By Tara McCormack
AS AUTUMN sets in, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home with some simple, cost-effective cleaning hacks that won’t put a dent in your wallet.
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains or hard-to-clean surfaces, these tricks will help you keep everything spotless without much effort.
Olive oil, a kitchen staple known for its cooking benefits, can also be used to clean and buff your stainless steel appliances, pots, and pans.
To use it, simply pour a little olive oil onto a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion on the surface.
This will help remove any tough spots and leave your items gleaming like new.
For those tough carpet stains, vodka can be surprisingly effective.
Just blot the stain with a clean cloth, then pour some vodka or any clear alcohol over the area.
The alcohol works to lift the stain, making it easier to clean, and can be a handy substitute for commercial cleaners.
If you don’t have vodka on hand, white wine works just as well.
When it comes to tackling a grimy bath, the combination of baking soda and vinegar is a tried-and-true method.
To get your tub sparkling, mix one cup of vinegar with half a cup of baking soda and hot water, then pour the mixture into the bath and let it sit for five minutes.
After that, start filling the bath with more hot water until it’s about a quarter full, then let it sit for another five minutes.
Once the time is up, drain the water and rinse the tub thoroughly, leaving it squeaky clean.
Microwave stains can be particularly stubborn, but a simple solution using lemon essential oil can make all the difference.
Add 15 drops of lemon oil to a bowl filled with one and a half cups of water, then place it in the microwave and heat for 10 minutes.
The steam will help loosen any stuck-on food, making it easy to wipe away once the time is up.
The lemon oil not only helps with cleaning but also leaves behind a fresh scent.
For pet owners, the battle against fur never seems to end, but there’s an easy way to tackle the problem with something as simple as rubber gloves.
Just put on a pair of gloves and rub down the areas where pet hair tends to linger.
The rubber creates static that lifts the hair from fabrics, making it much easier to gather and remove.
Once you’re finished, rinse the gloves with water, and the fur will slide right off.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)