10 Genius Cleaning Hacks to Save You Time & Money

Cleaning can be a time-consuming and costly chore, but it doesn't have to be. This article presents 10 genius cleaning hacks that harness the power of common household items to tackle a variety of cleaning challenges quickly and affordably.

From using toothpaste to erase crayon marks on walls to reviving dingy grout lines with a baking soda and peroxide paste, these simple, natural solutions can help you save both time and money compared to traditional commercial cleaners.

Discover how lemon and salt can freshen up cutting boards, vinegar can remove hard water stains, and even mayonnaise can condition leather furniture. Learn these clever cleaning tricks and start streamlining your home maintenance routine today.    

1. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar to Make a Powerful All-Purpose Cleaner 

Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most versatile and cost-effective cleaning agents you can find in your pantry. When combined, they create an effective, non-toxic solution that can tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks around the house.

To make your own all-purpose cleaner:

In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

Shake the mixture well until the baking soda has fully dissolved.

This solution can be used to clean and deodorize surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, and throughout the home.

Table 1. Comparison of Commercial All-Purpose Cleaners vs. Homemade Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner :

 

Feature	Commercial Cleaner	Homemade Cleaner
Cost per Use	$0.50 - $2.00	$0.10 - $0.25
Ingredients	Synthetic chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	Moderate to high	High
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low

As shown in Table 1, the homemade baking soda and vinegar solution is a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to commercial all-purpose cleaners. It's just as effective at cutting through grease, removing stains, and disinfecting surfaces. Plus, you can customize the formula to suit your specific cleaning needs.

By using this simple DIY cleaner, you can save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, all while getting your home sparkling clean. It's a true "genius" hack that belongs in every cleaning arsenal.

   

   2. Clean Your Oven with an Easy homemade Paste   

Keeping your oven clean can be a chore, but using a harsh chemical oven cleaner can be both expensive and potentially harmful to your health. Instead, try this simple, natural oven cleaning method using just a few pantry staples.

To clean your oven with a homemade paste:

1. Make the cleaning paste by mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable consistency.
2. Spread the paste liberally over the interior surfaces of your cold oven, covering the walls, floor, and racks.
3. Let the paste sit for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to allow it to work on breaking down any built-up grime and grease.
4. After the waiting period, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the baking soda paste along with the loosened dirt and residue.
5. For extra tough spots, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the area and scrub with a non-abrasive scouring pad.
6. Once clean, wipe down the interior with a clean, damp cloth.

Table 2. Comparison of Commercial Oven Cleaners vs. Homemade Baking Soda Paste

Feature	Commercial Oven Cleaner	Homemade Baking Soda Paste
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.25 - $0.50
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals (e.g. lye)	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	High	High
Safety	Requires ventilation, can irritate skin/eyes	Safe, non-toxic

As shown in Table 2, the homemade baking soda paste is a budget-friendly, gentle, and effective alternative to commercial oven cleaners. It effectively cuts through built-up grease and food residue without exposing you to harsh chemicals. Plus, it's simple to make and use, making it a true "genius" cleaning hack.

By using this natural oven cleaning method, you can save money and protect your health, all while getting your oven sparkling clean.

  3.Remove Soap Scum from Showers with an old Toothbrush

Soap scum buildup in the shower can be a stubborn problem, leaving unsightly stains and a grimy film on tiles, glass, and other surfaces. Rather than resorting to harsh chemical cleaners, you can use a simple, inexpensive tool to tackle this issue - an old toothbrush.

To clean soap scum with a toothbrush:

1. Dampen the toothbrush bristles and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto the bristles.
2. Gently scrub the affected areas of the shower, focusing on the grout lines, corners, and any other spots where soap scum has accumulated.
3. For extra cleaning power, you can also mix the baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste-like consistency before scrubbing.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove all the baking soda and loosened scum.
5. Repeat the process as needed until all visible soap residue is gone.

Table 3. Comparison of Commercial Shower Cleaners vs. Toothbrush and Baking Soda

Feature	Commercial Shower Cleaner	Homemade Baking Soda Paste
Cost per Use	$2.00 - $5.00	$0.05 - $0.10
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Natural, non-abrasive
Effectiveness	Moderate to high	High
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low

As shown in Table 3, using an old toothbrush and baking soda is a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way to tackle stubborn soap scum compared to commercial shower cleaners. The gentle abrasiveness of the baking soda, combined with the focused scrubbing power of the toothbrush, can effectively remove built-up residue without damaging surfaces.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to save money, avoid harsh chemicals, and get your shower sparkling clean - all with a simple tool you likely already have at home.

    4.Deodorize Carpets and Upholstery with Baking Soda 

Carpets and upholstered furniture can quickly accumulate unpleasant odors from everyday use, spills, and general wear and tear. Rather than reaching for expensive commercial deodorizers, you can use baking soda to effectively freshen up these surfaces in a natural, cost-effective way.

To deodorize carpets and upholstery with baking soda:

1. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the carpet or upholstered furniture.
2. Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to several hours for stronger odors.
3. Use a clean, dry brush or vacuum attachment to thoroughly work the baking soda into the fibers.
4. Let the baking soda sit for the desired duration, then vacuum up the powder completely.

Table 4. Comparison of Commercial Carpet/Upholstery Deodorizers vs. Baking Soda

Feature	Commercial Deodorizer	Baking Soda
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.10 - $0.25
Ingredients	Synthetic fragrances, chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	Moderate to high	High
Safety	May irritate skin/lungs	Safe, non-toxic

As shown in Table 4, baking soda is a more affordable and safer alternative to commercial carpet and upholstery deodorizers. It effectively absorbs and neutralizes odors without leaving behind any harsh chemical residue or overpowering fragrances.

This simple "genius" cleaning hack allows you to keep your carpets and upholstery smelling fresh using a common household item that costs just pennies per use. It's an easy, budget-friendly way to maintain a clean, odor-free living space.

   5- Clean Stainless Steel Appliances with Baby Oil

Stainless steel appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, can quickly accumulate unsightly fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. While there are numerous commercial cleaners marketed for stainless steel, you can achieve a professional-looking shine using a surprising household item - baby oil.
To clean and polish stainless steel appliances with baby oil:

1. Apply a small amount of baby oil to a clean, soft cloth or paper towel.
2. Gently rub the baby oil onto the stainless steel surface, working in the direction of the metal's grain.
3. Use a dry, microfiber cloth to buff the surface, removing any excess oil and revealing a glossy, streak-free finish.
4. For stubborn spots or grime, you can first wipe the surface with a damp cloth before applying the baby oil.

Table 5. Comparison of Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners vs. Baby Oil

Feature	Commercial Cleaner	Baby Oil
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.25 - $0.50
Ingredients	Chemicals, solvents	Natural, non-toxic
Shine and Finish	High	High
Ease of Use	Moderate	Easy

As shown in Table 5, baby oil is a more affordable and simple alternative to commercial stainless steel cleaners. The natural oils in baby oil help to fill in microscopic scratches and blemishes, leaving behind a gleaming, streak-free surface.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to achieve a professional-quality clean and polish on your stainless steel appliances using a common household item that costs just pennies per use. It's an effortless way to keep your kitchen looking its best.

   

6.Descale Your Coffee Maker with Vinegar

Over time, mineral deposits and residue can build up inside your coffee maker, affecting the taste of your brew and potentially damaging the internal components. Rather than using harsh chemical descalers, you can effectively remove these buildup using a common household staple - white vinegar.

To descale your coffee maker with vinegar:

1. Fill the water reservoir of your coffee maker with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water.
2. Run the coffee maker through a full brew cycle, allowing the vinegar solution to flush through the system.
3. Once the cycle is complete, discard the vinegar solution and refill the reservoir with fresh, clean water.
4. Run several more brew cycles using only water to rinse away any remaining vinegar taste or odor.

Table 6. Comparison of Commercial Descalers vs. Vinegar :

Feature	Commercial Descaler	Vinegar
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.25 - $0.50
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	High	High
Safety	May damage internal parts	Safe for internal components

As shown in Table 6, vinegar is a more cost-effective and gentler alternative to commercial coffee maker descalers. The acetic acid in vinegar effectively breaks down and dissolves mineral deposits without risking potential damage to the internal workings of your coffee machine.

   7-Unclog Drains Naturally with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Clogged drains can be a frustrating and unsanitary problem, but you don't need to reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners to resolve the issue. Instead, you can use a simple, natural solution of baking soda and vinegar to safely and effectively unclog your drains.

To unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar:

1. Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
2. Follow the baking soda with a cup of white vinegar. You'll see the mixture fizz and bubble as it reacts.
3. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to sit and work for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. After the waiting period, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush out the loosened debris.

Table 7. Comparison of Chemical Drain Cleaners vs. Baking Soda and Vinegar :

Feature	Chemical Drain Cleaner	Baking Soda and Vinegar
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $10.00	$0.50 - $1.00
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	High	High
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low
Safety	May produce toxic fumes	Safe, non-toxic

As shown in Table 7, the natural combination of baking soda and vinegar is a more affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to commercial chemical drain cleaners. The fizzing reaction helps to break down and dislodge clogged materials, while the boiling water flushes them away without the use of harsh, potentially toxic chemicals.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to unclog drains safely and effectively using basic household ingredients. It's a simple, inexpensive solution that won't damage your pipes or expose you to harmful chemicals.

  8- Remove Crayon Marks from Walls with Toothpaste

Children's creativity often manifests in the form of crayon scribbles on walls, leaving unsightly marks that can be challenging to remove. Rather than resorting to harsh chemical cleaners, you can effectively erase these crayon stains using an unexpected household product - toothpaste.
To remove crayon marks from walls with toothpaste:

1. Grab a non-gel, white toothpaste (avoid any toothpaste with added whitening or bleaching agents).
2. Apply a small amount of the toothpaste directly to the crayon mark and use a clean, damp cloth to gently scrub the area.
3. The abrasives in the toothpaste will help to lift and remove the crayon, while the cleaning agents will help dissolve the wax.
4. Once the mark is removed, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Table 8. Comparison of Chemical Wall Cleaners vs. Toothpaste :

Feature	Chemical Wall Cleaner	Toothpaste
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.10 - $0.2
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Mild abrasives, cleaning agents
Effectiveness	High	High
Safety	May damage painted surfaces	Safe for most painted walls
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low

As shown in Table 8, toothpaste is a more affordable and gentle alternative to commercial wall cleaners for removing crayon marks. The mild abrasives and cleaning agents in toothpaste can effectively lift and dissolve the waxy crayon without risking damage to the painted surface.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to erase unsightly crayon stains using a common household item that is likely already in your bathroom cabinet. It's a simple, cost-effective solution that is safe for use on most painted walls.

  

 9-Clean Grout Lines with a Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Tile floors and backsplashes can quickly accumulate grime and discoloration in the grout lines, making the entire area look dirty and dingy. Rather than scrubbing for hours with harsh chemical cleaners, you can create a powerful, yet gentle cleaning paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to restore the brilliant whiteness of your grout.

To clean grout lines with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

1. Mix together equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the dirty grout lines, using an old toothbrush or grout brush to work it into the crevices.
3. Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes, giving the peroxide time to break down and lift the grime.
4. Scrub the grout lines with the toothbrush, then rinse the area clean with water.

Table 9. Comparison of Chemical Grout Cleaners vs. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide :

Feature	Chemical Grout Cleaner	Baking Soda and Peroxide
Cost per Use	$4.00 - $12.00	$0.75 - $1.50
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	High	High
Safety	May damage grout and surrounding surface	Safe for grout and most surfaces
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low

As shown in Table 9, the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste is a more economical and eco-friendly alternative to commercial chemical grout cleaners. The peroxide helps to safely and effectively break down built-up grime, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to scrub away discoloration without risking damage to the grout or surrounding tile.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to restore the pristine appearance of your tile floors and backsplashes using common household ingredients. It's a simple, affordable solution that won't expose you to harsh chemicals or leave behind a strong odor.

  10- Freshen Cutting Boards with Lemon and Salt

Cutting boards can become breeding grounds for bacteria and odors, especially if they're used frequently for prep work involving raw meats, garlic, onions, and other pungent ingredients.
Rather than replacing your cutting boards, you can revive them using a simple lemon and salt solution.

To freshen cutting boards with lemon and salt:

1. Cut a lemon in half and generously sprinkle coarse salt over the exposed flesh.
2. Rub the salted lemon half over the surface of the cutting board, focusing on any stained or smelly areas.
3. Allow the lemon and salt mixture to sit on the board for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Optional: For an extra-fresh scent, you can also sprinkle baking soda over the board before rinsing.

Table 10. Comparison of Cutting Board Cleaners :

Feature	Commercial Cutting Board Cleaner	Lemon and Salt
Cost per Use	$3.00 - $8.00	$0.25 - $0.50
Ingredients	Harsh chemicals	Natural, non-toxic
Effectiveness	High	High
Safety	May damage wood surfaces	Safe for all cutting board materials
Environmental Impact	Moderate to high	Low

As shown in Table 10, the lemon and salt solution is a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative to commercial cutting board cleaners. The acidic lemon juice helps to break down bacteria and odor-causing compounds, while the abrasive salt acts as a gentle scrubbing agent to lift stubborn stains and discoloration.

This "genius" cleaning hack allows you to revive and sanitize your cutting boards using common kitchen staples. It's a simple, cost-effective solution that won't expose you to harsh chemicals or leave behind a strong residual scent.