Regular Cleaning Hacks

 

Microwave Cleaning with Steam Power

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, add a few slices of lemon, and microwave for 5 minutes. The steam loosens grime, and you can simply wipe it away with a cloth.

Dusting with Dryer Sheets

Use unused dryer sheets to dust baseboards, blinds, and electronics. They pick up dust easily and leave a static-resistant coating to keep surfaces clean longer.

Clean Your Mattress with Vodka

Fill a spray bottle with vodka (plain, unflavoured) and lightly spray your mattress. It kills bacteria and eliminates odours. Let it air dry for a refreshed bed.

Use Aluminum Foil to Scrub Pans

For tough, stuck-on food in pots and pans, crumple aluminium foil into a ball and use it as a scrubber with dish soap. It’s tough on grime but gentle on most surfaces.

Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

Dab a bit of olive oil on a microfiber cloth and buff stainless-steel appliances. It removes smudges and leaves a shiny, streak-free finish.

Speed-Clean Your Blender

Fill the blender halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then blend for 30 seconds. Rinse, and it’s as good as new!

Clean Showerheads with Vinegar

Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it over your showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight to dissolve buildup, then rinse.

Use Coffee Filters for Glass Cleaning

Instead of microfiber cloths, try coffee filters for cleaning glass or mirrors. They’re lint-free and won’t leave streaks.

Unclog Drains with a Fizzy Combo

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.

Clean Your Ceiling Fan with a Pillowcase

Slip an old pillowcase over the blades and wipe each one. The dust stays inside the case instead of flying everywhere.

Revive Your Microwave Sponge

Microwave a damp kitchen sponge for 1 minute to kill bacteria and extend its life. Let it cool before handling.

Freshen Your Garbage Disposal with Ice and Lemon

Run a handful of ice cubes and lemon slices through the garbage disposal. The ice sharpens blades while the lemon deodorizes.

Toilet Cleaning with Cola

Pour a can of cola into the toilet bowl, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and flush. The acidity helps break down stains.

Erase Scuff Marks with a Tennis Ball

Rub a clean tennis ball over scuff marks on floors or walls to remove them without damaging the surface.

After Builder Cleaning Hacks

Tackle Dust with a Damp Microfiber Cloth

Fine construction dust can settle everywhere. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces, as it traps dust rather than spreading it around. Avoid soaking the cloth to prevent streaks.

Use a HEPA Vacuum for Dust Removal

A vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential to capture fine particles left by construction. Regular vacuums may blow the dust back into the air. Make multiple passes over carpets, floors, and corners.

Clean Walls with a Flat Mop

For dusty walls, use a flat microfiber mop or a soft broom wrapped in a clean cloth. This is faster and more effective than hand wiping.

Remove Paint Splatters with a Razor Blade

Use a razor blade or scraper tool at a shallow angle to gently scrape paint splatters from glass, tiles, or hard surfaces. For stubborn spots, apply warm soapy water first.

Lift Fine Dust with Sticky Lint Rollers

Use a lint roller to pick up fine dust from lampshades, upholstery, or even walls. It works great for catching particles left behind by a vacuum.

Neutralize Cement Residue with Vinegar

For tiles or glass that have cement or grout haze, use a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a soft sponge. Avoid vinegar on natural stone.

Protect Floors with Polishing Oil

After removing dust, apply a small amount of olive or mineral oil to wooden or laminate floors. Buff with a clean cloth to restore shine and protect surfaces.

Freshen Air Vents and Filters

Dust often settles in air ducts. Remove and wash vent covers with warm soapy water and consider replacing air filters to prevent recirculating construction dust.

Clean Windows with a Dual-Step Process

First, vacuum window frames to remove loose debris, then use soapy water and a squeegee for a streak-free finish. Avoid paper towels as they can leave lint.

Steam Clean for Deep Results

A steam cleaner works wonders for deep cleaning after builders. Use it on floors, tiles, and grout lines to loosen stubborn grime and sanitize surfaces without harsh chemicals.

Remove Adhesive Residue with Cooking Oil

Leftover sticker glue or tape residue can be removed by rubbing a small amount of vegetable oil onto the spot, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wiping with a cloth.

Eliminate Fine Dust from Fabrics with a Dryer

Wash and dry curtains, cushions, and other textiles, as fine construction dust clings to fabric. Use the dryer on low heat to remove remaining particles.

Brighten Tiles with Baking Soda

Scrub tiles with a paste of baking soda and water to restore their shine and remove grout residue.

Clean Ceiling Fans and Lights Safely

Wrap a microfiber cloth around a soft broom to reach high fixtures or use an extendable duster. This minimizes the risk of spreading dust or damaging fragile surfaces.

Deodorize the Space with Charcoal or Baking Soda

After cleaning, leave bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda in the room to absorb any lingering construction odours.

Pro Tips for After-Builders Cleaning:

Work Top to Bottom: Always start with higher surfaces like shelves and fans, letting dust fall to the floor before tackling lower areas.

Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air in, helping to clear dust and fumes.

Use Masks and Gloves: Protect yourself from inhaling fine dust and coming into contact with chemical residues.

 

Hotel Housekeeping Hacks

Use the “S” Pattern for Streak-Free Mirrors and Glass

Spray cleaner directly on the cloth, not the glass, to avoid overspray. Wipe in an “S” shape from top to bottom for streak-free results without re-depositing dirt.

Speed Up Bed-Making with the “Hospital Corner” Trick

For crisp-looking beds, tuck the sheet tightly at the foot of the bed, then fold the corners diagonally before tucking them under. Use a flat, smooth motion to avoid wrinkles.

Colour-Code Cleaning Cloths

Assign specific cloth colours for different tasks (e.g., blue for glass, yellow for dusting, red for bathrooms) to prevent cross-contamination and streamline the process.

Pre-Treat Bathroom Grime with Hot Water

Run hot water in the shower and sink for a few minutes before cleaning. The steam softens grime, making scrubbing easier and faster.

Vacuum in Rows for Impressive Carpet Lines

Vacuum carpets in overlapping rows, moving in one direction, then perpendicular. It ensures thorough cleaning and leaves professional-looking lines guests love.

Use Dryer Sheets to Remove Dust

Wipe furniture, lampshades, and baseboards with unused dryer sheets. They pick up dust effectively and prevent it from resettling with their anti-static properties.

Clean Showerheads and Faucets with a Vinegar Bag

Fill a small bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead or faucet with a rubber band, and let it soak for an hour. Rinse and wipe for sparkling results.

Use Baking Soda for Mattress Deodorizing

Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum. It eliminates odours and refreshes the bed for the next guest.

Multitask with a Trolley System

Equip your housekeeping trolley with essential supplies organized by task. Keep frequently used items (like cloths, sprays, and gloves) in easy reach to save time.

Freshen the Air with Essential Oils

Place a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or citrus) on a cotton ball and vacuum it. The scent will gently disperse as you clean, leaving a fresh aroma.

Spot-Clean Carpets with Club Soda

Blot stains with a cloth soaked in club soda, then dab with a clean towel. The carbonation lifts stains without damaging the fibres.

Clean Light Fixtures with a Pillowcase

Slip a pillowcase over dusty light fixtures or ceiling fans, then wipe. The dust stays inside the case, preventing it from spreading.

Remove Water Rings with a Hair Dryer

For wood furniture, use a hairdryer on a low setting to evaporate water rings. Finish by buffing the area with a small amount of furniture polish.

Use Lemon Juice for Chrome Polishing

Rub chrome surfaces (like faucets and handles) with a lemon wedge, then buff with a microfiber cloth. It removes water spots and leaves a brilliant shine.

Sanitize High-Touch Areas Thoroughly

Focus on areas guests frequently touch, like remote controls, light switches, doorknobs, and thermostats. Use disinfectant wipes for a quick and thorough clean.

Speed-Clean Toilets with a Pumice Stone

Use a damp pumice stone to scrub tough toilet stains without scratching the porcelain. Follow up with a disinfectant for complete sanitation.

Layer Cleaning Tasks Strategically

Start by stripping the bed and loading used linens onto your trolley. Spray surfaces with cleaner to let it work while you tackle other areas, then return to wipe.

Polish Stainless Steel with Baby Oil

Dab a small amount of baby oil on a microfiber cloth to polish stainless steel appliances or fixtures. It removes fingerprints and adds a protective layer.

Use a Handheld Steamer for Curtains and Upholstery

Quickly remove wrinkles and refresh fabrics with a handheld steamer. It also sanitizes without harsh chemicals, ensuring a guest-ready finish.

Double-Check with a Final Walkthrough

Always inspect the room before leaving. Check for stray hairs, smudged mirrors, or missed spots to ensure the space looks immaculate and ready for the next guest.

Pro Tips for Hotel Housekeeping:

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Use caddies or aprons to carry small tools like dusters, scrub brushes, and sponges for easy access.

Time Management: Stick to a system—clean in a clockwise or counterclockwise pattern to avoid missing spots.

Guest Comfort: Finish with thoughtful touches like fluffing pillows, folding towels neatly, and placing amenities properly.