Cleaning

Dip fingers in water, rub palms together, and rub fabric to collect pet fur into balls as hands dry.

Damp skin acts as a magnet for fur.

• Ensure the pet's fur is completely dry first, otherwise you will just wet the pet.

one person who lived it

Wrap duct tape around your hand with the sticky side out and pat it down gently on furniture to pick up pet hair.

It picks up a larger area faster than a lint roller.

• Duct tape can damage fabrics and leave a glue smell.

one person who lived it

Walk through your home barefoot to detect dirt, pebbles, and dust that socks or shoes might mask.

Socks and shoes make you not notice debris on floors.

• One comment suggests cleaning floors regularly instead.

one person who lived it

Hang a moisture-absorbing bag from the back of a car headrest to keep the interior smelling fresh.

It absorbs moisture from the air.

• Replace the bag when it stops pulling moisture; if odors return, check for bad weather seals.

one person who lived it

Use Turtle Wax on disc scratches as a durable alternative that won't rot like mayo or rub off easily like Vaseline.

It is considered the best option in a pinch despite not being the ideal long-term solution.

• Not the best idea overall.

one person who lived it

Clear sunroof drains in cars to prevent flooding.

Clogged drains can cause the car to flood.

one person who lived it

Place a paper towel over wax spills on walls and iron it to melt and absorb the wax.

The heat melts the wax while the towel soaks it up.

one person who lived it

Rub furniture, clothing, and car seats with a rubber glove to remove animal fur.

It avoids the cost of lint rollers.

one person who lived it

If you are skipping a full clean, shine a flashlight over the floor to detect remaining glass shards.

The light makes it highly effective to spot fragments.

one person who lived it

Regularly clean hair and debris from the tank and brush of your carpet cleaner to prevent damage.

Hair gums up the machine easily and can ruin it.

one person who lived it

Brush pet hair into a pile with a pumice stone, then remove it with a lint roller, tape, or vacuum.

Pumice is reported to work better than other methods on fabric.

one person who lived it

Never use paper towels, napkins, or other paper-based cloths to clean glasses.

The fine fibers in paper cause micro scratches on the lens.

2 people, independently

• Use only cotton cloths to dry glasses to avoid scratching.1

Wet your hands and wipe them over clothes to remove pet fur when a lint roller is unavailable.

Most of the fur will come off, and there is no lingering wet dog smell on your fingers.

2 people, independently

Ask your barber to use clippers with an attached vacuum to prevent itching after a haircut.

It prevents itch all day.

one person who lived it

Keep two microfiber cloths for glasses: one for wet cleaning and one for dry wiping to remove smudges left by the solution.

The dry cloth wicks away broken-up oils without leaving residue.

one person who lived it

Use de-shedding tools on long-haired pets to manage shedding.

These tools are described as a lifesaver for this specific need.

one person who lived it

Place stylish rugs on top of inexpensive yoga mats to create kitchen floor mats that don't slide around.

Yoga mats provide stability so rugs don't slip, though the mats themselves may not look good exposed.

• Yoga mats alone do not look good in a kitchen.

one person who lived it

Press a used bar of soap onto the floor to embed and lift small glass shards.

Small shards embed deep into the used soap bar.

one person who lived it

Pull burrs off by hand if other methods fail.

Not much else helps with burrs.

one person who lived it

Have your barber vacuum your neck before you leave the chair to stop hair from slipping into your shirt.

It prevents hair on your neck from slipping down into your shirt.

one person who lived it

Use a Shamwow cloth for spills if you do not mind wringing it out.

It is reusable and more eco-friendly.

one person who lived it

Add wax-cloth curtains to open kitchen shelves.

To keep grime out.

one person who lived it

Use a sticky lint roller on dry soap to pick up hair strands; if the soap is wet, wait for it to dry first.

The roller sticks to thin hair but not to the soap.

one person who lived it

Use a lint roller to remove glitter from most surfaces, clothes, and skin.

It removes glitter with less effort than other methods.

• It is not perfect.
• Glitter may remain in shag carpet permanently.

one person who lived it

Use thin plastic tablecloths to sit on damp grass.

They are large and inexpensive.

one person who lived it

Clean eyeglasses daily by fogging them with breath and wiping with a clean microfiber cloth.

One person reported no scratches in three years using this method.

one person who lived it

Stick menstrual pads to heavy objects to keep pressure on carpet stains.

The pads contain the same absorbent material as diapers, are flat for easier pressing, and have sticky backs that allow them to adhere to heavy objects.

• They absorb less fluid than diapers.

one person who lived it

Wrap a lint roller sheet around your fingers to clean tight spots between car seats that vacuum hoses cannot reach.

Vacuum hoses often fail to reach small gaps.

one person who lived it

When detangling difficult knots, hold a section of hair tightly in your fist above the knot to isolate tension before brushing below it.

This prevents pain when brushing the hair below the fist.

one person who lived it

Use carburetor or brake cleaner as a pressurized alternative to lighter fluid for cleaning tasks, except possibly for hair.

It may work even better and can be cheaper depending on location.

• May not be suitable for removing gum from hair.

one person who lived it

Use a wide-toothed pick instead of a regular comb to remove hair from a hairbrush.

The teeth aren't too close together, making it easier to get all the hair.

one person who lived it

Place a towel under furniture legs to slide them across hardwood floors without scratching.

It slides much easier and won't scratch.

2 people, independently

Use acetone nail polish remover to clean dye stains from floors.

worked on one person's cheap linoleum floor

one person who lived it

Avoid using super cheap candles.

Your room may be covered in soot.

one person who lived it

Dampen the edge of a newspaper to sweep floors, trapping dust that dry sweeping misses.

The moisture helps stick particles to the floor instead of leaving a line of dust behind.

one person who lived it

If burrs are still 'alive' (not dried up), remove them individually and gently to prevent breaking and sticking further.

They can break and get fur sticky if not handled carefully when fresh.

one person who lived it

Use the dry half of a partially used diaper to wipe wet spots around the groin area.

The material is soft and has high absorbing power.

one person who lived it

Blot stains with a cloth nappy or diaper instead of regular towels to avoid dye transfer.

Regular towels, dish cloths, clothing, and bath towels often have unfixed dyes that can transfer from the blotter into the carpet.

one person who lived it

Clip the inner liner and outer curtain together near the bottom.

The tub edge holds the clipped layers in place, preventing them from moving toward you.

one person who lived it

Place broken or shed hair on the tile wall during showering so it sticks, then wipe it up later with a wet paper towel or grab it once dry.

Hair sticks to the tile, allowing for easy cleanup without wasting paper towels or letting it wash down the drain.

one person who lived it

Clean glass surfaces using coffee filters rather than towels or cloths to get a nearly streak-free finish.

These filters lack lint and avoid depositing paper residue on the surface.

3 people, independently

Place a stocking over the vacuum hose to retrieve small items lost behind furniture without sucking them into the machine.

The thin material allows air to pass through easily while catching the item.

one person who lived it

Use Bar Mops (terry cloth bars) as a reusable alternative to paper towels; wash them when needed.

They work nicely and can be reused until they fall apart.

one person who lived it

Use rubber or nitrile dish gloves to wipe pet hair and dust off furniture and fabrics.

• Consider using nitrile instead of rubber to avoid building up a rubber allergy.
• Works dry or damp.

3 people, independently

• Dampen cotton dish cloths and use them to pick up pet hair left behind by vacuums on furniture.1

Clean muddy sneakers in the sink or shower using shampoo and a nail brush, then let them dry.

Shampoo lifts dirt and oils without drying out the materials

one person who lived it

Apply shaving foam (such as Barbasol) to the mirror and wipe it off to prevent fogging.

5 people, independently

Trim damaged fibers with an exacto knife and cover the area with super glue to repair carpet burns.

One person reported this worked better than expected.

one person who lived it

Blow air onto the lenses to dry them instead of wiping.

It works quickly and efficiently with no scratches whatsoever.

one person who lived it

Use neoprene (wetsuit material) as a non-slip interface between a rug and the floor.

It makes an excellent non-slip interface.

one person who lived it

Use baking paper, brown paper bags, or printing paper to iron out wax instead of cloth towels.

Cloth towels require secondary cleaning to remove the wax.

2 people, independently

Apply trisodium phosphate with a microfiber cloth to clean soot from walls, carpets, and furniture; wear gloves and avoid splashing. For furniture, clean the entire piece rather than just the blackened area to prevent uneven appearance when dry.

Cleaning only part of a furniture piece causes cleaned areas to look different from the rest when dry.

one person who lived it

Run a knife or scissors through the groove in newer vacuum rollers to remove tangled hair.

The groove is specifically designed for this purpose.

one person who lived it

Use rubber floor brushes to remove hair from various surfaces.

They are highly effective at getting hair off items.

one person who lived it

Avoid cleaning lenses dry as the first step.

Dust particles coating the lenses can cause micro-scruffing during the initial wipe.

one person who lived it

Clean windows with a damp rag using vertical or horizontal strokes, then buff with a dry rag in circular motions to remove streaks.

This method removes all streaks.

one person who lived it

Avoid lateral pressure when cleaning spills to prevent grinding dirt deeper into the carpet.

Lateral pressure grinds things into carpet.

one person who lived it

Use melamine sponges to remove Sharpie marks from wood floors.

one person who lived it

Use circular buffing motions when cleaning windows by hand to remove streaks.

The buffing action removes streaks.

one person who lived it

Pour Fabuloso directly onto the floor instead of using a spray mop system.

You are paying for the convenience of a spray mechanism rather than the cleaning power itself.

one person who lived it

Use a headlamp for hands-free illumination when searching for glass, especially if you have poor eyesight.

It also shows overlooked dust.

one person who lived it

Apply cellophane tape over the phone display to lift dust and debris before fitting a protector.

3 people, independently

Use a lint brush instead of disposable lint rollers for better performance and longevity.

A good brush lasts forever and vastly outperforms a lint roller.

one person who lived it

Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe mirrors or windows for fewer streaks; use paper that is more than a few days old.

Newspaper reportedly works better than paper towels or regular towels.

one person who lived it

Clean computer towers regularly to remove accumulated pet fur.

Fur collects easily and floats with slight breezes.

one person who lived it

Wring out mops thoroughly before wiping floors to prevent them from staying wet for hours.

one person who lived it

Hold the brush handle towards your feet (vertically) rather than sideways when brushing to see the bristles clearly and ensure uniform contact.

Looking from the long way allows you to see that the bristles are uniform, unlike looking through the 'forest' horizontally.

one person who lived it

Flip your hairbrush to a vertical position when you encounter tangles.

It works much better than brushing horizontally.

one person who lived it

Roll absorbent towels over spills and apply constant pressure until dry.

Towels are cheaper than specialized products, achieve similar results, and are reusable.

one person who lived it

Blot stains on cloth or carpet instead of rubbing to prevent spreading the discoloration.

Blotting removes the discoloration rather than spreading it around.

one person who lived it

Keep a disposable razor specifically for removing pilling from sweaters.

One person reported it works well without damaging the sweater.

one person who lived it

Dry carpets completely using fans and heaters after cleaning.

To prevent lingering moisture-related odors.

one person who lived it

Reserve dishwasher pods for loads with cooked-on or dried-on soils, as they are very strong.

Using pods on pre-rinsed loads can ruin items, including glass.

one person who lived it

Fill a foaming hand soap dispenser with a 50/50 mixture of LA's Totally Awesome dish soap and water to use as both hand soap and pre-cleaning dish spray.

It allows you to squirt the solution onto dishes without needing to activate and spread it with water first.

one person who lived it

Make a homemade spray by mixing 3oz Dawn Platinum and 1oz rubbing alcohol, then adding 16oz water; let it sit for 2 hours.

It is easy to make yourself.

one person who lived it

Buy cleaning brushes and sponges at dollar stores, but buy name-brand dish soap elsewhere.

Dollar store scrub brushes are identical to more expensive ones, but cheap dish soap suds do not last.

one person who lived it

Use about 1/4 cup of Pine-Sol per load as an alternative cleaner.

One person reported it works amazing.

one person who lived it

Never use Windex on flat screen TVs, especially those with AR coating, as the ammonia can damage the screen.

Windex can damage screens and result in smudges.

one person who lived it

Soak sponges in a 10% bleach solution for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Bleach dilution disinfects.

one person who lived it

Clean brass with Coca-Cola.

Coca cola works too.

one person who lived it

Use a baby bottle brush from a dollar store to clean hard-to-reach bits in pipes.

It works wonders for areas you cannot quite reach.

one person who lived it

Use Method brand multi-surface cleaner to remove built-up grease stains and grime from showers.

It removes grease stains.

one person who lived it

Clean walls by rubbing Fels-Naptha soap on a microfiber cloth wetted with hot water and wiping with a Swiffer.

Fels-Naptha is considered a great frugal cleaner.

• This method may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

one person who lived it

Scrub bathroom sinks with a small amount of baking soda to remove buildup.

Its grit is strong enough to clean but gentle enough not to scratch surfaces.

one person who lived it

Use cigar band type labels on homemade soap to allow airflow during curing.

More air flow leads to a better cure.

one person who lived it

Do not use baking soda and aluminum foil to clean silver coins.

The chemical reaction can ruin their numismatic value.

one person who lived it

• Do not use the baking soda and aluminum foil cleaning method on silver-plated items.1

Use Windex to cut grease without hurting your surfaces.

It won't hurt your surfaces.

one person who lived it

Use Bar Keeper's Friend for tough kitchen cleaning jobs.

It gets everything very clean.

one person who lived it

• Use Bar Keeper's Friend cookware cleanser and polish for cleaning pans.1

Add a small amount of dishwasher powder to the prewash compartment or door to improve cleaning on heavily soiled dishes.

Splitting the detergent prevents it from being drained away during the prewash cycle, resulting in excellent cleaning performance.

2 people, independently

Spray 90% rubbing alcohol on the affected area and scrub with a stiff brush.

The alcohol evaporates quickly, preventing moisture damage to the fabric.

one person who lived it

Avoid using Windex or similar window cleaners on eyeglasses.

These products leave a film and can ruin sunglasses and eyeglasses.

2 people, independently

Rinse glasses under warm or tepid water before applying soap to remove loose dust.

This removes dust from the surface.

one person who lived it

Do not fill a blender more than halfway with liquid when cleaning it to prevent overflow.

Filling it higher can cause soapy water to explode all over the place.

one person who lived it

Clean dirty or tarnished metal cookware using Bar Keepers Friend and scrubbing.

It can make used cookware look nearly new.

one person who lived it

Wipe windows with a mix of white vinegar and warm water before applying regular window cleaner to prevent streaks.

One person reported never having streaks since adopting this method.

one person who lived it

Add baking soda to the dishwasher along with detergent.

It helps clean tough gunk when combined with dish detergent.

one person who lived it

Apply a shower spray product before exiting to break up limescale and prevent streaks.

It breaks up limescale and stops streaks, making the shower self-cleaning.

one person who lived it

Use unscented laundry soap instead of dish soap for carpet cleaning solutions to avoid excessive foaming.

Dish soap foams too much.

one person who lived it

Gently rub soap onto both sides of the lenses with your fingers instead of using a cloth.

Fingers are sensitive and carry basically no risk of scratching the glasses.

one person who lived it

avoid using paper towels or lemon dish soap on eyeglasses

damages anti-glare coatings over time, causing them to flake

one person who lived it

Use a brush attachment on a power drill to wash dishes for a more effective clean.

one person who lived it

Use Dawn Powerwash to make handwashing dishes easier than with other liquids.

It makes the process easier.

one person who lived it

Buy concentrated janitorial cleaning supplies in gallon jugs and dilute them according to directions.

Concentrated all-purpose cleaners and ammonia last longer than standard household bottles.

one person who lived it

Use Clorox bleach spray cleaner to remove stains from plastic cutting boards and containers.

It removes sauce stains and discoloration.

one person who lived it

Place the sponge in the dishwasher with regular loads, ensuring heat dry is used, to sanitize it.

The process sanitizes the sponge without the risk of burning associated with other methods.

2 people, independently

Avoid using Magic Erasers on enamel bathtubs.

They are abrasive and can wear down the finish further.

one person who lived it

Be careful when using Magic Erasers on delicate surfaces.

They are abrasive and could slowly rub off coatings on non-stick pans or protective coats on kitchen tables.

one person who lived it

Perform a spot test before using isopropyl alcohol or acetone on home surfaces to prevent damage.

These solvents can damage many household surfaces despite being effective on lab glassware.

one person who lived it

Wash glasses first to keep them streak-free, followed by plates and cutlery, and pots and pans last.

one person who lived it

Use rinse aid and pre-wash booster in dishwashers to prevent detergent film caused by minerals.

Minerals can prevent complete dissolution of detergent, leaving behind film.

one person who lived it

Do not dilute liquid hand soap or dish soap with water.

Adding water reduces effectiveness and can compromise preservatives, allowing microbial growth.

one person who lived it

Use a soaking wet rag instead of a bowl of water to create more steam through larger surface area, but be careful to avoid burns.

A rag has more surface area than a bowl, and water in a bowl cools itself.

• You could get burned.

2 people, independently

Use Goo Gone for heavy grease removal.

One user described it as awesome for such tasks.

one person who lived it

Wait for hot wax spills to dry before cleaning them to avoid making the situation worse.

Cleaning too early makes the situation worse.

one person who lived it

Rinse bottles twice under hot water after cleaning to remove uncooked rice or oats.

To prevent starchy aftertaste and ensure grains are not sticky.

2 people, independently

Use baking soda and vinegar to clean burnt beans from a Dutch oven without scrubbing.

One person reported this saved their pot with absolutely no scrubbing required.

• Find specific instructions online.

one person who lived it

Use cold water when washing down starches like potatoes.

Starch gets sticky in hot water.

one person who lived it

Try a water-based lubricant on suction cups instead of oil.

Oil may rot rubber over time.

one person who lived it

Avoid extreme temperature shifts when cleaning cookware.

It can destroy the cookware by warping the cooking surface.

one person who lived it

Soak burnt pans overnight with detergent or vinegar.

It takes care of the residue and works amazingly well.

2 people, independently

Heat water until it creates steam, then let it sit to loosen gunk; boiling is not necessary.

Steam loosens everything.

one person who lived it

Spray all internal surfaces of a severely smelly cooler with oven cleaner, close it for 20 minutes, then wash it out thoroughly.

This removes whatever caused the smell.

one person who lived it

Boil whole lemons or limes with water in an electric kettle and leave overnight to dissolve scale deposits, then rinse thoroughly.

The citric acid dissolves scale deposited inside.

one person who lived it

Try denture cleaning tablets on protein shake bottles that have been left empty in the sun.

one person who lived it

Apply Goo Gone before washing reused containers to remove sticky residue.

It does wonders on residue.

one person who lived it

Thoroughly wash bottles after using milk to remove all remnants.

Leftover milk will eventually smell worse.

one person who lived it

Run hot water from the tap instead of microwaving water to heat it for cleaning purposes.

Using the tap is a simpler alternative to microwaving water.

one person who lived it

Invest in a machine-washable microwave cover to keep the interior cleaner.

It keeps the microwave much cleaner and reduces cleaning frequency.

one person who lived it

Soak burnt organic matter in Coca-Cola overnight to dissolve it.

Coca-Cola dissolves many burnt organic things.

one person who lived it

Run an empty washing machine cycle at high heat (90°C) to kill bacteria causing odors.

High heat kills off bacteria.

one person who lived it

• Wash clothes at 60°C periodically to kill bacteria.1

Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets; their waxy coating traps smells and bacteria.

The buildup keeps odors lingering post-wash and provides a home for germs.

3 people, independently

• Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets on athletic wear or moisture-wicking clothing.2

Make your own wool dryer balls from wool yarn to save money.

DIY dryer balls are easy to make and cost less than buying them.

one person who lived it

Buy taped diapers rather than pants-style for emergency spill rescue.

Buying small or medium sizes yields more units for the same price.

• The smaller sizes are physically smaller.

one person who lived it

Air dry clothes to avoid static, save energy, and reduce wear on fabrics.

High heat damages fabric, whereas air drying is cheaper, uses less energy, and helps clothes last longer.

• Outdoor drying carries a risk of bird droppings on clothes.

2 people, independently

Do not use fabric softener on wool or technical fabrics.

It is bad for these materials.

one person who lived it

Use minimal soap when renting carpet cleaning machines.

Excess soap becomes tacky and attracts dust and debris, causing the carpet to look worse than before within days.

one person who lived it

Wash socks separately from other clothes because they pick up hair and dust from the floor.

Socks pick up hair and dust from the floor.

one person who lived it

Use low heat settings in the dryer for towels and jeans to dry them.

One user found low heat dries these items just as well as high heat.

one person who lived it

If DIY detergent leaves a film or clothes do not feel clean, switch back to regular name-brand detergent.

Regular detergent cleans more than some DIY recipes.

one person who lived it

Wash thrift store clothing on high heat immediately before mixing with other clothes; visually inspect for pests and isolate if washing is delayed.

To prevent pests and odors from transferring to other items.

• One person noted using Febreze to cover funky odors instead of or in addition to washing.

one person who lived it

Use less detergent, such as two tablespoons, to ensure it washes out completely.

Using more detergent can mean it does not wash out and leaves clothes dirty.

one person who lived it

Check if hard water is the cause if your towels feel hard, regardless of whether you use fabric softener.

High carbonate concentration in water can make towels feel hard.

one person who lived it

Run an extra rinse cycle on your laundry.

Newer washing machines often do not rinse as as they wash, leaving residues.

2 people, independently

Shorten dryer cycles to reduce static electricity caused by over-drying.

Static is often caused by drying clothes for too long.

2 people, independently

Avoid commercial fabric softener because it coats clothes and machines in wax.

The wax attracts dirt, reduces water absorption, and slowly ruins the machine.

• Dryer sheets may be used specifically to reduce static.

one person who lived it

Wash expensive sheets in cold water on a delicate cycle to protect the fibers.

It is better for the fibers.

one person who lived it

Remove wet clothes from the washer immediately when the cycle ends.

This is likely a major cause of odor problems.

one person who lived it

Lightly mist clothing with water from a spray bottle to reduce static caused by low humidity.

A light mist makes a drastic difference without soaking the fabric.

one person who lived it

Wash soft cotton items separately from stiff fabrics like denim to prevent pilling.

Rubbing against stiffer fabrics causes soft cotton to break down and bunch up.

one person who lived it

Avoid applying fabric softener to towels.

It coats the material in a substance similar to hair conditioner, which lowers absorbency.

3 people, independently

• Avoid using fabric softener on towels or athletic wear to maintain absorbency and prevent odor buildup.4

Check care tags on children's pajamas and avoid fabric softener if warned.

Fabric softeners leave a highly flammable coating that negates flame retardancy.

one person who lived it

Wash towels regularly because old skin cells rubbed onto them cause odor, not just water.

old parts of you cause the smell

one person who lived it

Use HE laundry detergent instead of carpet shampoo in carpet cleaners.

HE detergent doesn't foam, offers various smells, and typically doesn't leave a soapy residue.

one person who lived it

Use less HE detergent than recommended: two tablespoons for regular, one tablespoon for 2x concentrated, and one teaspoon for 3x concentrated.

The amounts listed on bottles are often higher than necessary.

one person who lived it

Use dryer sheets to counteract static electricity that causes hair and fuzz to cling to clothing.

Static electricity causes hair to cling.

3 people, independently

Keep a bucket of cold water mixed with Oxiclean in your laundry tub and soak stained secondhand clothes immediately to remove poop stains.

Soaking right away got rid of all the stains.

one person who lived it

Wear 100% cotton clothing instead of polyester blends to reduce static electricity.

Cotton produces less static than polyester blends.

one person who lived it

Hang waterproof mattress protectors to dry instead of putting them in the dryer to preserve their waterproof coating.

Dryers can cause peeling and loss of waterproofing.

one person who lived it

Strip towels with dish soap if they are no longer absorbing water.

Detergent buildup reduces absorbency.

one person who lived it

Wash microfiber cloths separately from items that may contain debris like sticks, leaves, or sand.

Microfiber tends to pick up and retain dirt.

one person who lived it

Avoid using laundry pods.

They may not dissolve completely, clogging plumbing, and are bad for the environment.

one person who lived it

Use a washing wand or plunger in a tub or bin to agitate clothes when hand washing.

3 people, independently

Choose Turkish cotton towels with a density of 700+ GSM for better performance.

Higher GSM is generally considered better.

one person who lived it

Wash new shop towels before first use to loosen the tightly packaged fabric and improve effectiveness.

Towels are packaged so tightly that washing is needed to loosen them up.

one person who lived it

Clean the lint trap after every dryer use.

Improves efficiency, speeds up drying, and prevents overheating.

one person who lived it

Use detergents made specifically for workout clothes, such as HEX, to avoid leaving a film on fabrics.

Specialized detergents do not leave any film.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar instead of scented dryer sheets or fabric softeners to control odors safely and cheaply.

Vinegar is cheaper and safer, and its smell evaporates by the time clothes are removed from the dryer.

one person who lived it

Clean dryer vents regularly to prevent sticky lint buildup caused by silicone-based softeners.

Silicone-based ingredients in softeners can make lint sticky, leading to accumulation in the vents.

one person who lived it

Avoid spraying homemade fabric softener mixtures around the house as an air freshener.

The staying power comes from sticky and potentially hazardous chemicals being left on everything.

one person who lived it

Avoid fabric softener on microfiber towels.

It makes them practically waterproof and snag-prone.

one person who lived it

Add dirty cleaning cloths directly to your regular laundry load rather than washing them separately.

It involves literally no extra work.

3 people, independently

Use Hex detergent for synthetic clothes.

It is antibacterial and made for synthetic fabrics.

one person who lived it

Avoid fabric softener on bedsheets.

Fabric softener reduces breathability.

one person who lived it

Use less detergent and fabric softener on towels to prevent funkiness caused by soap residue accumulation.

Soap residue accumulates in fibers, reducing water absorption and drying effectiveness.

one person who lived it

• Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softener on towels to maintain absorbency and prevent interference with the dryer's moisture sensors.1

Close the bathroom door or warm the room before showering.

Reducing the temperature differential helps prevent curtains from billowing.

one person who lived it

Hang workout clothes to dry immediately after wearing.

Prevents odor development on the front end.

one person who lived it

Avoid using hot water when washing shower curtains.

Hot washes remove waterproof urethane coatings.

2 people, independently

Wash clothes in smaller batches to reduce hair accumulation.

Overloading the washer makes it easier to exceed capacity.

one person who lived it

Look for laundry detergent packaged in transparent plastic bags with 50s-era branding.

one person who lived it

Check the seals around your windows to prevent outside dust from entering.

This helped one person's dust situation when living in a dry climate.

one person who lived it

Spray fan blades with water before cleaning to weigh down dust and prevent it from floating in the air.

Wet dust cannot float around.

one person who lived it

Place filters on the back of box fans without taping them, relying on the fan's suction to keep them in place.

Suction from the fan keeps the filter on.

one person who lived it

Vacuum the fan blades using a brush attachment if your vacuum has one; otherwise, use whatever hose length you have.

One person reported it worked fine for them and avoided complications.

• Not every vacuum has an extendable hose long enough to reach the fan.
• A vacuum may only remove larger dust clumps.

2 people, independently

ensure the cleaning cloth is wider than the fan blade and fold it over the top to encompass both sides

allows you to wipe both sides of the blade in one stroke

one person who lived it

If dust persists despite daily cleaning, figure out the source by checking walls, ceilings, floors, or outside sources.

Something in the process is recontaminating things.

one person who lived it

wipe ceiling fan blades with a damp cloth if a pillowcase is not available

using a damp cloth is still the best method in this scenario

one person who lived it

clean ceiling fans before cleaning floors to follow a top-to-bottom order

ensures dust falls onto uncleaned surfaces that will be addressed later

2 people, independently

Regularly check crawl spaces and attics for mold growth.

Many people have mold in these areas without knowing it.

one person who lived it

Seal grout and tiles if they change color when wet to prevent moisture from penetrating behind the wall.

This prevents water absorption and stops mold growth behind the wall.

one person who lived it

If clothes smell musty despite being washed in a clean environment, check for hidden mold under floors or in closets, as spores can spread throughout the house.

Mold spores can contaminate laundry even if the items themselves were not used.

one person who lived it

Run dirty water bottle caps through the dishwasher weekly while rotating in clean replacements.

This helps prevent mold growth.

one person who lived it

Place cedar wood blocks in drawers to absorb moisture and eliminate damp smells.

Cedar wood sucks up moisture and smell.

2 people, independently

Check walls and joists for retained water even if they appear dry on the outside.

Retained moisture can potentially lead to mold over time.

one person who lived it

Ensure enough airflow around plants to prevent high humidity, which is nearly always the root cause of mold.

Lack of air flow leads to higher humidity.

one person who lived it

Use Concrobium mold control spray instead of bleach on porous surfaces like drywall.

Bleach is not effective on porous surfaces and will damage the paint.

one person who lived it

• Avoid using bleach on porous surfaces like drywall or wood for mold removal; use it only on non-porous surfaces like tile.1

Rent a detergent-vacuum carpet cleaner after killing mold to remove actual gunk.

To prevent the problem from coming back.

one person who lived it

Open a box of baking soda and place it in drawers or cupboards to absorb excess moisture and odors.

Baking soda absorbs excess moisture and odors.

one person who lived it

Buy a light-colored humidifier so that internal mold growth is immediately visible.

You won't notice mold in a dark-colored humidifier.

one person who lived it

Apply powdered oxygen cleaner as a paste to bathtub and shower mold, wait 30 minutes, then rinse.

one person who lived it

Use distilled or demineralized water in humidifiers to prevent residue and filter buildup.

Distilled water leaves nearly no residue. Not using demineralized water can cause huge build up in home air filters.

one person who lived it

Contact manufacturers for replacements if water bottles develop mold due to known design flaws.

• The replacement may also grow mold.

one person who lived it

Use half an incense stick to neutralize cooking smells like fried fish skin.

It works well and smells nicer than burnt toast.

one person who lived it

Use club soda to remove blood stains from white carpet.

It worked well for removing a big blood stain in one instance.

one person who lived it

Use Simple Green or Odo-Ban cleaners on carpets, letting them soak in.

One person found these effective against various smells and stains.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar to kill mold instead of bleach, which may only fade surface color.

Vinegar kills mold, whereas bleach primarily fades the color and may not kill subsurface mold.

• Some sources note that bleach does kill surface mold and spores.

one person who lived it

Boil brass items in vinegar with a small amount of salt.

It is natural and works well.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar to block smoke smells in the home.

It blocks the smell more than other methods for those living with smokers.

one person who lived it

Spray diluted or full-strength vodka on clothes or upholstery to deodorize items that cannot be laundered.

The alcohol smell disappears when it dries, taking other smells with it.

one person who lived it

• Spray straight vodka onto items that cannot be washed to eliminate odors.2

Wash hockey or football pads in a bucket of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) solution.

It removes heavy stink in one go.

one person who lived it

Use white distilled vinegar in your laundry to preserve colors, rinse detergent better, kill mildew, and clean the washer.

It preserves colors, rinses detergent better, kills mildew, and cleans out the washer.

• Do not use apple-cider or malt vinegar.

one person who lived it

• Add white vinegar to towel washes.1

Remove mold from floorboards or interior surfaces by applying vinegar.

It acts as a natural disinfectant and antifungal.

• This approach worked for one person whose windshield leaked and caused mold on floorboards where bleach could not be used.

one person who lived it

Put charcoal in every room to suck up odors.

Charcoal sucks up odor very well.

one person who lived it

Do not mix vinegar and soap.

It makes both useless.

one person who lived it

Defrost the ice machine and wash it with vinegar to remove fish smells.

Vinegar is an acid that reacts with basic amines (fish-smelling compounds) to form a salt that rinses away easily.

one person who lived it

Dissolve limescale in kettles by filling them with plain white vinegar and letting it sit or warming it slightly.

White vinegar dissolves limescale within minutes and evaporates leaving no smell.

• Diluting with water and boiling is less effective.

2 people, independently

Avoid using vinegar or lemon juice on marble surfaces.

Acids will attack the marble.

one person who lived it

Mix vinegar, water, and essential oils in a spray bottle for a non-toxic air deodorizer.

The vinegar smell dissipates once dry.

one person who lived it

Spray diluted vinegar on mirrors from a spray bottle to prevent fogging without white streaks.

Vinegar is clear and avoids annoying white streaks.

one person who lived it

Spray vinegar on the shower to dissolve minerals that make up soap scum, then rinse casually with water.

Vinegar dissolves the minerals, making the shower easy to clean.

one person who lived it

Use Zissner acrylic primer to cover smoke smells and prevent nicotine from bleeding through paint, as standard primers may fail.

Standard primers like Killz failed to remove the smell or stop bleeding in one experience, whereas this primer covered the smell and prevented bleeding.

one person who lived it

Make homemade citrus-scented fabric softener by soaking orange peels in white vinegar for a week.

It creates a lovely citrus-smelling concoction that is a big saver compared to store-bought options.

one person who lived it

• Store orange or lemon peels in white vinegar to create a scented additive for cleaning and laundry.1

Clean hardwood or laminate floors with vinegar.

It works great and the smell dissipates quickly.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar on microfiber items.

It is safe for these materials and for those with sensitive skin.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar to clean organic stains and buildup from litter boxes.

Vinegar works great for these issues.

one person who lived it

Dilute household or spirit vinegar before adding it to the washer if you are concerned about lingering smells.

Any smell remaining after washing will disappear once the clothes are dry.

• Some users report no smell issues even without dilution.

one person who lived it

Avoid carpet cleaners containing 'oxy' in the name, such as Resolve or OxyClean, as they contain hydrogen peroxide that can bleach carpet.

Products like resolve remove the stain protection all carpets leave the factory with

• One user reported that Arm & Hammer with oxyclean saved their carpets.

one person who lived it

Wash walls with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water using a sponge mop, rinsing off after each application.

one person who lived it

Rinse bleach-treated surfaces immediately if you can still smell the bleach strongly.

For minimum security.

one person who lived it

Use mineral spirits to dissolve oil-based substances like wax, grease, and sticker adhesives.

Mineral spirits quickly thin and dissolve oil-based items without damaging oil-based coatings like paint or varnish.

one person who lived it

Soak vacuum pipes in white vinegar, rinse them, and sun dry them to remove stubborn odors like pet waste.

one person who lived it

Use white vinegar as a cleaner if accidental ingestion is a concern.

It is safer if ingested.

one person who lived it

Use Coca-Cola to remove rust from objects.

The phosphoric acid in Coke performs the chemistry instead of acetic acid.

one person who lived it

Avoid using vinegar on non-stainless metal surfaces and porous surfaces like granite, marble, natural stone, tile grout, clothes iron heating plates, or dishwasher rubber seals. If in doubt, spot check inconspicuous places first.

Acetic acid reacts with calcium carbonate, leading to etching and early destruction of these materials.

one person who lived it

Use Anti-Icky Poo for extreme organic odors.

One person reported it eradicated cat spray soaked into cement.

one person who lived it

Soak smelly sponges in straight distilled vinegar to remove odors.

Distilled vinegar removes the funk.

one person who lived it

Add baking soda to the wash load with vinegar, particularly when washing white clothes.

It helps eliminate odors.

one person who lived it

Use isopropyl alcohol to kill odor-causing bacteria.

It is cheaper and more effective than vodka.

one person who lived it

Avoid adding vinegar directly to the wash cycle with detergent, as it may lower the detergent's effectiveness.

Detergent works by making water slightly basic, which vinegar undoes; they counteract each other.

one person who lived it

Use vinegar and baking soda separately rather than mixing them, except for unclogging drains or lifting carpet stains where the reaction is useful.

Mixing them generally neutralizes each other, making them less effective, though the fizzy reaction helps in specific cases.

one person who lived it

Be cautious about using vinegar in washing machines, as its acidity can slowly erode rubber components over time.

Erosion of rubber components can eventually cause the machine to spin itself apart.

one person who lived it

Clean espresso machines with white vinegar instead of commercial tablets, following manufacturer instructions.

It works better than expensive store-bought cleaning tablets.

one person who lived it

Clean plastic food containers with vinegar to eliminate odors; the vinegar smell disappears after regular washing.

Vinegar gets rid of most smells.

one person who lived it

Clean whiteboards with vinegar, which is cheaper than commercial rubbing alcohol/water sprays.

• Mixing it too strong may cause complaints from users.

one person who lived it

If you want to clean debris and odors from your garbage disposal, try running ice cubes through it.

It helps clean up fibers and eliminate odors from clinging crud.

• It can be very loud.

3 people, independently

Do not put asparagus down the garbage disposal.

It can jam pipes, requiring them to be taken apart and scraped out.

one person who lived it

Grind plain bread through a meat grinder after use to help clean the interior.

Helps remove remaining meat from the insides.

• Mark the resulting bread clearly if serving others, as it contains meat residue.

one person who lived it

Do not put old leftovers down the garbage disposal.

It may cause backups into all drains.

one person who lived it

Throw ice down the disposal occasionally to knock off debris buildup on the shredder edges.

It knocks off debris that keeps shredders from grinding food properly.

• Ice does not sharpen the shredders.

one person who lived it

If you have long hair, use a plastic snake to clear hair from the drain every few months to prevent nasty clogs.

to prevent nasty clogs

one person who lived it

Turn on the garbage disposal before adding food to avoid burning out the motor.

Cramming food in first creates a greater draw that can burn out the motor.

one person who lived it

If you live in a hot climate, freeze prawn remains until bin day to prevent stench.

Prawns can stink up the bin in the heat.

one person who lived it

Keep both the meat grinder attachment and the meat cool during grinding.

Prevents the mixture from gumming up, which happens at room temperature.

one person who lived it

Mix peels with other items like ice when grinding them in the disposal to prevent sticking.

Peels lack mass and tend to stick to the side walls instead of bouncing around; adding ice helps keep them moving.

one person who lived it

If the garbage disposal jams, insert an Allen key into the hole on the underside and turn it to manually rotate the blades.

This allows whatever is stuck to be grabbed or cleared.

one person who lived it

Address the source of household odors by taking trash out frequently, cleaning litter boxes daily, doing laundry often, and discarding spoiled food.

Masking odors is not a solution; removing the source is necessary.

one person who lived it

Rinse the sink thoroughly after using citrus juice or rinds to prevent attracting ants.

Citrus juice contains sugar that attracts ants.

one person who lived it

Dispose of collected shower hair in the trash rather than flushing it.

Flushing hair risks clogging the toilet drain and requires an extra step compared to trashing it.

one person who lived it

clean the blender immediately after use

residue can harden like glue or become stinky if left to sit

2 people, independently

Always run water while using the garbage disposal.

It prevents the motor from overheating.

one person who lived it

Microwave chicken trimmings before discarding them to reduce smell.

They don't smell nearly as bad

one person who lived it

Rinse the bowl immediately after eating cottage cheese.

It clears off completely and prevents odor buildup in the sink.

one person who lived it

Keep a small stock of paper towels dedicated to draining bacon, wiping raw meat juices, or managing extremely greasy items unsuitable for laundry.

Grease-soaked rags cannot be washed in the machine.

3 people, independently

Watch for tools or utensils falling into the garbage disposal during food prep.

Items like silicone spatulas with removable handles can get stuck.

one person who lived it

One person reported that putting an entire bag of carrot peels in the garbage disposal did not go well.

one person who lived it

Lay toilet paper flat in the bowl.

It prevents brown streak stains.

one person who lived it

Adjust bleach dilution if expired.

Bleach loses strength after 1 year.

one person who lived it

Wash towels and bedsheets regularly, aiming for once a week, to keep them clean and fresh.

4 people, independently

Sit down to urinate at home.

It prevents backsplash, reduces dirt, and empties the bladder better than standing.

one person who lived it

In public restrooms, wipe the seat with toilet paper and discard it in the bowl to prevent splashback.

to prevent splashback

one person who lived it

• Place a piece of toilet paper in the bowl before urinating or defecating.1

Clean by spraying the shower with bleach, putting bleach cleaner in the toilet, wiping counters, vacuuming or wiping floors, then flushing and showering.

This sequence allows you to finish cleaning quickly.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a cheap knock-off Roomba if budget is a concern.

one person found a Black Friday model worked well

• based on one purchase

one person who lived it

Consider a Shark Genius robot vacuum for easier floor maintenance.

It works well and is easier than mopping.

one person who lived it

Install HEPA dust filters on shop vacuums to improve fur capture.

It works great for capturing dust and fur.

one person who lived it

Buy horse grooming curry combs from farm stores as a cheaper alternative to specialized pet grooming tools.

They cost about five dollars.

one person who lived it

Check thrift stores for used vacuums, which can often be cleaned and repaired for very low cost.

Simple maintenance like removing hair and clearing blockages can restore functionality.

one person who lived it

Clean or wash vacuum filters periodically.

Most people don't realize vacuums have filters that need cleaning.

one person who lived it

Consider the Hoover Widepath Temp vacuum as a budget option under $65 with good reviews.

It has over 3,400 reviews with a 4-star average.

one person who lived it

Tidy common areas (e.g., pick up dog toys) every night before running the robot vacuum.

It allows the vacuum to clean better, resulting in a cleaner house in the morning.

one person who lived it

Choose Kenmore canister vacuums for long-term durability and easy access to replacement parts.

They last roughly two generations and parts are available when needed.

one person who lived it

Buy a cordless vacuum cleaner to reduce setup time and enable spot vacuuming.

It reduces the time spent setting up compared to vacuuming and makes spot vacuuming feasible.

one person who lived it

Vacuum rugs multiple times until the canister stops filling noticeably.

The first pass rarely gets everything.

one person who lived it

Buy modular broom handles and separate attachments at the dollar store to create versatile cleaning tools.

one person who lived it

Use diatomaceous earth to kill bugs by drying them out.

Diatomaceous earth is extremely hydrophilic and dries out bugs.

• It will not work if you are regularly watering plants or if the soil is not bone dry.

one person who lived it

Squeeze the sponge thoroughly after use and stand it upright on its edge to allow airflow and drying.

Drying prevents mildew buildup and bad smells, extending the sponge's life until it disintegrates.

2 people, independently

Transfer frozen food from bulky boxes into sealable bags to save space.

Bags of soft items fit more easily than rigid boxes.

one person who lived it

Freeze spoiled food containers so the contents pop out as a solid block, eliminating smell and residue during disposal.

• frozen food may get stuck to the bowl
• plastic lunchboxes may become brittle and shatter from expanding liquid

5 people, independently

Label frozen food you intend to discard so you do not mistake it for edible food, but avoid writing a specific name on the label.

You will likely forget that the item in the freezer is meant to be thrown away.

one person who lived it

Place heavy items on the bottom shelves of the freezer to prevent injury from falling objects.

Heavy items can fall on your head when opening the freezer.

one person who lived it

Validate a partner's concern about food lifespan before explaining that freezer food does not spoil if used timely.

Acknowledging they are right to an extent helps demonstrate points to unconvinced people.

one person who lived it

Freeze sponges to inhibit microbial growth.

Freezing inhibits (but does not kill) microbial growth.

one person who lived it

Recognize that grocery store meat may already be delivered frozen and thawed.

One source states all meat at stores like Walmart comes frozen; another manager disputes this, noting their beef and pork are wet aged and refrigerated.

• This practice varies by store; one meat department manager stated their store does not do this.

one person who lived it

Label freezer items immediately upon storage and use colored sticker dots to track age, changing the color every six weeks.

Labeling ensures you use items in a timely manner.

one person who lived it

Refrigerate peanut butter to slow oil separation and extend shelf life.

It slows lipid oxidation and rancidity.

• Mixing it is more difficult when cold.

one person who lived it

Clean out your freezer regularly to avoid buying duplicates and ensure items are used before spoiling.

Freezers often contain multiple duplicates and half-used products that are hard to find when stuffed full.

one person who lived it

Use regular ziplock bags instead of special freezer bags for short-term storage unless storing particularly stinky foods.

Special bags are only needed for very long-term storage or particularly stinky foods.

one person who lived it

Store only individual items needing refrigeration in shared office fridges rather than entire insulated lunch bags.

Insulated bags take up space and prevent the food inside from being properly refrigerated.

one person who lived it

Check the circuit breaker for the refrigerator before assuming the appliance has failed.

one person who lived it

Budget for a professional cleaner if you can afford it.

No tip or book will miraculously change your behavior.

one person who lived it

Approach large cleaning tasks by setting small goals, such as washing a specific number of dishes or sweeping for a set time.

One person found that setting a goal to wash 5 dishes often resulted in washing 10 to 15.

one person who lived it

Set a pre-trip routine to handle fridge cleanup before leaving.

Returning to a mess after forgetting to clean can be overwhelming.

one person who lived it

Take out the garbage before leaving for a trip, even if the bin is not full.

to avoid foul odors

one person who lived it

Clean the bathtub with a dedicated mop to avoid bending.

One person reported this saved their back.

one person who lived it

Invest a daily 5 minutes instead of a weekly half hour.

is easier

one person who lived it

Skip sieves for draining pasta if you find cleaning them takes longer than the time they save.

The cleaning time often exceeds the time saved by using them.

one person who lived it

Use your own cleaning products instead of your host's when visiting their home.

People tend to become noseblind to their own house smells, so a different scent is dramatically noticeable.

one person who lived it

Consult FlyLady resources for housework advice if you struggle to start due to perfectionism or hoarding tendencies.

Starting is hard for obsessive people because perfection seems out of reach.

one person who lived it

If you feel overwhelmed by clutter, place items that lack a designated home into a single box to sort later.

It prevents overwhelm and allows you to finish the immediate task.

one person who lived it

Get a small pet or plant to create a reason to clean your living space, as one person found that caring for an animal motivated them to tidy up and improved their mood.

One person reported that their pet did not deserve a disgusting home, which motivated them to clean, resulting in a better mood.

one person who lived it

Do chores like dishes, trash, laundry, and yard work regularly so they do not build up.

Actually finishing things makes you feel better.

one person who lived it

Schedule carpet cleaning in winter.

People spend more time indoors during winter, leading to increased wear and tear.

one person who lived it

Take before photos of clean-up projects.

It is hard to appreciate the effort involved without seeing the before picture.

one person who lived it

Pair dreaded cleaning tasks, such as hanging laundry, with enjoyable activities like listening to podcasts.

It makes you look forward to doing the task.

one person who lived it

Treat major cleaning as an event on one weekend day, potentially rewarding yourself with beers while doing it.

It makes the task rewarding.

one person who lived it

Run an empty load in the washing machine after washing a dirty shower curtain.

Ensures cleanliness if the first wash was not enough.

one person who lived it

Regularly invite guests over to create external pressure to clean.

Knowing someone is visiting forces you to tidy up.

one person who lived it

Run a monthly clean cycle with cleaning tablets to maintain washing machine hygiene.

Manufacturers suggest this to keep the machine clean.

one person who lived it

Build a client base for cleaning services by starting with family, expanding to friends and their networks, then advertising on social media.

This progression was reasonably productive for one person.

one person who lived it

Cut down on cleanup by washing only the rice cooker's bowl after use.

The process involves throwing food in and clicking a button, requiring minimal effort.

one person who lived it

Clean dusty lightbulbs to restore brightness instead of buying additional lights.

Dusty bulbs produce less light without using additional energy.

one person who lived it

avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight

it creates a difficult experience

one person who lived it