Love To Decoupage? Grab my free tips! Click Here!

The Easiest Way To Clean Almost Anything In Your Home

January 23, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something via one of my links, I may make a small commission.

Keeping a clean home isn't always easy, some tasks can be truly overwhelming. However, with a few simple tips, getting just about everything in your home cleaned up, and without harsh chemicals, doesn't have have to be difficult. 

Check out my 20 favorite household cleaning hacks for the quickest and easiest way to tackle some of your toughest jobs.

20 Household Cleaning Hacks Text over collage of cleaning photos

January is traditionally a month of fresh starts, and getting things in order after a busy December.

Cleaning up, cleaning out and, well, cleaning in general.

While I usually do most of my big cleaning in fall, rather than spring, once the holiday decor is packed away, it's easier to see what needs a little attention around here.

That's when I whip out my cleaning supplies and get to work. 

Whether I need to tackle those mundane weekly tasks or dig in a little deeper to revive and refresh, over the years, I've discovered the quickest and easiest ways to get it all done.

And today I'm sharing my favorite cleaning hacks with you.

20 Easy Household Cleaning Hacks 

I'm not into scrubbing and I refuse to use harsh chemicals if they can be avoided. Plus, quick, easy and inexpensive are always the goal.

1. How To Clean Shower Doors


Clean glass shower doors look amazing in a bathroom and they're great for small spaces. However, when the glass is dirty...ick. I used to dread this job until I found my groove.

Check out my process. One commenter on Pinterest said it's the only thing that works for her! 

White cottage bathroom with glass shower doors

2. How To Clean A Glass Stove


During our renovation, we were unable to install a gas stove, so we opted for an electric model with a sleek glass top. Of course, that white gets dirty very quickly, and that's no good. 

So I've found a quick and easy way to bring back the shine in a jiffy. No matter what color your stove top is...

How To Clean A White Glass Cooktop
*See my quick process here*

3. How To Shine Up Cabinet Hardware


I love sparkle in the kitchen, so when our cabinet hardware started looking dull, I was bent on finding an easy way to bring it back to life.

Before And After Cleaning Dirty Silver Kitchen Pulls

4. How To Magically Clean Scratched Dishes


I'm a huge fan of white dishes, new or second hand, I rarely pass them up. Unfortunately, they don't always stay perfectly white for very long. Thankfully, I've got a solution.
The Best Way To Clean Scratched Dishes

5. A Foolproof Way To Clean Your Kitchen Sink


Our kitchen sink is a workhorse. I cook, craft, DIY and use that sink every day in the process. It takes a beating. Every now and then it needs a little TLC and whether it's porcelain or stainless steel, I've found the fix.

White Porcelain Farmhouse Sink

6. How To Steam Clean A Sofa

Our favorite sectional took a real beating when the kids were growing up. Instead of replacing it, I cleaned it with my steamer and it looked brand new. Check out the simple steps.

Ps- steamers work great on tile floors, rugs and drapes, too.

Steam Cleaning Couch Cushions

7. How To Clean A Gas Fireplace


Ok, so this one really isn't a DIY, but if you have a gas fireplace, or are thinking of installing one, you might want to take a peek, to see what keeping one clean, odor free and functional, entails.

I have to say, it's a pretty great addition to our home, especially on chilly winter nights.

Cottage Style Fall Living Room Mantel

8. How to Clean Upholstery Fabric


I sew A LOT. Fabric is my one true obsession and I love creating with it. However. Sometimes the things I make get dirty. I'm looking at you, sink skirts, and dry cleaning is not going to do the trick. I need soap and water.

So here are my tips on how to clean your fabric at home.
Washing fabric in the washing machine and setting the dial

9. The Easiest Natural Way To Remove Sticker Glue


So. It's no secret that I'm a huge thrift shopper. Love those second hand finds. The price stickers and labels that get slapped onto them...not so much. I tried a lot of the commercial remedies, but I prefer a more natural solution.

And one that doesn't taste too bad either. 

Spreading Peanut Butter On Glass with knife

10. How To Clean A Faux Christmas Tree


Artificial Christmas trees and faux flowers have made a huge comeback in recent years. I'll admit, I'm a fan. What I don't love, is all the dust they attract and hold onto.

When I complained about it, my handy dandy husband found the perfect way to remedy that.

Christmas Tree Bucket Storage

11. How To Clean And Refresh Grout


Next to those shower doors, grout used to be my biggest nemesis. It always amazes me that the same water that cleans your house, is also responsible for the biggest messes...but I digress. 

Thankfully, I've found the right products and the right steps to clean it up in no time.

Cleaning Grout
*See My Shower Cleaning Essentials Here*

12. How To Remove Water Marks From Wood


I love the look of a beautiful wood piece, so I have a lot of them around my home. Of course, they aren't display pieces, we use them and over the years, some of them acquired water stains. Boo.

I tried a bunch of ways to remove them, but this is my never fail, go to method.

Water stains on round wood table

13. A Nutty Way To Remove Scratches From Wood


Are you ready to be astonished? This trick is nuts. It's truly magical and since I discovered it, I've been using it to remove scratches in every room with success.

On floors, mouldings, thrift finds, furniture...you name it.

Remove Scratches From Wood in Minutes

14. All The Ways You Can Clean Cloudy Glass


Years ago, I found some beautiful dishes at goodwill. They were a bit cloudy, but I was sure I could remove that in a jiffy. Well, that didn't happen, but along the way, I rounded up just about every way you could remove a cloudy film from glass. 

And over the years, visitors have left even more tried and true solutions in the comments. 

Vintage Glass Plates two clear two cloudy

15. How To Clean An Old Iron


Sticky iron? Yeah, me too. Instead of throwing it out, because they really don't make things like they used to, I decided to clean it. 

Sticky Iron With Melted A Mess and arrows pointing it out

16. The Easiest Way To Refresh Your Bathroom


I'll admit it, sometimes, cleaning just doesn't do the job. In those cases you may need to replace items instead. I don't often recommend that, but when it comes to the toilet seat, I say go for it. 

Here's how...oh and while you're at it, how about adding this bidet that fits under that seat? I know that might not be the polite, DIY conversation you expected here today, but trust me, it's a game changer. 

And besides...isn't that what friends are for? ☺️

How To Refresh Your Bathroom

17. My Secret To Naturally Clean Pond Water


Who says the cleaning has to stay inside? We have a pond and nothing's worse for aesthetics, or the fish, than dirty water.

We're not into using chemicals if we can avoid it, especially when our pets are involved, so here's what we do to keep that water looking good au natural.

Backyard pond with goldfish and floating plants

18. How To Make Your Wood Floor Shine 


We've had the same wood floors in our house since we moved in. They've never been refinished and they still look brand new. Yes, I clean them often, but my method only takes me a few minutes each week.

I use it on my tile floors, too and it only costs me pennies to do. 

The Quickest and Easiest Way To Clean Your Wood Floor
*See my cleaning and organizing favorites here*

19. How To Refresh Wood Furniture In Seconds


I'm not a big fan of big jobs...DIYs, crafts, cooking. I'm all about quick and easy. That's why when I see scratches on my dark furniture, I use furniture markers. They're inexpensive, come in lots of colors and all I have to do is color in the lines.

And yes, I love my nut trick for scratches, but I also love options.

*See the markers here*


20. The Best Way To Clean Mirrors (and almost everything else...)


This is not a secret, it's a pretty standard way to clean glass and mirrors, but it's literally the only thing I use.  

Thrifty Metal Mirror Makeover Hanging On Wall

Vinegar and a really good paper towel that leaves no dust behind or an old white tee shirt. I know there are people who swear by newspaper, but I don't like the way the print comes off on my fingers.

Besides, finding a newspaper is getting harder and harder...

a bottle of vinegar

Vinegar Is My Go To...


To be honest, when it comes to cleaning in general, I'm a when in doubt use vinegar kind of girl. Sometimes I dilute it with water, sometimes I use it straight, depending on the application.

Yes, it is acidic and it can be a little harsh on certain surfaces, so I always test a small area first.

But it cleans, deodorizes and disinfects naturally. In toilets, microwaves, my oven and my washing machine. I even mix it with water and olive oil to make my own dusting solution.

It's truly an all star cleaner for me.

In every room.

All year long.

But especially in January.

😉

What's your favorite cleaning tip? Do tell!

Happy Cleaning, Friends!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 12 Comments

Hey~ before you go, let me know what you think!

I love comments and respond to them all.

*Please refer to our privacy policy if you have questions regarding your profile and note that comments with links will not be published.



  1. Hi Kim,
    All of these are great tips. I went to your post about the sink. We got the new sink and it seems to hold stains so I am going to order the stove top cleaner and try that on the sink. Thanks for the news it worked for you. Hugs. Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kris! That stove cleaner is amazing. Next to vinegar, it's my next favorite must have. It cleans almost everything...and it's cheap. A little bit goes a long way. I hope it works for you! ❤️

      Delete
  2. Thanks for all the tips. I can see I need to order some Cerama Bryte! I enjoyed re-reading your saga of the sink too! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mari, I love that stuff. It’s been a game changer for me…Oh and that sink. One of these days I may actually get the real thing!! Maybe! 😉

      Delete
  3. Kim, it's always great to see what others use to clean! I dislike chemicals as well and use vinegar a lot, especially for glass. I use a mixture of equal parts of vinegar, water and blue Dawn soap in a spray bottle and that cleans just about everything too. This was a great post, and I also visited your Amazon store! Love and blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like hearing what others use to clean, too. Vinegar is my go to, because it really does work so well and it doesn't bother my allergies. Thanks for the Dawn tip, I know a lot of people swear by it. ☺️ Stay warm and enjoy that darling baby!

      Delete
  4. Hello, thank you for the tips. I use vinegar a lot for cleaning. I revisited your How to Clean a White Porcelain sink, I have one too. Thank You for the help. :-)
    Stay warm!!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That Cerama Bryte really works like magic on the sink, Carla and I usually get it at Home Depot, but a little goes a very long way, so I don't buy it often. I hope you are having a sunny weekend!!

      Delete
  5. Love this post. I read the Saga of the Sink because I wanted to enjoy the tale all over again---and I did~. lol.
    I use those Mr. Clean erasers on my white sink along with some Blue Dawn dish soap and it looks just like new. Those magic erasers also take all the dark marks off white dishes. It's like magic and no work at all. I bought some 'off-brand' of those erasers and they work better than the Mr. Clean ones. They are bulkier and denser and can be used over and over again.
    Happy Cleaning- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Diana, that sink. It’s been my nemesis since day one. We do plan on replacing it one day, but that means the countertops have to go and then the backsplash might get messed up and the cabinets would need to be repainted (because it’s been almost 25 years)…so for now, I settle for clean! 🤣 I think I had a Mr. Clean eraser once and I used it down to the nub…I really should get another and give it a try, and I’ll pick up an off brand. I’m a sucker for a bargain and if they work great, that’s even better! Thanks for the tip!! Xo

      Delete
  6. Kim, these are all great cleaning tips and thanks for sharing them again. January is the perfect month for doing deep cleaning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie...happy to share, hope it helps you get your January cleaning done quickly!

      Delete