6 Easy Cleaning Hacks for your home
Cleaning Hack: #1 Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal with Lemon
Problem: Garbage disposals can sometimes emit unpleasant odors due to food particles and grease buildup.
Solution: Use lemon to naturally deodorize and freshen your garbage disposal!
How to Do It:
- Slice the Lemon: Cut a lemon into small wedges.
- Drop It In: Place the lemon slices directly into the garbage disposal.
- Turn On the Disposal: Turn on the disposal with cold water running for a few seconds. The lemon will grind up and help eliminate odors while leaving a refreshing citrus scent.
Bonus Tip: You can also add some ice cubes along with the lemon slices to help clean the disposal blades and remove grease buildup.
Cleaning Hack #2 Deodorize Your Trash Can with Baking Soda
Problem: Odors from your trash can that linger even after taking out the trash. Solution: Use baking soda to neutralize odors in your trash can!
How to Do It:
- Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can.
- Add it every time you replace the trash bag to keep odors at bay.
Bonus Tip: You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda for added fragrance.
Cleaning Hack #3 Deodorize Shoes with Tea Bags or Dryer Sheets
Problem: Smelly shoes from moisture, sweat, or extended wear. Solution: Use tea bags or dryer sheets to naturally deodorize your shoes! How to Do It:
- Tea Bags Method:
- Place an unused tea bag inside each shoe.
- Leave them overnight to absorb moisture and odors.
- Dryer Sheet Method:
- Insert a dryer sheet into each shoe.
- Leave overnight to freshen them up and neutralize any bad smells.
Bonus Tip: Choose lavender-scented tea bags or dryer sheets for an extra refreshing fragrance.
Cleaning Hack #4 Microwave Steam Cleaning with Lemon
Problem: Built-up food splatters and odors inside the microwave. Solution: Use the power of lemon steam to clean and freshen up your microwave!
How to Do It:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and add a few slices of lemon.
- Place the bowl inside the microwave.
- Heat on high for about 3 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime.
- Carefully open the microwave and wipe the interior with a clean cloth.
Bonus Tip: The lemon will leave a fresh scent, while the steam makes it easy to remove food particles.
Cleaning Hack #5 Freshen Up Your Mattress with Baking Soda
Problem: Musty smells and dust mites can accumulate in your mattress over time.
Solution: Use baking soda to naturally freshen your mattress!
How to Do It:
- Remove the bedding from the mattress.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the surface of the mattress.
- Let the baking soda sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour for extra freshness).
- Vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove the baking soda and any dirt or dust.
Bonus Tip: You can add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it on the mattress for a lovely scent.
Cleaning Hack #6 Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda
Problem: A smelly, dirty dishwasher with leftover grime.
Solution: Follow these steps to clean your dishwasher naturally with baking soda:
- Clear the Dishwasher: Remove any dishes, utensils, or racks inside the dishwasher.
- Clean the Drain: Check the bottom of the dishwasher for any food debris or particles. Remove any visible gunk that could clog the drain.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle about one cup of baking soda evenly on the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a Hot Cycle: Run the dishwasher on a short, hot cycle with no dishes inside. The baking soda will help break down grease and eliminate odors.
- Wipe Down: Once the cycle is complete, use a clean cloth to wipe the inside walls and the door to remove any remaining debris or residue.
- Optional (for extra shine): You can also place a small bowl of vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher and run another hot cycle. This will help eliminate any hard water deposits and add extra shine to the interior.
By using this simple method, you can restore your dishwasher to its fresh and clean state without harsh chemicals!