20 Cleaning Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier
Pumice Stone for Toilet Stains
Say goodbye to stubborn toilet stains with a pumice stone. Whether you just moved into a new home or your half-bath is a little neglected, you can take a pumice stone and give your toilet a brand-new look.
Vinegar Shower Head Revival
Tie a vinegar-filled bag around your showerhead overnight, and wake up to a showerhead that's happier than you are in the morning. Believe me, vinegar is a life saver and if there's a lingering smell, rub some lemon on the shower head and run the shower for a couple of minutes.
Crayon Marks? Hair Dryer to the Rescue
Hair dryer + crayon marks = cleaning wizardry. If you're a parent, you know the feeling of walking into a room only to see your little tot standing next to a “really nice” drawing on the wall. Well, crayons are just colored wax so holding the hair dryer up to the markings will melt it enough to wipe off. Give it a try and if it doesn't work, grab that Magic Eraser.
DIY Air Freshener with Essential Oils
Mix water and essential oils for a DIY air freshener. It's like inviting a fancy fragrance expert to your home – but way cheaper. It really is that straight-forward.
Lint Roller Lampshade Dust Buster
Lint roller on lampshades is like magic against dust and pet hair. Your lampshades will thank you with a brighter glow.
Help Your Dishwasher Out!
If your dishwasher tends to get smelly or your dishes aren't glistening like they used to, you might need to start cleaning your dishwasher filter more regularly. We see gunk build up in these filters all the time, so rinse it out!
Razors Aren't Just for Shaving
We use cleaning razors all the time! They are great for removing those really hard, stuck-on spots. Use these to finally clean that oven window! You can find cleaning razors at most hardware stores or online.
Get a Good Pair of Cleaning Gloves
This seems simple but a lot of people avoid cleaning or find it extra unpleasant because of how it makes your hands feel after. Getting a good pair of gloves can help make cleaning feel less annoying for those who hate the feeling of dirt dishes in their hands.
Don't Throw Away Those Dryer Sheets Just Yet
You took your clothes out of the dryer, folded them, and are about to throw away those stray dryer sheets but wait! Before you toss those, use them to clean the lint trap in the dryer, they are abrasive enough to remove stuck-on lint but soft enough to not ruin your filters.
Pay Attention to Your Fans
Most people don't pay much attention to where the air comes from so the fans on your ceilings or in the walls usually collect dust for a while before they are wiped down. That dust blows right into your home and can make a house feel like it is always dirty. Try to get into a routine of cleaning them once every month or so.
Sometimes That Tub Just Needs New Caulk
At some point or another, the caulk around the tub is gonna start looking crusty. That ok, with some maintenance cleaning, it should stay pretty clean but when the edges of your bath start turning black, it’s best to just get it recaulked. The seal has been broken so it’s best to just scrape the old stuff away and start new.
Clean Air, Clean Home
Getting an air purifier can make a big difference in your home. A good one will filter out the dust floating around and keep your house smelling fresh. We especially recommend them for those with allergies and pets! If you just renovated your home, we suggest having one in the house for a day or two. We do post-construction cleanings, we offer to leave an air scrubber behind for a day or so and our clients notice the difference it makes with leftover dust in the air!
No Shoes in the House
Keeping shoes in entryways and not all over your floors can keep your floors cleaner for longer. There is a ton of dirt and grime on streets and sidewalks; you don't want to bring that into your home.
Did You Know You Can Remove Your Toilet Seats?
Most toilets are clamped on and you can actually remove them to give your toilet a better clean. It can be hard to get to all of the nooks and crevices around your toilet but you can't make your life a whole lot easier by removing the toilet seat and cleaning it separately.
The Outside of Your Home Needs a Spa Day Too
Getting your siding power washed and the outside of your windows cleaned can make your house look brand new!
Lint Rollers for the Win…Again
We already covered lint rollers for lamp shades but you can use them for those hard-to-reach areas too. Dusty ceiling? Vacuum not getting ALL of the hair in your rug? You can use a long-handled lint roller and get rolling.
Oil on Oil Crime
Double cleansing is not just for your face. You can use oil-based products on grease and cut your cleaning time in half because oil dissolves oil. Wipe some product on the grime and let it sit for a bit before rubbing it away. When you've got it all off, go in with a regular cleaner.
Don't Neglect the Usual Suspects
Those appliances that you don't wipe down, the spot behind the TV, the windowsills? They can rack up dirt while you're scrubbing away at the floor. You don't have to clean them every single time but once in a while is enough to keep your home looking like it was built in the last decade.
Self-Clean Cycles Exist for a Reason
Your washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher have self-clean cycles for a reason. Use it! It can save you from dealing with other issues later like smelly clothes or dirty dishes.
Call Ivy Glove
Sometimes you just don't want to do any of the stuff above so let the professionals handle it. We can get you started with a deep clean and keep your house maintained so you can pay attention to other, more important things. We have a satisfaction guarantee and we are not afraid to use it!