House Cleaning Hacks: 9 Genius Tips for People Who Hate Cleaning

Getting ready to sell your listing? Home preparation and cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a few clever house cleaning hacks, you can save time, effort, and even money while keeping your house sparkling clean.

Whether you’re looking for a way to remove pet hair or eliminate stubborn soap scum, these easy-to-follow house cleaning hacks will make tidying up a breeze. From Realtor.com, here are 9 genius house cleaning hacks for people who hate cleaning their house.

1. Use old socks to clean blinds

Cleaning blinds can be frustrating due to their awkward shapes and small gaps, but there’s an easy solution. Simply take an old sock and dampen it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Slide the sock over each section of the blinds to remove dust and dirt quickly. This house cleaning hack will save you both time and hassle.

2. Dust electronics with coffee filters

Coffee filters are a great alternative to towels when dusting delicate electronics. “Coffee filters won’t leave behind fibers like towels do, making them perfect for cleaning TV screens, computer monitors, and other electronic surfaces,” says Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. This simple house cleaning hack also works wonders on windows—no streaks left behind!

3. Clean your ceiling fan with a pillowcase

Cleaning ceiling fans often means dust falls onto the floor and furniture. To avoid this, use an old pillowcase. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and gently wipe the dust away. This house cleaning hack contains the mess, and once you’re done, just toss the pillowcase in the wash.

4. Use dryer sheets to clean everything

Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry. They’re surprisingly effective for cleaning! Run a dryer sheet along your baseboards to remove dirt and repel dust. They can also be used to clean lampshades, break down soap scum, and even absorb odors in trash cans. “Dryer sheets are a simple and effective way to clean and prevent future messes,” says cleaning expert Kathy St. Croix.

5. Steam clean your microwave with lemon

Cleaning the microwave is never fun, but this simple house cleaning hack will save you time. Place a bowl of lemon juice and water in your microwave and heat it on high for three minutes. Let it sit for five more minutes to allow the steam to loosen food remnants. A couple of quick wipes afterward, and your microwave will smell fresh and clean.

6. Remove pet hair with rubber gloves

Pet hair can be tough to remove, especially when your vacuum doesn’t do the trick. Use rubber gloves to easily collect pet hair from fabrics. “When you rub the gloves over fabric, the static electricity attracts the hair,” explains Leanne Stapf. Rinse the gloves under water when done, and the hair will wash away.

7. Clean with vinegar to save money

Vinegar is one of the most affordable and versatile cleaning products you can find. Use it to clean drains, surfaces, and even your shower doors. Pour distilled white vinegar down drains every two weeks to keep them free of clogs. You can also mix half a cup of vinegar with warm water to clean tile surfaces around the house. “Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaner that can save you a lot of money,” says cleaning expert Abe Navas.

8. Polish bathroom fixtures with baby oil

If your bathroom fixtures are looking dull, polish them with a bit of baby oil. “Apply a small amount to a paper towel and wipe over faucets for a shiny finish,” says green cleaning expert Gary Downing. This house cleaning hack will make your bathroom fixtures gleam in no time.

9. Let your dishwasher do double duty

Your dishwasher isn’t just for dishes—it can also clean a variety of household items. “You can clean rubber flip-flops, baseball caps, makeup brushes, and even plastic toys in the dishwasher,” says Leanne Stapf. Take full advantage of this house cleaning hack to clean items you might not have thought about.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These house cleaning hacks are perfect for anyone who wants to tidy up without spending hours scrubbing. Try them out, and your home will be spotless in no time.

Ready to take your home’s presentation to the next level?

When preparing your home for a listing or photoshoot, the small details matter—just like house cleaning hacks! To ensure your property shines, download Virtuance’s pre-shoot checklist. This guide will help you cover everything from lighting to cleanliness, ensuring your property looks its best. Don’t let the little things slip through the cracks—get your checklist today!

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