The Ultimate Home Cleaning Guide: Expert Tips for a Spotless Home
Discover professional advice to keep your home spotless, from beginner-friendly basics to advanced DIY deep-cleaning techniques.
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tips and tricks, you can clean more efficiently, effectively, and less frequently. Whether you’re preparing for spring cleaning or just looking to maintain a tidy space, these expert-approved cleaning tips from the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab will help you achieve a sparkling home with minimal effort.
1. Clean Your Dryer Vent
To prevent fire hazards, vacuum your dryer vent annually. Pull the dryer away from the wall, disconnect the vent, and use your vacuum hose to remove lint buildup as far as possible.
2. Deep-Clean Your Mattress
Your mattress collects dust, dead skin cells, and oils over time. Every few months, use a garment steamer to kill dust mites, then vacuum the surface with an upholstery tool. Treat stains with a carpet cleaner, but avoid over-wetting the mattress.
3. Install Gutter Guards
Reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning by installing gutter covers. These allow water to flow while keeping leaves and debris out, saving you from frequent professional cleanings.
4. Remove Stains from Car Seats
Prevent stains by enforcing a no-eating rule in the car. For fabric seats, use a liquid carpet cleaner or portable carpet cleaning machine. For leather seats, stick to a leather cleaner and follow up with a protector.
5. Vacuum Window Blinds
Keep blinds dust-free by vacuuming them weekly with a dusting brush attachment. Start from the top slat and work your way down, then repeat on the opposite side.
6. Clean Windows Streak-Free
For sparkling windows, clean them on a cool, cloudy day. Spray glass cleaner onto the surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. Always dust or vacuum the window frame before cleaning the glass.
7. Maintain Your Dishwasher
Prevent odors by cleaning leftover food bits from your dishwasher after each cycle. Check the bottom rack and filter, and remove debris with a paper towel.
8. Disinfect Your Toilet
Clean your toilet bowl with a cleaner, let it sit for five minutes, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. Wipe down the seat and handle with disinfectant wipes or spray, and allow it to air-dry.
9. Freshen Shower Curtains
Remove mold from plastic or vinyl shower curtains by washing them with detergent and bleach (for white or clear curtains). Add old towels for extra agitation, then air-dry or tumble dry on low heat.
10. Restore Cloudy Glasses
Soak glasses in white vinegar for five minutes to remove hard water stains. Rinse by hand and dry with a microfiber cloth.
11. Descale Your Coffee Maker
Mix equal parts vinegar and water, brew the solution, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse by brewing a pot of clean water.
12. Sanitize Your Phone
Disinfect your phone, TV remote, and computer mouse with alcohol or disinfectant wipes. Let the surface stay wet for five minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
13. Repurpose Candleholders
Clean out spent candleholders by rinsing them with hot water and using a paper towel to remove wax residue.
14. Reseason Cast Iron Pans
Remove rust with a scrub sponge, clean with mild dish soap, and rinse. Coat the pan with vegetable oil and bake at 350°F for one hour to restore its finish.
15. Organize Your Linen Closet
Maximize space with over-the-door racks, shelf dividers, and baskets to keep towels, washcloths, and cleaning supplies tidy.
16. Unclog Your Showerhead
Soak the showerhead in a vinegar-water solution for an hour to remove mineral deposits. Scrub with a brush if the finish is delicate.
17. Clean Oven Spills
Use a commercial oven cleaner or sprinkle salt on fresh spills to absorb grease. Wipe away once the oven cools.
18. Brighten White Sneakers
Clean sneakers with mild soap and water, scrubbing gently to remove scuffs. Use a Magic Eraser for stubborn stains on rubber soles.
19. Wash Feather Pillows
Wash feather pillows on a delicate cycle with a small amount of detergent. Dry on low heat with wool dryer balls to maintain their shape.
20. Remove Red Wine Stains
Blot the stain, apply a red wine stain remover, and let it sit for five minutes. Blot again until the stain disappears, then rinse and dry.
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