If you're like me, you're always looking for the easiest way to keep your house spotless by using clever cleaning hacks. That's exactly why I decided to go straight to the source and investigate what professional maids and housekeepers recommend for making the dreaded chores a total breeze.
After all, who would know better than those who made their career out of cleaning up other people's messes? Usually, that just means asking my aunt (who earns her living as a housekeeper) for some helpful tips that have really come in handy. Now, however, I wanted to see what else I could find by casting a wider net.
I have a feeling even my aunt doesn't know all of these genius cleaning hacks that others in her industry have shared over the years. Not only do they make each task much less frustrating, they also use plenty of natural and budget-friendly products.
Take a look and let us know if we missed any hacks you've heard maids and housekeepers swear by.
And be sure to SHARE with your friends!
[H/T: Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Merry Maids]
Thumbnail Source: Flickr / Photos of the Past
1. Vacuum Your Cabinets
Debra Johnson from Merry Maids admits to using the brush attachment to suck up any crumbs or dust gathering on shelves and inside kitchen cabinets.
2. Spray With What's In Your Kitchen
Agustin Canongo, the Director of Housekeeping at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, reveals that many pros use a simple (and inexpensive) combination of one part white vinegar and three parts water to make things sparkle.
3. Clean Windows And Mirrors With Black Tea
Housekeepers know that the tannic acid in tea will give you a totally streak-free clean. Just be sure to use a microfiber cloth (or old t-shirt) rather than paper towels that leave behind fibers.
4. Toss Light Fixtures In The Dishwasher
Not the actual bulbs, of course, but many professional housekeepers suggest putting the glassware surrounding them right into the dishwasher — just make sure to run through a dry cycle to avoid spots.
5. Use Denture Tablets In Toilets
The president of housekeeping company Molly Maid shared this simple trick with Glamour: Drop in one fizzing tablet and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for dingier bowls. Then flush and watch all the stains disappear!
6. Let Your Kids Jump On The Bed
Your housekeeper isn't going to jump on your bed for you, but they still stand by this hack. Mary Findley, founder of GoClean and Mary Moppins, explains how kids' little feet will help bring out the dust that has settled inside the mattress so you can vacuum it up when their playtime is over.
7. Clean In The Right Order
Merry Maids recommends starting with the bathroom first since it is the most intensive, then dusting and organizing, mopping and vacuuming, and ending with the kitchen.
8. Run Lemon Peels Through The Garbage Disposal
To get rid of the icky smells, housekeepers recommend dropping lemon or orange peels down the drain and running your disposal for about 15 seconds with medium-pressure water. Add in some ice cubes and let it run for a few more seconds.
Put a stopper over the drain and fill the sink halfway with warm water, then pull the stopper and let it flush through the drain to rinse everything out.
9. Retrace Your Steps While Vacuuming
You might have been told to plan a path with your exit in mind so you won't stomp all over what you've already cleaned, but Maria Stickney, the Housekeeping Manager at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, suggests the exact opposite.
She explains that by vacuuming into the room and back out again, you'll hit the high-traffic zones twice for a better clean.
10. Dust Blinds With Dryer Sheets
Swiping the sheets over closed blinds will help create an anti-static barrier as they clean and prevent more dust from gathering again. This brilliant housekeeper tip is easy and effective!
11. Grab A Yardstick To Clean Ceilings
Or any long stick you have handy. Experienced maids know to secure a dust rag or spare sock over one end to get rid of cobwebs and dust clinging above your head. It also comes in handy for getting under the fridge and stove.
Did we miss any hacks you've heard from professionals? Let us know below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
