At Healthy Home Services, we know how important a clean and healthy home is for your peace of mind and well-being. While we’re always ready to provide professional cleaning services, there are plenty of DIY cleaning tips you can use between visits to keep your home looking its best. These simple tricks can help maintain a fresh environment and give you an edge on the everyday messes that life can bring. Plus, by tackling some of these quick cleaning tasks on your own, you can keep your home in top shape and avoid letting dirt and grime build up.
Here are some DIY cleaning tips to help you freshen up your home while protecting your investments in furniture, flooring, and appliances.
1. All-Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
If you’re looking for a safer, eco-friendly way to clean surfaces throughout your home, try this DIY all-purpose cleaner. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent. This simple solution is effective for cleaning countertops, kitchen tables, and bathroom surfaces. The vinegar helps cut through grease and grime, while the essential oil leaves a pleasant fragrance behind.
Note: Avoid using vinegar-based solutions on stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the stone’s finish.
2. Baking Soda for Carpet and Rug Odors
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize carpet odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over your carpet or rugs, let it sit for about 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. This easy trick can help freshen your carpets, especially in high-traffic areas or rooms where pets like to spend time.
If you’re tackling a particularly tough spot, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum it up to help lift stains and odors.
3. Lemon Juice for Shine
Lemons aren’t just for lemonade—they also make a great natural cleaner! To remove hard water stains, soap scum, or to add shine to metal surfaces, simply cut a lemon in half and rub it directly onto the surface. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle a little salt on the lemon. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and wipe the surface clean with a dry cloth for a beautiful shine.
Lemon juice is also great for cleaning glass shower doors. Mix one part lemon juice with two parts water, spray it on the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away the buildup.
4. White Vinegar for Glass and Mirrors
Streaky windows and mirrors are frustrating, but you can make them sparkle with an easy DIY solution. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto glass or mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. For an added tip, wipe in a circular motion for best results.
5. Remove Grease with Dish Soap
For greasy stovetops, kitchen counters, or backsplash tiles, dish soap is your best friend. Its grease-fighting formula can help break down stubborn cooking residue. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water, dip a sponge or cloth into the solution, and scrub away. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
For tougher stains, you can create a baking soda paste with dish soap for an abrasive cleaner that’s still gentle on most surfaces.
6. Refresh Upholstery with Baking Soda
If your upholstered furniture is looking a little dull or has a lingering smell, you can easily freshen it up with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of your sofa or chairs, let it sit for about 20 minutes to absorb odors, and then vacuum it up. This technique works well on fabric couches, chairs, and other upholstered items.
For spot cleaning, mix a little dish soap with water to create suds, and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Be sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t discolor your fabric.
7. Clean Grout with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Grout can quickly become dingy, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is an easy DIY cleaning solution that can brighten your grout lines. Make a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to the grout using an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean with water. Your grout will look like new in no time!
8. Shine Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
To keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best, use olive oil to remove smudges and fingerprints. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a clean, soft cloth and gently buff your stainless steel appliances in the direction of the grain. Finish by wiping the surface with a dry cloth for a fingerprint-free, shiny look.
9. DIY Drain Cleaner for Clogs
Got a slow-draining sink? You can easily clear minor clogs with a DIY drain cleaner. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 10-15 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water. This natural solution can help break up grease, soap scum, and other debris without resorting to harsh chemicals.
10. Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar and Lemon
Is your microwave looking grimy? Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, add a few tablespoons of white vinegar and a few lemon slices, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen stuck-on food and grime. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a clean cloth. Not only will your microwave be clean, but it will also smell fresh from the lemon.
By incorporating these DIY cleaning tips into your routine, you can maintain a fresh and healthy home in between professional cleanings. At Healthy Home Services, we’re here to help with those deeper cleaning tasks like carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile & grout restoration, and more.
Remember, a clean home is a happy home! If you need help with any larger cleaning projects, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 901-512-7732.