Keeping your home clean can be an expensive and arduous task, but cost-efficient cleaning hacks which will keep your home squeaky clean for next to nothing.
In preparation for the annual spring clean, Interior specialists Blinds Hut have revealed the unconventional ways to clean your home with products you likely already have hidden in your cupboards.
From using candle wax to prevent mould growing on tile grout to using tennis balls to remove scuff marks, these top tips will help you save £25 every time you do your spring clean.
Scroll below to reveal the surprising common household items that can be used to help you save the pennies.
Save up to £25 every time you do a spring clean by following these ten cleaning hacks using items in your cupboards
Candle wax prevents mould from growing on tile grout
Price: £0.99 Alternative: £5.00 (Domestos Grout Cleaner)
A common problem in kitchens and bathrooms is that mould can begin to form on your tile grouting if it’s not protected in the correct way.
Swap an expensive bottle of protector spray for our cost-effective candle solution. All you need to do is rub your candle into the grout, ensuring that it’s coated evenly with candle wax, so the grouting is sealed.
Candle wax is perfect to protect areas where water is used regularly, as it won’t dissolve if it gets wet.
White vinegar removes gunk and rust
Price: £0.29 Alternative: £2.00 (Mr Muscle Cleaner Spray)
A great way to clean unpleasant grime around your tap is to use white vinegar, along with a cloth.
Simply add half a cup of white vinegar to some warm water and use a cloth to apply the solution to the area. If it’s proving particularly tough to remove, swap the cloth for a toothbrush to give it some extra scrubbing power.
A combination of white vinegar and salt can also be used to remove rust from your iron by simply scrubbing the surface until clear.
Due to its high concentration of citric acid, low pH and antibacterial qualities, lemon can be used to clean most surfaces around the home
Ice cubes gets rid of furniture leg indentation on carpets
Price: Free Alternative: N/A
One of the worst things about having a furniture switch around in your home is the annoying dents that chair and table legs leave in your carpet.
It can be easy to think that these are permanent, but with the help of some ice cubes, your carpet will be back to normal in no time.
Take as many ice cubes as you need to completely fill the dent. Compressed carpet fibres will begin to absorb the water which will, in turn, reduce the indentation.
Lemons can be used as a natural disinfectant in every room
Price: £0.35 Alternative: £1.99 (Mr Muscle Cleaning Spray)
Due to its high concentration of citric acid, low pH and antibacterial qualities, lemon can be used to clean most surfaces around the home, whether it be in the bathroom or kitchen.
When it’s time to tackle grime and dirt, simply strain the lemon juice into a spray bottle and mix with vinegar and water.
Ensure that you shake well before using. Lemon also has the added advantage of leaving your home smelling great.
Tennis balls remove scuff marks
Price: £0.49 Alternative: £8.99 (Cramer Scuff Removing Rubber)
Most areas around the home can be susceptible to scuff marks, especially if you have laminate flooring.
Scuff marks can also easily appear on your walls. A tennis ball may seem like an unlikely item to help solve this issue, but it’s been proven to work time and time again.
Cut an X in your tennis ball and insert the free end of a broomstick into it to turn your tennis ball into a scuff removing scrubber. All you need is your handy tennis ball – no cleaning products required.
Rice helps to clean the inside of decorative jugs and carafes
Price: £0.45 Alternative: £4.99 (Ambersil Glass Cleaner)
Decorative jugs and carafes can look great around your home, but they can be a pain to clean. Often, they are narrower at the top than they are at the bottom, meaning that you can’t get your hand in to clean inside.
A great solution to this is to fill the jug or carafe with warm water, soap and some uncooked rice. Make sure to cover the top and give it a firm shake. The rice will effectively scrub the inside of the jug, ensuring the dirt or grime is removed.
Cut an X in a tennis ball and insert the free end of a broomstick into it to turn your tennis ball into a scuff removing scrubber
Baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive to remove stains
Price: £0.69 Alternative: £1.99 (Mr. Muscle Kitchen Cleaner)
Baking soda is one of the best tools you can use when cleaning your home, especially in your bathroom and kitchen where tough stains can often arise.
It can be used in multiple ways, including cleaning the inside of your fridge and shower head to removing rust from your household utensils.
Simply sprinkle a light coating on your wet sponge and scrub for the best effect. Your home will also benefit from smelling fresh after using baking soda as it neutralises both ammonia and acidic odours.
Mayonnaise removes crayon marks from walls
Price: £1.00 Alternative: £3.50 (WD-40 Spray)
A handy way to remove crayon marks from walls is by covering the affected area in a light coating of mayonnaise.
The oils in the product break down the wax in the crayon. Leave it to soak for around 5 – 10 minutes. When complete, wipe the surface with a damp cloth ensuring that all the mayonnaise has been removed.
Mayonnaise is also great at removing sticky residue left behind from labels. Again, dab some on the area and leave for 5 – 10 minutes before wiping away.
Rice will effectively scrub the inside of the jug and help to remove any dirt or grime. Just fill a jug or carafe with warm water, soap and some uncooked rice and give it a shake
Cola’s acidic properties can be used to remove toilet limescale
Price: £0.40 Alternative: £2.50 (Harpic Liquid)
Save money by avoiding expensive bowl cleaners and purchase a small can of cola for only 40p, which due to its mildly acidic properties is an ideal solution to battle stubborn toilet limescale.
Take a can of cola and pour into the toilet bowl, ensuring it flows over the stains. Allow 1 – 2 hours for the acids within the cola to take effect on the stains.
Once that time has elapsed, flush as normal and the stains should be washed away, along with the cola.
Newspapers can serve as a window cleaner or pan de-greaser
Price: £0.40 Alternative: £2.50 (Fairy Power Spray)
If you have some old newspapers laying around your home, it makes sense to put them to good use. They are perfect for cleaning windows as they’re cheap, disposable and recyclable.
Simply apply some white vinegar and water to them and clean. Newspapers are also great for removing grease, leftover food and oil from your kitchen pans. Once the residue has been removed, make sure to rinse and finish with some soap and a sponge.