We’ve already shared a slew of homemade cleaning recipes, and chatted about our own housekeeping habits, but we’re back with an error proof roundup of fast and easy fixes to leave you with a sparkly clean casa in no time. And perhaps best of all, these are all 100% free solutions, assuming you have some basics on hand, and each suggestion has three steps or less to keep things oh so doable. But enough chit chat. Let the cleaning frenzy begin!
Oh and just to demonstrate how easy and speedy they really are, we’re including a handy little timetable, so you can pick a cleaning time span (either 7 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes) and follow our minute-by-minute guide below:
If you have seven minutes…
- Place a bowl of coffee beans or a box of baking soda in a musty closet, cabinet or drawer and leave it overnight to absorb the odor (1 minute).
- Quarter a lemon and place it in a bowl of water. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Then wipe down the entire microwave with a moist rag, which is easy thanks to the lemony steam you created (3 minutes)
- Take your quartered lemon and slip each part into your sink’s garbage disposal while it’s on with the water running- this will freshen the air as well as cleanse the actual disposal line (1 minute)
- Use a vinegar soaked rag to remove hard water stains from your shower head, faucets, etc (2 minutes)
If you have fifteen minutes then do all of the above PLUS…
- Sprinkle baking soda on a musty carpet, let stand one minute, then vacuum the baking soda up- along with the odor (3 minutes)
- Pour one part baking soda followed by one part vinegar down the drain, let stand for one minute, then rinse to clean out the pipes in an 100% natural way (3 minutes)
- Open all the windows to air out the house (2 minutes)
If you have thirty minutes then do all of the above PLUS…
- Add one part vinegar and one part water to a spray bottle and spray down mold or mildew, then just scrub it away with a textured sponge or rag and rinse it clean (6 minutes).
- Wipe down your stainless steel appliances with a vinegar soaked rag (9 minutes)
If you have forty five minutes then do all of the above PLUS…
- Dust with a microfiber cloth- see how we get ‘er done right here (15 minutes)
Then you pretty much just have regular maintenance like toilet cleaning and vacuuming to do. And look at all the bonus super-thorough cleaning projects you were able to bang out in just a smidge of time. We’re rarely “inspired” to clean, but seeing that it can be done simply, on the cheap, naturally, and in less than three steps per task really makes it not-so-bad. And it’s amazing how good a clean microwave or a shiny new-looking shower head can make you feel. But now we’re turning it over to you guys. We’d love to hear your affordable and easy house cleaning tips. Do tell.
Psst- Wanna keep your cleaning mojo going? Check out a slew of homemade cleaning recipes and peep our own housekeeping habits here.
Szig says
My mom has a friend who owns a vacuum cleaner repair shop and he says people in the business love those powder carpet refreshers and bagless vacuums because they both bring more customers in for repairs. Apparently when you vacuum powder – baking soda or commercial carpet deodorizer – over time little particles get past the filter and bag (if there is a bag) and make their way to the motor where they eventually lead to a burned out motor. So while he told my mom to never use any powder refresher on her rugs and to keep using a vacuum with a bag – he carries both powdered carpet refreshers and bagless vacuums in his store. Just something to be aware of.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Szig! We have used this method many a time with our bagless vac and have never had an issue.
xo,
s
adhocmom says
You’re so not at this stage yet, but if you can figure out a way to clean a high chair that doesn’t take all day, um, seriously, let me know. My pretty stokke high chair is impossible to clean, and I’m pretty sure it’s a total bio hazard at this point. Oh, the things you have to look forward to!
x
Paula
YoungHouseLove says
Adhocmom- You’re right- we’re not there yet. But does anyone else have tips to share on the subject?
CatKung- Yes, vinegar can etch granite counters so we use Mrs. Meyer’s All Purpose Cleaner instead. Love it!
xo,
s
Stacy says
Does anybody who uses vinegar for cleaning add anything to it to make it smell good? I like the idea of using a cheaper multipurpose cleaner, but I really hate the smell of vinegar.
YoungHouseLove says
Good question Stacy! Any suggestions for her?
xo,
s
Laura @ youngDCliving says
Really helpful suggestions! Thanks :) I love learning about this stuff.
Megan says
As for the vinegar smell, I learned from “the grocery shrink” how to make orange or other citrus vinegar. You basically use a mason jar and fill with vinegar, leaving enough room to put in orange peels. Basically you let this soak until the vinegar turns a dark orange color and the citrus oils will boost the cleaning power of the vinegar. You can also use other citrus fruits and she says to just add peels as you eat the fruit and shake it up every now and again.
Also, to those of you cleaning bathrooms with vinegar, be sure to dilute it if using on tile–straight vinegar can dissolve grout!
Leah says
Most high chairs can be hosed down in the backyard or scrubbed in the shower ;)
Grace says
Awesome post!I love it! I feel like I’m a cleaning machine on my days off. I love the simple/fast/ecofriendly solutions!!! =) I’m slowly, but surely, simplifying the cleaning routine I have. Your site has been very helpful, along with Real Simple. Thanks!
neena says
i have a stokke high chair and i wipe it down with the kitchen cloth from trader joes (I think it’s just microfiber). the key is to do it right after the meal and if it does dry up I just use a scrubby sponge first with a little dish soap and then wipe it with a cloth. every once in a while i a take out the boards and wipe the grooves…
Claudia says
God bless your sweet little hearts. I have a s***load of cleaning to do and I keep postponing it but thanks to you I have a plan!!! Kisses to Clara!
heatherk says
My husband and I try to really clean the entire house every Friday night after dinner (lame, huh?). We split it up, strap on the headphones, and it usually takes about 3 hours or so– this includes kitchen cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, straightening, and a few loads of laundry. The best part is waking up Saturday morning and having coffee in a clean kitchen with no muddy pawprints on the floor. I can pretty much let anything go during the week if I know everything will be perfect on Friday night. Of course, now we have a baby on the way so that plan may go out the window.
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Somebody mentioned cutting boards:
You should use plastic or glass for your chicken cut ups (and any other raw meats) so that you can shove it in the dishwasher when it’s finished – no worrying about salmonella that way!
Another way to clean a wood cutting board is to take a used lemon, cut side down, and just rub it all over the wood. You can also sprinkle salt on top and rub the lemon on the wood that way – good abrasive, smells good, and cleans it naturally. Nine times out of ten you don’t have to worry too much about germs in wood cutting boards because they are naturally resistant to bacteria.
This may not be a good tip for everyone (since it appears so many people detest the small of vinegar), but same tip on the microwave is to put a glass of water with a couple tablespoons of white vinegar into the microwave. Bring it to boiling and wipe down the steam. Works like a charm!
On Granite counters, Method also makes a really great Granite cleaner (green, too!). I think the trick is to just do something super duper mild so mild dish soap and water is probably all ya need!
Wow, i’m wordy – sorry, folks! Hope it helps!
xoxo,
Lindsay
PS Oh, and if anybody is looking for a super easy way to clean out your coffee grinder (if you’re an addict like me, you know what I’m talking about!), then just put some stale bread into your coffee grinder and grind it up! Saw it on Martha Stewart and it works like a charm ;-).
Kate says
Bonnie,
We clean our cutting boards by pouring boiling water over them, then clean them with soap and water.
Carole says
my fav. cleaners are Method. The wood floor cleaner smells great! I also use the Method daily shower spray, and after a year in our new house (with a white tile shower), we’ve had no probs with mildew on the tile, grout or caulk, which to me is a miracle!
has anyone used one of those portable steam cleaners for kitchens/bathrooms? I like the idea of using water not having to purchase any cleaners, but I don’t like the idea of shelling out $$ if it won’t actually work :)
the chatty housewife says
You can use olive oil or baby oil on stainless steel appliances and it takes off stains, hides scratches and repels finger marks.
katie says
where are your links to other blogs? You were always my homebase to get to others, and I haven’t seen them for a couple days. Thought it was just a glitch, but seems it might be permanent? Tell me you didn’t think you should rise about that!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katie,
They’re still there on the sidebar, we just moved them! See that button with our faces on it? There’s a tab on that rectangle that says “Link Love.” Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Courtney says
One of my biggest pet peeves (more my husband’s) is my own shedding. My hair ends up everywhere, mostly in the bathroom. Do you guys find it hard to keep the drains clear of hair? Also, my bathroom floor quickly gets covered in my hair. Does anyone else have to drag out the vacuum on a regular basis for this? Most of my time-eating comes from this…just trying to find a quick solution if there is even one!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Courtney,
I try to brush my hair before getting in the tub (which cuts down on hairball incidents) and when it comes to stray hairs on the bathroom floor I love using a little hand-vac (like my Dirt Devil Kurv from Target) for picking them up in a snap.
xo,
s
Stephanie says
I know tea tree oil is supposed to be a good natural disinfectant, but does anyone know if it is safe? From what I have read online, I have decided to not use it until I find out for sure because I have read mixed views on it.
Have you ever used tea tree oil to disinfect before John and Sherry?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve used products with tea tree oil in the past (Method has a shower spray that has it in there I think) and have actually never heard anything bad about it. Has anyone else heard it’s unsafe? We’re not really big germ people so we don’t rely on it to disinfect (my almost-doctor brother has incessantly told me that exposure to germs is actually a very good thing) but if it’s in a product that we’ve picked up to use around the house we definitely don’t go through any great lengths to avoid it. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Maggie Rose says
One of my first jobs was as a housekeeper in a little inn in my touristy hometown. While it wasn’t “green” cleaners, I did take away a great method for cleaning the bathroom – 1 – put away clutter (no products live on top of our vanity – just soap and a small basket of washclothes) 2- spray down the sink, toilet, and tub/shower. Squirt in toilet bowl cleaner Let this sit while you toss in a load of towels (once a week, include the fabric curtain liner). 3 – Clean mirror, check for cobwebs, empty trash. 4 – wipe down sink. 5 – wipe down toilet (you can use the same rag). 6. Clean toilet bowl (done regularly, this never takes long). 7 – new rag, wipe out tub and shower. Use same rag to mop down floor after. 8 – once the floor is dry, replace towels with fresh.
Obviously we don’t have kids or nosy pets so we can let it sit with cleanser for five-ten minutes :)
Carolyn says
Hi there, just replying to a question about tea tree oil. It is indeed safe. I’ve seen very few negative reviews, and many more positive on the subject. So long as you don’t drink it, and use the correct amount specified in the cleaning recipe (it’s concentrated!) it should be fine. It can also be used for medicinal purposes e.g healing wounds. Here is some tea tree related info I found doing a quick google search:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil
http://www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com/natural_home_cleaning_tea_tree_oil.htm
http://www.thursdayplantation.com
Mom of Two says
RE: High Chairs
Get this one from IKEA (and the tray too, of course): http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30069724.
It is awesome – inexpensive and super easy to clean since it doesn’t have any crazy cushions or anything. Just use your favorite multipurpose cleaner and wipe down the whole thing. We’re on our second child and it still looks brand new.
Barbz says
Oh my gosh, I loooooove the “lemon in the microwave trick”! I just tried it and it worked flawlessly… I now have a sparkling clean micro and it smells wonderful! This one is a total keeper! It is a great way to use lemons that I keep around for cooking and decor (beautiful in a recycled glass bowl that I bought on the cheap from Homegoods). The bonus is sending what is left of the lemons down the disposal with a bunch of ice (which I have been told helps to sharpen disposal blades)! Nothing is wasted! Super fresh!
As to the drain unclogging with vinegar and baking soda, perhaps the difference is to add boiling water in the beginning: In the book “Who Knew II” from Jeanne Bossolinea Lubin and Bruce Lubin, they recommend this method: “Pour in one half cup of baking soda and a cup of boiling water, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit overnight and it will dissolve most hair and other buildup in your pipe drains. Repeat once a month.” Seems to work out fairly well for me… when I remember to do it!
MANY thanks to everyone for the tips! This was a great post!
Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep the vac nice and fresh from Cocker Spaniel stinkiness? I do keep him nicely groomed, but when I turn on the vac, the scent turns into Eau La Dog… yeeech!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad the microwave tip worked for ya. It’s a favorite around here! And as for your vacuum problem, we’re stumped… but here’s hoping others can toss out a few suggestions. Anyone?
xo,
s
Tamara says
I’ve browsed over your site AND comments on this article first…didn’t want to take up your time if I could find the answer myself, but no such luck. Sorry if it is indeed somewhere on your site.
1). I’m getting mixed reviews on the diluted vinegar thing when I search online. Some say it can eat away grout and silicone from floor and wall tiles? Have you heard of this?
2). What dish detergent and laundry detergent do you use? I’m in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and the water is SO hard. It’s wrecking havoc on clothes and skin. So tired of all the regular chemical filled products that do not rinse from body or clothes.I am learning (I am Australian, still VERY new to Canada) that Canada doesn’t always have the same products as the US, but it’s worth a try. :)
Thanks for your time.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tamara,
One commenter did say that vinegar (undiluted I believe) can eat away at grout. Maybe it’s best to use it for things like toilets and fixtures as opposed to the actual tile in the bathroom? Ans as for the dish detergent we use, we love Seventh Generation. Maybe you can get it on amazon.com or ebay if you don’t have it over there? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Claire says
Here’s a quick cleaning tip: not so much on cleaning a specific item, but how to squeeze short bursts of cleaning into your day – the rule in our house is that if you’re watching TV, you have to jump up and clean up something during commericals – no channel surfing – it’s amazing how fast the dishwasher gets unloaded, counters wiped, laundry hauled upstairs, etc.
girlysmack says
Carole, I have a Shark steam cleaner that I use on my floors. I love it! It works well on wood floors and tile and wood… any kind of floor. And since it just uses steam I never have to buy cleaner like I did when I used my old Swiffer wet-jet. It sounds corny, but I actually enjoy cleaning my floors now. :)
girlysmack says
gak! That’s what I get typing up a comment when I am tired! I meant to say it works well on “wood and tile and Pergo floors” not wood wood wood… ;)
Krista Haws says
I am wondering if anyone has a “receipt” for a homemade bug spray to use in the house. During summer, the bugs are attracted to our lights and I would like to get rid of them but with something “non-chemically.” Can’t wait to hear back!
nass says
Hey, this is a great post! I just have a quick question – I have a front loading washing machine which means it has the rubber sealant around the door. Although I always leave the door open after a wash, I have noticed a little mold and mildew starting to build up. I love the idea of the water/vinegar spray, but have two questions: 1. will it be too harsh on the rubber? 2. Will the vinegar bleach future washes?
Thanks for your thoughts!
YoungHouseLove says
Nass- We would scrub that rubber part down with a mild soap like Mrs Meyer’s or Dr Bronner’s and then once the scum is gone just remember to leave the door to the washer open after every wash for a bit (it helps dry that rubber ring out to prevent future gunk from collecting there). As for vinegar, it would never bleach your laundry. We actually use it all the time when we wash clothes (it removes extra chemicals and dyes to purify clothing without altering the color and also acts as a great all natural fabric softener). But we don’t apply it directly to the rubber so a more mild soap and a good scrub is probably the best way to go.
Krista- Good question! We haven’t heard of anything, but hopefully our readers can help. Has anyone heard of a non chemical bug repellant recipe? Perhaps spraying some kind of essential oil?
xo,
s
Nass says
Thank you so much, Sherry! I live in the UK and haven’t come across Mrs Meyer’s products here, but I just noticed some Dr Bronner’s soaps on amazon though they look like normal hand soap. Anyway, I will give it a shot and see how it goes! I appreciate the suggestion!
Julie B. says
Great tips. A lot of my cleaning consists of using baking soda and vinegar! I did not know about the microwave trick, so I will give that a try! Thanks for sharing.
Karen J says
I have tried a lot of the homemade cleaning ‘suggestions’ in your previous cleaning post (eg vinegar as a softner, hydrogen proxide as a bleach alternative, etc.)and they are great!!
However I have a front load HE washing machine and powdered detergents are not recommended only liquids. I was wondering if there is a homemade liquid detergent version you or anyone else could suggest?
YoungHouseLove says
Any suggestions for Karen?
xo,
s
Ashley says
We use chore cards for each day of the week. It’s a short list (longer for the kitchen and bathroom) that allows us to split chores and knock them out quickly. Focusing on one room or area of the house each day of the week has made future cleanings a breeze.
The cards are pretty easy too, because we found what makes sense for us. For example, Wednesdays are yard clean-up and take-the-garbage-and-recycling-out days, with quick sweeps through the bathrooms and any extra laundry. Saturdays we clean the kitchen in case we’re having guests or to catch up from late in the week and Sundays we tackle the bathrooms. If the rooms were kept clean and laundry’s done, we’re already finished for the day!
Shannon M says
Awesome post! I had no idea vinegar helps clean stainless steel appliances. I will be trying it tonight!
Kate says
A while back I got a recommendation to use a little liquid dish soap to clean out the bathtub. It works great! With just an old washcloth, a squirt of soap, and a little water I get a sparkling bathtub. It works really well at getting rid of those icky, grimey rings.
Karen J says
Found a solution or 2 to my liquid laundry soap problem by clicking on at the bottom of your October 21, 2009 post “Clean Up Your Act…” post. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
So glad that helped!
xo,
s
Ecochic says
Tamara: Hello from Ontario! We do have Seventh Generation and Method cleaning products available here. Most can be found at Canadian Tire. I really like the method all purpose cleaner, and find it doesn’t eat grout.
Sherry and John: Love this post. Totally just copied and pasted it into a document to print and put on fridge. Living with roommates and a boyfriend can get frustrating when it comes to chores. But hopefully having these little things out for ideas on how to contribute quickly should clean things up a little more. Love your website, and how you are trying to make an eco-go of things. Go you!
Mrs. Jones' Soapbox says
*Full disclosure* These are my own products but they DO work so I’m going to go ahead and recommend them for some things.
Granite, Stainless Steel, Windows, Fixtures: I use Sparkle on my granite counter tops and LOVE it. It’s also a good disinfectant. http://bit.ly/a0iEms
Inside of washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, glass shower doors, stoves, etc.: I keep a jar of this scrub in the shower with me and use it to clean while I’m in the shower. It smells great and has no fumes and it really, really works! It will also get oil-based paint off your skin which my sister-in-law discovered recently! http://bit.ly/a2NIDO
Laundry detergent: You CAN use this in HE machines. You only need 1/2 a tablespoon per wash! http://bit.ly/9ZOGyQ
For vinegar, you can add any essential oil to it to help the smell. Just fill a spray bottle with equal parts water (distilled is best) and vinegar and put 8-10 drops of EO and you’ll be good to go!
For garbage disposals, get an ice cube tray and fill it with equal parts lemon juice and vinegar (sometimes I put lemon bits in there, too)and freeze. The ice cube will help sharpen the blades and the vinegar & lemon juice will clean & deodorize.
Good luck everyone!
RJ says
I recently purchased a book called “the Naturally Clean Home” and it’s full of amazing recipes for all sorts of home cleaners. As my commercial products dwindle I’m slowly making up recipes from the book, many of which feature vinegar and baking soda {I posted a great sink scrubber on my blog back in May under “Naturally Clean”}.
On pg 2 Stacy asked about adding scent to vinegar… I use essential oils, especially when using it as a fabric softener. Different oils do different things, like whiten, kill bacteria, etc. And different solutions require different amounts {I add 3-5 drops to a cup of vinegar for fabric softener, but use 20 drops in my floor cleaning recipe}. The book I mentioned above has a great chart, or you can probably google the info! :)
Jena says
I keep a pre-made spray bottle of vinegar, water, and essential oil in my bathroom for quick wipe downs. The oil does a good job at keeping the vinegar smell down. I also use a small bowl of vinegar to clean the microwave – so much easier than any spray/wipe out there!
The smell in vinegar should leave as soon as it evaporates for WHITE vinegar, however with other types (like apple cider vinegar, which I’ve used successfully as a natural hair cleanser) the smell will linger a bit.
I’ve also heard a mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and water is a great, natural disinfectant (namely for kitchen counters and extra germy areas).
Does anyone know if these cleaners have a “shelf life” where their cleaning power deteriorates over time?
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone have any answers for Jena? We’ve heard that when things change their consistency, odor, or color it’s a good sign that they’re past their prime.
xo,
s
Christy says
I saw you said in a previous post you planned on using cloth diapers. Just curious how that is working out for you? I’ve never actually known anyone that used them and I am truly curious of your experience:)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christie,
Clara still has to gain a few pounds to fit into her cloth diapers but we can’t wait to use ’em! We promise to post about our experience once we’ve used them for a bit so stay tuned…
xo,
s
Julie B. says
Thanks for this post!! I just wanted to say I had to try out the lemon water in the microwave trick, and it worked totally awesomely ( if that’s a word, haha) I conveniently forget to clean the microwave, but now that I know this trick, I will be using it more often!! :)
Thanks!!!
Angel says
To protect the top of my kitchen cabinets once every three months I tape aluminum foil to the top that way any oil or grease sticks to that. Then I change it. Makes my spring cleaning that much easier without having to scrub dried grease.
Kate @ the wooden spoon says
Thanks so much for the post! It’s good inspiration to get my tush in gear today. I’m going to go all out with the 45-minute-clean! :)
Sometimes, just setting a timer really motivates me. If I know I have to get the entire kitchen clean in 20 minutes, I work quite a bit harder and more quickly than I would otherwise. It’s a race against the clock!
Leah says
Thanks for the great ideas. I wasn’t taught housecare growing up and I have some issues that make me feel bad and like not moving. Your approach to keeping it simple, healthy and cheap is just awesome. It’s kinda like God has given us “green, wholesome” ways to keep our homes nice. I am about ready to finally “own” my home and care for it.
The only tip I wanted to mention is that a tablespoon of baking soda in the microwave removes all odors and then I can just wipe it down. The only thing that might make this “better” is that it’s cheap and sometimes lemons cost more. However, they do smell so nice!
Thank You,
Leah
Gabylulu says
First I’d like to say that I love your blog. You both are funny, smart and always post great things.
My cleaning issue is that I have 3 boys whom attract every dirt possible and I cant seem to keep up with their dirt. Im trying to teach them all to clean up after themselves.
I’d like a step by step of what you clean fisrt in your bathroom. And how you disinfect your bathroom cleaning tools.
COULD YOU POSSIBLE MAKE A VIDEO, Im a visual learner plus I’d like to sit and watch it with my boys to teach them.
Keep up the great work.
Thank you, GAbyLulu
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll add it to our post-request-list! It’s admittedly pretty long, but here’s hoping we can tackle it someday!
xo,
s