water mix, and wipe each blind slat. It’s a simple, mess-free way to clean stubborn grime. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Clean Window Tracks With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda in window tracks, add a bit of vinegar, and let it fizz. Scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe clean for sparkling results. You won’t believe how satisfying this hack is.
Use a Paint Roller to Clean Ceilings
A soft, thick-nap paint roller makes cleaning ceilings a breeze. Dip the roller into a cleaning solution and wring out any excess liquid until it’s damp but not dripping. Roll it over the ceiling to clean, rinsing the roller frequently to avoid spreading dirt. It’s surprisingly effective.
Use the Right Tools for Dusting
Invest in quality dusting tools to make the job easier. A long-handled, bendable duster is perfect for high shelves, ceilings, and fans. A microfiber brush is ideal for delicate items. Don’t forget your vacuum cleaner can be used for dusting. We just bought this cordless Dyson, and it is amazing. The right tool can make all the difference.
Remove Crayon Marks from Walls with Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and gently scrub crayon marks. The abrasive texture lifts the wax without damaging the paint. This trick works wonders for those “artistic” moments.
Clean Vents by Running Them Through the Dishwasher
Floor and ceiling vents can be washed in the dishwasher. We also have a filter that goes into the vent over our stove. That one gets greasy over time and goes in the dishwasher. It’s a no-hassle way to keep them clean.
Cover the Tops of Tall Furniture with Paper
Place paper on the tops of cabinets or tall furniture to catch dust. When it gets dirty, just replace the paper—no heavy-duty cleaning is required. Simple, yet so effective.
Invest in a Multipurpose Steam Cleaner for Floors and Countertops
Steam cleaners are a game-changer for tackling dirt and grime. Use them on floors, countertops, and even tile grout for a deep, chemical-free clean. If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the time.
Cleaning Hacks For Floors and Furniture
Floors and furniture are the foundation of a clean, comfortable home, but they can also be magnets for dirt, dust, and spills. These cleaning hacks will help you keep them looking their best with minimal effort. Let’s get started.
Invest in a Good Cordless Vacuum
A quality cordless vacuum makes cleaning quick and hassle-free. Its lightweight design and portability are perfect for tackling everyday messes, from crumbs to pet hair, without the fuss of cords. This is the one we have, and it’s a total game-changer.
Remove Pet Hair from Upholstery with Damp Rubber Gloves
Dampen a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over the upholstery to attract pet hair. The hair clings to the gloves, making cleanup fast and effective. Who knew such a simple trick could save so much time?
Line Pet Feeding Areas with Mats or Trays
Place a mat or tray under your pet’s food and water bowls to catch spills and crumbs. This will keep the area tidy and protect your floors from damage. Small effort, big payoff.
Prevent Dirt With Door Mats
Place mats at all entryways to catch dirt before it gets tracked inside. Encourage family and guests to remove shoes to keep floors cleaner for longer. Think about it—less dirt tracked in means less cleaning for you.
Hacks For Laundry and Bedding
Laundry and bedding play a big role in keeping your home fresh and comfortable. These tips will help simplify the process, tackle stubborn odors, and keep everything looking and smelling its best.
Clean Your Washer With Bleach Monthly
Your washing machine can accumulate dirt and bacteria over time. Run a clean cycle with bleach once a month to eliminate odors and keep it running efficiently. Regular maintenance makes a big difference.
Freshen Pillows In the Dryer With Wool Dryer Balls
Revive flat or dusty pillows by tossing them in the dryer with wool dryer balls on an air-only cycle. This fluffs them up and removes dust for a cleaner, fresher feel. It’s an easy win for more comfortable bedding.
Teach Your Kids To Do Their Own Laundry
My kids started doing their laundry in grade one. Soap pods are simple and mess-free, making it easier for little ones to help out. This tip lightens your load and teaches kids valuable life skills.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag to Keep Socks Paired
Wash socks in a mesh laundry bag to avoid losing them. It’s perfect for baby socks and other small items, keeping everything together and making it easy to sort. No more hunting for missing socks!
Get A Laundry Folder To Make Folding Easier
Upgrade your laundry routine with a laundry folder. It makes folding clothes faster and more consistent, turning a tedious task into a quick and fun experience. It could even get kids excited about folding their laundry. Now that’s a win-win.
Decluttering And Organization Hacks
A clutter-free home is easier to clean and feels more relaxing. These simple tips will help you organize and keep everything in its place, making daily upkeep a breeze.
Opt for Paperless Billing to Reduce Mail Clutter
Switch to paperless billing for utilities, credit cards, and subscriptions. It reduces physical mail clutter and makes managing bills easier through email or apps. Here’s the thing, less paper means less mess.
Handle Incoming Mail Immediately to Avoid Buildup
Sort your mail as soon as it arrives. Recycle junk, file important documents, and address any actionable items immediately to prevent piles from forming. It’s that simple, handle it once, and it’s done.
Store Frequently Used Items Closer to Their Point of Use
Keep everyday items like cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, or school essentials near where needed. This will save time and keep your home more organized. Here’s the secret: staying tidy becomes effortless when everything has its place.
Opt-Out of Flyers and Junk Mail to Reduce Paper Waste
Unsubscribe from unwanted mail and sign up for “do not mail” lists. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and keep your mailbox clutter-free.
- Residents in the USA should refer to this article about stopping junk mail.
- Candian residents just have to let Canada Post know.
Why not take control of your mail starting today?
Declutter Surface Areas for Easier Cleaning
Clearing countertops, tables, and desks of unnecessary items makes cleaning faster and more effective. It also gives your home a tidier, more open feel. The bottom line is this: less clutter means more peace of mind.
Want to declutter, but not sure where to start? Try my declutter checklist that gives you 96 things that are easy to toss
Let’s recap, cleaning doesn’t have to feel like an endless chore. In this post, we’ve shared 63 easy yet effective cleaning hacks that can make a huge difference in your home. Just make a few small changes to your routine. You’ll notice your home feels fresher, cleaner, and more organized. We’ve given you 63 actionable tips.
So, go ahead! Pick one or two hacks to try today and see the difference. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget to pin this post for later so you can easily refer back to these game-changing cleaning tips whenever needed!