8 genius cleaning hacks that will save you time and money

With inflation prices continuing to rise, the vast majority of households are feeling the pinch.

According to Property 24, one of the easiest things you can do to save money is reassess how you clean your homes.

By replacing costly, chemical-based cleaning agents with inexpensive, environmentally friendly options, you can save a significant amount of money without compromising the cleanliness or hygiene of your home.

Here are 8 easy, low-cost cleaning tricks that utilize products found in your kitchen cabinet:

Oven cleaner: A combination of white spirit vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is an effective and low-cost alternative for removing grease and grime from ovens, stovetops, and hobs.

You will need:

• 500 g bicarbonate of soda
• 5 litres of white spirit vinegar
• 500 ml spray bottle

Method:

• Mix half a cup of bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to greasy areas and leave overnight.
• The next day, fill the spray bottle with vinegar and spray over the paste.
• Leave for 30 minutes, then gently scrub using a sponge scourer.
• For glass hobs, avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching.
• Regular cleaning will prevent grease from becoming burnt on and difficult to remove.

Fabric deodoriser: Bicarbonate of soda is a natural, gentle deodoriser.

You will need:

• 500 g bicarbonate of soda
• Soft-bristle brush (a nail brush works well)
• Vacuum cleaner

Method:

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda generously over the fabric.
• Gently brush the powder into the fibres.
• Leave for a few hours or overnight.
• Vacuum thoroughly.
• Repeat every few months for long-lasting freshness.

Revive clothing: Pilling and fluff on clothing, particularly knitwear, often leads people to replace garments unnecessarily. A disposable razor will quickly gather this and extend the life of your clothes.

You will need:

• Used a disposable razor

Method:

• Clean the razor using a stiff brush.
• Lay the garment flat on a hard surface.
• Hold the fabric taut and gently run the razor in one direction to remove pilling.
• Clean the blade frequently as you work.

Remove sticky grease from blinds: Vinegar dissolves grease, making blinds cleaner and easier to wipe down.

You will need:

• 5 litres of white spirit vinegar
• 500 ml spray bottle
• Paper towels

Method:

• Tilt the slats so the top edge faces forward.
• Spray a light mist of vinegar over the surface. Place newspaper underneath to catch drips.
• Wipe with paper towels until dry.
• Repeat monthly or every two months.
• Use a feather duster between deep cleans to maintain cleanliness.

Clean taps and fittings: Soap scum and hard water spots are common on taps and shower fittings. Vinegar dissolves the build-up, and lemon juice restores shine.

You will need:

• 5 litres of white spirit vinegar
• 500 ml concentrated lemon juice
• 500 ml spray bottle
• Old toothbrush
• Paper towels

Method:

• Spray vinegar on affected areas, focusing on joints and the base of fittings.
• Leave to soak. For stubborn deposits, reapply and repeat.
• Scrub gently with an old toothbrush or nail brush.
• Wipe clean with paper towels.
• Use a cloth dampened with lemon juice to polish fittings.

Scrub tubs and sinks: Avoid harsh cleaners and switch to a natural cleaner that penetrates dirt and keeps bathrooms fresh and clean.

You will need:

• 500 g bicarbonate of soda
• 500 ml concentrated lemon juice
• Soft cloth

Method:

• Mix bicarbonate of soda with lemon juice to form a paste.
• Use the paste and a soft cloth to scrub bathtubs, sinks, basins and tiles.
• Rinse with clean water for a fresh, lemon-scented finish.

Remove pet hair from textiles: A window squeegee helps remove pet hair efficiently.

You will need:

• Window squeegee
• 500 g bicarbonate of soda
• Soft brush

Method:

• Run the squeegee across the surface, pressing firmly to lift the hair.
• Collect and dispose of the hair as you go.
• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface to neutralise odours.
• Leave for one to two hours, then vacuum.

Clean pots and pans: Burnt-on food can be hard to clean, but this method makes it easier to restore cookware to its former shine.

You will need:

• 5 litres of white spirit vinegar
• 1 kg coarse salt

Method:

For stainless steel or aluminium pans:

• Add a little water and vinegar.
• Bring to the boil, then remove from heat.
• Once cooled slightly, stir in a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda.
• Scrub to remove burnt residue.

For cast iron pots:

• Rub with coarse salt to loosen grime.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Small changes can lead to significant savings over time, making your household budget stretch further.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).