Eight cleaning hacks for a spotless home

House cleaning can feel like an endless struggle, but it doesn't always have to be. The key is to work smarter, not harder, and these eight cleaning hacks will help you do just that.

1. Clean ceiling fans with a pillowcase

This ingenious hack prevents dust and dirt from falling down on you and your floors during the dusting process. Place the pillowcase over the blades one at a time and wipe, catching all the dust in the case for the easy disposal.

2. Clean blinds with a sock

Blinds are awkwardly shaped and difficult to clean with traditional dusters and cloths. Opt for a sock-gloved hand instead, which is much easier to maneuver. Wet the sock with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution before you get started for dust- and debris-free blinds.

3. Clean ceilings with a paint roller

Ceilings can be hard to reach and, by extension, awkward to clean. However, they do need a bit of attention now and again. When the time comes, reach for a high-nap paint roller, which will collect dust and cobwebs without damaging stucco and other textured finishes.

4. Spot-clean furniture with baby wipes

If you happen to have some laying around, baby wipes are useful for spot-cleaning fabric furniture pieces since they aren't too moist, clean gently and dry quickly.

5. Clean baseboards with a dryer sheet

Baseboards accumulate large amounts of dust, dirt and hair, especially if you have pets. Luckily, a dryer sheet – fresh out of the box or saved from your last load of laundry – will attract dust, dirt and hair while imparting its anti-static properties to the surface, keeping your baseboards clean longer.

6. Get oil stains out of carpet with baking soda

Oil-based stains are often a pain to remove. If you have one on your carpet, spread a thick layer of baking soda over the affected area, let it sit until a crust forms, then vacuum off the excess. Repeat the process if the stain is not fully removed on the first try.

7. Remove hair from your carpet with a squeegee

Carpet has an unfortunate tendency to collect hair and vacuuming alone can only do so much. Rubber has natural gripping properties and can dislodge hair that is deeply embedded in the fibres, so reach for a squeegee or even a pair of rubber gloves and get to work. Once the trapped hair is dislodged, vacuum the carpet normally to remove it.

8. Clean your microwave with steam

Microwave mishaps are bound to happen, and the result is often a lot of stuck on stains and gunk. To loosen this buildup, place a bowl or measuring cup filled with a water-and-vinegar solution (one tablespoon of vinegar per cup of water) into the microwave and run on high until the liquid comes to a boil. Leave the microwave door closed long enough for steam to penetrate, then wipe out the inside with a damp cloth or sponge.

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