Can vodka clean my mattress & can you use shampoo to clean mirrors? Odd cleaning hacks will totally transform your home
WE ALL know the quest for a spotless home can gobble up lots of your hard earned cash, not to mention hours of your precious time.
These handy hacks from Australian cleaning company Bizzi Beez could revolutionise your housework routine – and all use everyday items you probably already have in your cupboards…
Can bread clean up broken glass?
Smashed glasses are one of the home’s greatest perils.
It inevitably leads to a dilemma between cutting your hand as you sweep up the fragments, or risking stepping on a shard of glass later on.
However, there may be a better way. Simply wet a slice of bread, preferably of the white variety, and press it down on the affected area.
Bizzi Bees add: “You’ll be surprised that even the tiniest pieces stick to the bread.”
How can you use onion to clean a BBQ?
We all love a good BBQ – but the outdoor grill can be one of the hardest kits to clean.
To save your energy, half an onion and use it to clean the grate – it will add some flavour for your next feast, too.
More Handy Hacks
How can you use coffee beans to scent a room?
If you’re sick of the chemical stench of most cleaning products, try using the humble coffee bean as an air freshener instead.
Bizzi Beans explain: “Place the beans in a small cup or any unused container and put it on your kitchen tops, fridge, and in your bathroom.”
How can vodka be used for cleaning?
This may seem a bit bizarre, but vodka is a very effective mattress cleaner. The alcohol also kills odour causing bacteria.
Simply mix the vodka into a bottle with some essential oil, spray on your mattress and leave to air dry.
Can shoe polish be used on sofas?
If your leather sofa is getting a bit worn out, shoe polish could be the miracle cure it needs.
Just buff a little onto any tired spots and watch the cracks fade away.
Can you put a dirty kitchen sponge in the microwave?
You use it to scrub the dishes, but the humble kitchen sponge is known to be one of the dirtiest cleaning materials in our homes.
To kill 99 per cent of germs, wet the sponge and put it in the microwave for just two minutes.
Likewise, use a combination of lemon and salt to rid your chopping board of nasty bacteria – which could give you a tummy bug if not handled properly.
Can baking soda remove stains from the carpet?
Use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to clean your oven, sofa, blender, and even to get vomit out of the carpet.
Bizzi Beans add: “When it comes to cleaning your oven, mix a half-cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to make a paste-like consistency.
“Coat your oven evenly and let it sit overnight. Then put a small amount of vinegar in a squirt bottle, spray a little to the baking soda residue and use cloth to scrape it off.”
Can I wash my make-up brushes with baby shampoo?
The quickest way to clean your make-up brushes is to shampoo them – but most of our hair products are too thick for the job.
Baby shampoos are much milder, and could have your brushes looking spick and span within minutes.
Just make sure you hang them out to dry afterwards.
Can I clean floors using old socks?
We’ve all got dozens of odd socks, after one magically disappears in the washing machine.
Put the spares to use by using them to clean the floor, on top of a sweeper pad.
Bizzi Bees add: “Try using socks that have nice material, they are great at attracting dirt on your ceiling and floors.”
How do I stop mirrors from fogging up?
Stop mirrors fogging up with shampoo.
Apply a small amount of shampoo onto a paper towel, rub onto your mirror, wipe off with a clean cloth.
Can fabric softener get rid of dust?
The best way to avoid dust coating your TV screen or plastic household items is to prevent it occurring in the first place.
You can do this using something you won’t expect – fabric softener.
Static from the screen attracts dust, which is why it’ll still be coated right after you’ve cleaned.
But it can be removed by dampening a duster with fabric softener and wiping it over the screen.
Use a clean cloth to prevent smearing and only use a tiny amount of liquid so the cloth isn’t dripping wet.