17 Deep Cleaning Hacks You Need In Your Life
Deep cleaning. Just saying the words makes me want to fake a back injury. But let’s face it—sometimes your home needs more than a quick sweep or a swipe with a wet wipe.
Whether you’ve got guests coming over, spring cleaning vibes, or just hit your “I can’t live like this anymore” limit, these 17 deep cleaning hacks will help you tackle your mess like a pro (or at least like someone who watched a pro on TikTok).
Grab your rubber gloves—it’s about to get real.
1. Steam Clean Your Microwave
Microwave crust that’s older than your last relationship? Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar (optional: add a lemon slice for a fresher scent).
Microwave it for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen all that gunk, and you can just wipe it away like magic. No scrubbing. You’re welcome.
2. Tackle Your Sink with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Your sink takes a lot of abuse—grease, food bits, soap scum. Sprinkle baking soda all over it, scrub lightly, and then pour in some vinegar. The fizzy reaction will loosen grime and deodorize. Rinse with hot water, and boom: shiny sink that doesn’t smell like yesterday’s lasagna.
3. Brush Out Your Window Tracks
Window tracks are the unsung heroes of filth collection. Use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub out the grime. For stubborn gunk, sprinkle baking soda first, then attack it with vinegar. Wipe it clean and marvel at how much dirt was secretly judging you.
4. Vacuum Your Mattress
Your mattress is basically a giant sponge for dead skin cells and sweat (sorry, but it’s true). Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to suck up dust, and sprinkle baking soda over the surface to deodorize. Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up. It’s like giving your bed a spa day.
5. Remove Hard Water Stains with Lemon
Hard water stains are the worst, but guess what? Lemons don’t just make lemonade—they erase stains. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on faucets, showerheads, or glass doors. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. Voila! No more cloudy spots.
6. Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Baseboards
Don’t have time to scrub your baseboards? Grab a dryer sheet and wipe them down. It picks up dust like a magnet and leaves a fresh scent behind. Bonus: It also helps repel future dust. Yes, please.
7. Deep Clean Your Dishwasher
Wait—your dishwasher cleans dishes, so why would it need cleaning? Because it’s probably full of food gunk and soap scum. Run a cycle with a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack. Then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and run another hot cycle. Your dishwasher will thank you.
8. Zap Your Shower Curtains
Shower curtains are mold magnets, but don’t toss them just yet. Throw your plastic curtain in the washing machine with some towels (they help scrub it). Add detergent and a splash of vinegar, then hang it back up to dry. No more mildew vibes.
9. Unclog Shower Heads with a Vinegar Bag
If your showerhead is spraying in every direction but down, it’s probably clogged with mineral buildup. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, tie it around the showerhead, and let it sit overnight. Rinse in the morning, and it’ll be like you installed a brand-new one.
10. Clean Blinds with a Sock
Blinds are dust central, and cleaning each slat individually feels like a punishment. Put an old sock on your hand, dip it in a vinegar-water mix, and swipe away. It’s fast, effective, and weirdly satisfying.
11. Scrub Tile Grout with Baking Soda Paste
Grout is like a dirt magnet, but you can fix it without professional help. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and scrub it into the grout with a toothbrush. For extra stubborn stains, spray vinegar on top and watch it fizz. Wipe clean, and your tiles will look brand new.
12. Descale Your Coffee Maker
Your coffee maker works hard for you every day—it deserves some TLC. Run a cycle with equal parts water and vinegar, followed by a few cycles of plain water to rinse. It’ll keep your coffee tasting fresh and your machine running longer.
13. Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil
Fingerprints and smudges ruining your stainless steel appliances? Put a dab of olive oil on a cloth and rub it over the surface. Buff it with a clean, dry cloth, and your fridge will look so shiny you’ll see your reflection (hopefully smiling).
14. Clean Oven Glass with a Baking Soda Paste
The inside of your oven door doesn’t have to be a window into your regrets. Make a paste with baking soda and water, spread it on the glass, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wipe it off with a damp cloth, and say goodbye to baked-on grease.
15. Freshen Up Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but it can’t clean itself. Run a hot cycle with two cups of vinegar and a half-cup of baking soda. This combo tackles soap scum, odors, and mystery build-up. Wipe the drum dry when it’s done.
16. Clean Vents with a Butter Knife
Dust loves hiding in vent grates, and regular dusters can’t reach it. Wrap a butter knife in a damp cloth and run it through each slat. It’s oddly satisfying and way less gross than you’d think.
17. Revive Carpets with a Deep Deodorizing Treatment
Vacuuming only scratches the surface. Sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum. For extra freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling. Your carpet will feel (and smell) brand new.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress, You’ve Got This
Deep cleaning doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Doom. With these 17 hacks, you can tackle the mess one step at a time.
Whether you’re zapping microwave grime, reviving carpets, or scrubbing grout like a champ, each small victory adds up to a home you can be proud of.
Now go grab your supplies and channel your inner cleaning ninja!
