Forget detergent, bleach and antibacterial spray. Some of the best cleaning products are things that aren’t actually designed to wash at all.
From Coca-Cola to lemons and baking soda, cleaning expert Joyce French has revealed some bizarre hacks you’ve probably never heard of – but work a treat.
1. Baking soda on oven door
There’s nothing more annoying than a dirty, greasy oven door and no cleaning product ever seems to get that orange residue off. All you have to do is make a paste with baking soda and water, spread it over and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, wipe away with a wet cloth and it will be sparkling!
2. Cleaning toilet with Coca-Cola
Did you know Coca-Cola can be a great cleaning product? Its acidic content makes it great at removing toilet bowl stains. Simply pour a generous amount of around the rim, let it sit for an hour and give it a good scrub with a toilet brush. Your toilet will have never been cleaner.
4. Blender cleaning trick
If you put off making smoothies because cleaning out the blender is a chore, this one’s for you. Fill the mixer with warm water and liquid dish soap and turn it on. This will clean it for you, and all you have to do is rinse out the soapy residue.
5. Salt and lemon for shower doors
Showers are another place that can get really grimy, but salt and lemon is the answer. Cut a lemon in half and dip one of the halves in salt. Then, use it to scrub down the door. The abrasive salt and acidity of the lemon will get rid of the buildup, leaving your shower squeaky clean and smelling like citrus.
6. Use toothpaste as detergent
Next time you see toothpaste stains on your bathroom sink, don’t be so quick to wipe them away. You can use the old toothpaste as a cleaning product! Grab a cloth and smear the toothpaste around the sink, gently cleaning the area.
7. Microwave sponge cleaning trick
Bacteria and germs can build up in your cleaning sponges really quickly, so it’s important to wash them thoroughly. A great way to do this is by placing them in the microwave on high power for one to two minutes, which will clear out all the germs.
8. Clean microwave with lemons
Speaking of microwaves, they are often full of dirt and grime too and they’re pretty awkward to clean. Before reaching for the spray, place some lemons in a bowl of water and microwave it on full power for five minutes. This will loosen the grease and make it easier to wipe down.
9. Make glasses sparkle with vinegar
It’s really annoying when your glasses come out of the dishwasher with water stains all over them, but there’s a really simple way to remove them with an item you probably already have in your cupboard – vinegar! Mix one part vinegar with one part water and leave the glass to soak, then wipe.
10. Remove carpet stains with vodka
Finally, clear alcohols like plain vodka or white wine are great for bringing up carpet stains. Blot the stain first, then pour the clear alcohol directly onto it. Leave it to soak for around 10 – 15 minutes and then blot again. Your carpet will be as good as new!
Joyce French is a cleaning expert at HomeHow.co.uk, a website which teaches you how to turn your house into a home, with ‘how to’ guides on a range of different topics.
