List of AMAZING "life-hack" home cleaning tips!

McKayMachina
McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
edited October 2 in Chit-Chat
Just saw this on reddit and thought you guys/gals might enjoy it.

http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/k59yy/what_are_your_useful_household_tips_ill_start/

Some favorites:

* Many people complain that CFL bulbs are depressing. Make sure you are buying daylight bulbs with a 6500K color. The cheaper bulbs range 2500-5500K, which is somewhere between firelight and an overcast sky.

* After putting a sheet set through the laundry, store the sheets (and one pillowcase) inside the other pillowcase. You'll never search for the matching sheet/pillowcase again.

* WD-40 removes crayon from ANYTHING, as well as scuffs from ceramic and wood floors.

* Windows: fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Wipe clean with newspaper. Cheaper & more effective than Windex.

Have fun! :)

Also, feel free to leave your own tips in the comments here (or there). :D

Replies

  • Amo_Angelus
    Amo_Angelus Posts: 604 Member
    Love this!

    WD40 will also remove tar from upholstry
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    One of mine (got this from an MFPal):

    HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT! (So cheap and you can customize the scent with essential oils!)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfEJHb5lfds&feature=related
  • twooliver
    twooliver Posts: 450 Member
    bump
  • mea9
    mea9 Posts: 561 Member
    Did not know that. Thanks:)
  • violetfire80
    violetfire80 Posts: 32
    Biological washing powder removes grease from all surfaces really easily! Just make the paste with some warm water and rub it on with a cloth, it comes off right away....if its really thick grease apply a layer of paste and leave for a few minutes the clean off with a damp warm cloth!

    If your warter is sluggish going down the drain pour down a cup full of soda crystals and some white vinegar leave for a few hours/or over night then run the hot tap.
  • violetfire80
    violetfire80 Posts: 32
    this website is good as well! http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    Awesome! Keep 'em comin'. :)

    :drinker:
  • nerdyandilikeit
    nerdyandilikeit Posts: 2,185 Member
    I love the daylight bulbs! I got the idea from being in art classes with them. Especially in my basement apartment with half-size windows, it makes it so much less gloomy :)
  • McKayMachina
    McKayMachina Posts: 2,670 Member
    I love the daylight bulbs! I got the idea from being in art classes with them. Especially in my basement apartment with half-size windows, it makes it so much less gloomy :)

    I'm stoked to try them now! I haaaaate direct light so if I can get a few of these and point them up at the ceiling, I'm gonna be one happy camper!
  • methetree
    methetree Posts: 381
    bump... good stuff here, thanks McKay and everyone!
  • brittanyjeanxo
    brittanyjeanxo Posts: 1,831 Member
    When I'm cleaning something white or hard to clean, such as grout or the bathtub, I always use baking soda and peroxide or white undistilled vinegar. I sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the bottom of the tub, then pour the vinegar or peroxide over. I let it sit 'til it stops fizzing, then scrub it down with a toothbrush (you can use something else, but I'm and old fashioned kind of gal.) Comes out white and clean every time! :)
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    Bump!
  • seniorfaye
    seniorfaye Posts: 295 Member
    A good way to clean a crockpot is to put a softner sheet in the pot and had some dishwashing detergent and hot water. It will clean it so good!! After it has set for a while you can wash all that stuck on food right off with that softner sheet.

    Also a good cleaner for glass is to pour alcohol on a coffee filter and it wipe over the mirror and then with a paper towel finish drying it. Never leaves a smudge or streaks ...
  • MoonMyst3
    MoonMyst3 Posts: 423 Member
    Bump... looking for greener ways of cleaning my home.
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for
    a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The
    wax will fall out.
    If you have wax residue on your kitchen counter put an ice cube on top of it and gentle remove the wax with a plastic knive.
    ============ ========= ========= =====
    Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped
    in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
    ============ ========= ========= =====
    Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
    BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

    Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely
    a light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
    ============ ========= ========= =====
    Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will
    smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels
    and linen.

    Put a fabric softener sheet inside your dirty clothes plastic bag when you got on a trip. Your luggage will not smell nasty.

    Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring
    in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
    ============ ========= ========= =====
    Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will
    keep for weeks.
    ============ ========= ========= =====
    When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the
    corn's natural sweetness.

    Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future
    use in casseroles and sauces...Left over wine? What's that? :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories