9 Unusual DIY Cleaning Tricks That Really Work

2 Materials

$10

1 Hour

Medium

Using ingredients you've already got in your pantry, tackle those tough mess areas in your home that aren't having their cleaning needs met by bleaches and sprays with these great DIY cleaning tips. These methods may sound crazy, but the results are nothing short of miraculous. These weird rubbish-ridders will save you money, effort, and many sweaty and frustrated hours of scrubbing. So go ahead -- make Grandma proud!

1. Use Kool-Aid to clean your toilet bowl

Kool-Aid to clean your toilet bowl

Photo via Diana @ Anyone Can Decorate

A 25 cent packet of lemonade flavored Kool-Aid is your go-to superhero when standard cleaners can't rid your toilet bowl of that icky build-up ring. Give your toilet a generous sprinkling of Kool-Aid powder, let the mixture sit, brush down the sides, and then simply flush your soft drink (and your worries) away!

2. Try a vinegar wash to fluff your towels

vinegar wash to fluff your towels

Photo via Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

If your towels or linens are starting to build up a mildew stench, give them a refreshing vinegar bubble bath. Your tired textiles will emerge completely fresh-scented and re-fluffed, with no trace of that dank aroma. Save on laundry detergent, and enjoy this age-old pantry solution.

3. Get rid of rings on wood with olive oil and salt

Get rid of rings on wood with olive oil and salt

Photo via Diana @ Diana's DIY Den & Treasure Showcase

Even though your coffee table is starting to show the wear of coaster-less cups and glasses, don't start shopping for a replacement just yet! This kitchen concoction is just the thing to ease those stains out of your grain and get your wooden surfaces back to their lustrous origins. Don't get discouraged if the rings are still there when you wipe off your mixture -- just check back later and enjoy the disappearing act.

4. Clean your microwave without scrubbing

Clean your microwave without scrubbing

Photo via Angela @ Angela Says

You know that some ovens are self-cleaning, but what's this about microwaves? It's true -- you can let your microwave do the job for you by heating up some water and lemon juice or vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for five minutes, letting the mixture sit to cool, and then wiping down the sides. Any built-up grease and grime will be long gone, without you wearing yourself out.

5. Rub away silver tarnish with toothpaste

Rub away silver tarnish with toothpaste

Photo via Lisa @ Concord Cottage

Instead of the standard smelly silver cleaners, try this minty-fresh alternative. Simply apply toothpaste to your pieces and rub it in with a rag. You can use a toothbrush (what else?) to get into any crevices or ornate designs.

6. Unstick labels easily with orange essential oil

Unstick labels easily with orange essential oil

Photo via Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

This works great for sticky price tags as well as large labels on jars and bottles. Break down the tacky sticker glue with this sweet smelling essential oil, and peel the offending tag right off. Not only will you love how easily this trick gets the job done, you'll enjoy the bonus skin care that the oil gives your fingertips!

7. Scrub greasy appliances with baby oil

Scrub greasy appliances with baby oil

Photo via Alicia @ Thrifty & Chic

Put down the chemical sprays, and break out the rag and baby oil for a much cleaner, much quicker grease-buster that won't leave any harsh scents in your kitchen. Not only does a quick scrub with baby oil cut away the grime, it's a great way to buff metal appliances and leave them with a week-long shine.

8. Iron out carpet stains without using chemicals

Iron out carpet stains without using chemicals

Photo via Ashley @ Bigger than the Three of Us

If you don't have a carpet cleaner on hand, try this chemical-free treatment to get spots and stains out of your rug or carpet. Simply place a damp cloth over the spot, and press it with an iron set to high. The steam will release the stain, and your carpet will be left dry, spot-free, and stunning.

9. Shine metal faucets with used dryer sheets

Shine metal faucets with used dryer sheets

Photo via Raye @ Thoughts by Her

Give your spent dryer sheets one last hurrah by using them to shine your metal faucets and appliances. Shower handle looking dull? Give it a quick shine, totally free. You can even use dryer sheets to dust the surfaces of your home, and because they contain anti-static properties, you might find that doing it helps to lessen future dust build-up.

For more helpful cleaning tricks, tips, and how-tos to help you tackle your spring cleaning, check out our cleaning tips page on Hometalk!

9 unusual cleaning tricks that really work

This article was originally posted on Bustle.com

Suggested materials:

Kool Aid
Vinegar

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1 question

Leo
on Dec 7, 2017

Do these ideas actually work?

1

Answer this
- LT
  on Oct 10, 2020
  
  Vinegar in the laundry really does work. My grandson is an adult and he uses Vinegar in his laundry to get rid of the funky sweaty smell.🤢 😬😵😷 It works very well. 😃😃
  
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Kara Wurtzel
on Dec 7, 2017

Kool Aid in the toilet? Interesting...gotta try that

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Dfm
on Apr 2, 2018

koolaid contains citric acid.....citric acid in the canning isle is less expensive. its used to preserve the flavor and color of home canned fruit.

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