Counterintuitive Cleaning Hacks: 5 Expert-Approved Methods. Nowadays, cleaning expertise is widespread, fueled by TikTok trends, DIY YouTube videos, and the constant pursuit of new knowledge. We are drawn to captivating ideas that promise to revolutionize our cleaning routines.
In this quest, we often find ourselves experimenting with unusual laundry hacks, unconventional soap dispensing tips, and even succumbing to the allure of “magic” cleaning gadgets advertised on social media. Cleaning is an integral part of our lives, and it’s only natural to embrace any hack, tip, or product that claims to simplify the task.
Here, we delve into a selection of the most counterintuitive cleaning hacks circulating today, along with expert insights that shed light on how and why these methods actually work.
Surprising Cleaning Hacks: Ketchup and Bananas for Sparkling Silver
Cleaning your jewelry, especially precious pieces, can be a nerve-wracking task.
The fear of damaging them often leads to expensive cleaning solutions. However, there are unconventional methods that can save you money while restoring the shine to your silver.
Ana Andres, Co-founder of TidyChoice, shares her tips:.
Ketchup: Surprisingly, ketchup can bring back the luster of your silver.
Pour some ketchup into a plate and fully submerge the silver in it. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, then remove the silver and rinse it with warm water.
Banana Peels: Another counterintuitive hack for cleaning jewelry and silverware involves using banana peels.
Blend the peels into a paste and use it to scrub the silver. The natural properties of the banana peels can help remove tarnish and restore shine.
These affordable and unexpected methods provide an alternative approach to cleaning silver without breaking the bank.
Give them a try and enjoy the sparkling results.
Toothpaste: A Surprising Mirror Cleaning Solution
Dealing with scratches on glass and mirrors can be frustrating, but there’s a surprising solution.
Brad Roberson, President of Glass Doctor, suggests using toothpaste and a soft cloth to gently scrub away small scratches. However, it’s important to choose traditional toothpaste with gentle abrasive properties rather than gel paste.
Additionally, toothbrushes can come in handy for cleaning hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.
David Flax, Vice President of Window Genie, recommends using a dry, old toothbrush to clean areas like Sliding Door jams. For stubborn dirt, you can sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda, spritz with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it sit for five minutes before wiping away the solution and grime with a clean rag or paper towel.
These unexpected toothpaste hacks offer simple and effective solutions for fixing scratches and tackling hard-to-reach cleaning tasks.
Budget-Friendly Disinfecting Alternatives: Skip the Pricey Options
When it comes to cleaning, we often rely on sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and commercial products.
However, according to Ilya Ornatov, founder of NW Maids Cleaning Service in Seattle, common household cleaners can be just as effective without causing damage to surfaces or leaving toxic residue on our hands.
You don’t need to rely solely on wipes or EPA-approved cleaners to disinfect your home.
Ornatov suggests using 70% Isopropyl alcohol along with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. This combination provides an effective disinfecting solution.
Alternatively, you can dilute bleach with a ratio of 1/3 cup of bleach to every gallon of water, which also proves to be an effective disinfectant.
By utilizing these affordable and readily available household alternatives, you can effectively disinfect your home without relying on expensive disinfectants.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also maintain a clean and sanitized living environment.
Break the Habit: Avoid Reusing Your Gloves for Hygienic Cleaning
Did you know that reusing gloves could potentially do more harm than good? According to Ornatov, it’s crucial to break the habit of reusing gloves as they can carry germs from one place to another.
Instead, opt for thorough handwashing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
While it may seem like a logical step to use gloves as a protective barrier between your skin and cleaning surfaces, it’s essential to recognize that this practice may not be as beneficial as it appears.
By understanding the potential risks associated with reusing gloves and prioritizing proper hand hygiene, you can ensure effective and hygienic cleaning practices.
Freshen Up Your Fridge: Coffee as a Deodorizing Solution
When faced with an unpleasant smell in your fridge or the accidental neglect of cleaning, coffee can be your secret weapon, according to Casey Allen, the founder of Barista Warrior.
By placing a small bowl of coffee inside your fridge, you can harness its deodorizing properties.
Coffee acts as an excellent fridge deodorant, effectively neutralizing odors and leaving behind a pleasant aroma.
Give it a try and let the power of coffee freshen up your fridge.
*The information is for reference only.
