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[Home](/home)

 /  31 August 2021  

#  18 Unusual Cleaning Tips  


Maybe you’re one of those people who feels their work is never done when it comes to cleaning, or perhaps you’re looking for some tricks to make life a bit easier. Either way, here some of the industry’s biggest names to spill their best-kept secrets…  


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All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

### In the kitchen…

“To soften splatters inside the microwave, fill a cup with water and microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked-on food so you can easily wipe it clean. Also, use a cloth on the end of a mop handle to reach the narrow space between appliances.” – the team at [Molly Maid](https://www.mollymaid.co.uk/)

“You can clean your wooden cutting board with half a lemon and a little coarse salt. Simply cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the salt over the chopping board. Then, with the lemon facing downwards, scour the surface of the chopping board, squeezing slightly to release the lemon juice as you go. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to give the lemon and salt some time to work, then scrape away any lemon bits and rinse with warm water and a clean sponge or cloth.” – [Lynsey Crombie](https://www.instagram.com/lynsey_queenofclean/)

“Baking soda is safe enough to clean and disinfect counters, sinks, cutting boards, major and minor appliances, plastic containers, and more. Simply sprinkle about half a teaspoon on a damp sponge or cloth and wipe your surfaces clean, rinse thoroughly, then dry.” – the team at [Merry Maids](https://www.merrymaids.com/)

“After cleaning your bin with a disinfectant spray, douse a piece of kitchen roll in Zoflora, fold it up and leaves it at the bottom before inserting a new bin bag. It will counteract any odours until you next remove the bag.” – [Mrs Hinch](https://www.instagram.com/mrshinchhome/)

“Hot water and fabric conditioner will soon get your dirty dishes clean. Simple fill with water and add a squirt of conditioner and leave to sit for an hour or so and then the burnt-on food and grease will lift away.” – [Lynsey Crombie](https://www.instagram.com/lynsey_queenofclean/)

“Reusable or recyclable bags are probably a staple in your shopping routine but because these fabric bags are high-touch items and may experience many food spills (leaving them with stains and unpleasant odours), we recommend throwing them in the wash. Just be sure the fabric is machine washable first.” – the team at Merry Maids

 

 

 

 Rubbing half a lemon on your metal faucets will not only naturally break down water stains, but it will leave your bathroom fresh and ready for guests.  
 

 



 

 

 

 

### In the bathroom…

“To remove fingerprints from stainless steel appliances, add a small amount of baby oil to a clean, soft microfibre cloth and wipe. You can also use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around soap holders, taps and drains.” – the team at Molly Maid

“Rubbing half a lemon on your metal faucets will not only naturally break down water stains, but it will leave your bathroom fresh and ready for guests.” – the team at Merry Maids

“Place hot water and neat bleach into the bath sinks and toilets and let that soak for a while. You may think you bath is clean but if you leave the bleach for a few minutes in clear water you will see particles of dirt rise to the top. Once this has been soaked for a few minutes, release the water and scrub down with a bathroom spray and clean no toxic water. Finally, buff dry with an old towel.” – Lynsey

### In the living room…

“Next time you discover a spill or spot on your upholstery, lightly mist the area with glass cleaner and gently brush in one direction with a soft-bristled brush. Repeat if necessary for tough stains.” – the team at Merry Maids

“Lint rollers are great for removing pet hair, but they have many other uses too. You can freshen up suede shoes and accessories, and even remove dust. Lint rollers come in handy when you need to dust your textile items such as throw pillows, velvet covers or heavy drapes. Roll it over textile lampshades – you will be amazed how much dust you collect.” – the team from [TheHappyHouseCleaning.co.uk](https://thehappyhousecleaning.co.uk/)

 

 

 

 

 To remove fingerprints from stainless steel appliances, add a small amount of baby oil to a clean, soft microfibre cloth and wipe. You can also use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around soap holders, taps and drains.  
 

 



 

 

 

 

### Around the house…

“Fold your sheets and put them in one of the matching pillowcases for a neat and tidy shelf. Next time you need to change your sheets, everything will be far more accessible.” – Mrs Hinch

“When cleaning windows, wipe one side of the glass horizontally and the other side vertically. This way, when polishing out streaks, it will be easy to determine which side they are on. Also, dampen a clean, soft paintbrush to remove dust from louvre doors, telephones and keyboard keys, carved furniture, etc.” – the team at Molly Maid

“Use a tumble dryer sheet to wipe away any dust or grime that’s built up on both real and fake plants. It will keep them smelling fresh and avoid a build-up of grime that could then transfer onto your carpet or furniture.” – Mrs Hinch

“Olive oil is an excellent substance to use when polishing wooden furnishings and floors. The natural oils will nourish the surfaces, leaving a soft lustre. Use a few drops of the liquid and a soft cloth to remove smears and fingerprints from your stainless-steel appliances, too. After you are done, use a dry rag to polish the area and pick up any excess.” – the team from TheHappyHouseCleaning.co.uk

“Pure cotton items and linen can be a real pain to iron as you spend eternity going over and over the same crease. Iron these items slightly damp or have a water spray to hand and spritz as you go, and you’ll breeze through these items in no time.” – Lynsey

“Use fabric conditioner to keep the paintwork on your doors clean. Mix a cup with water to wipe down marks without removing the paint.” – Mrs Hinch

“There’s no need to buy new towels and bed linens if they start going dingy. Wash them as usual and let them dry. After this, rewash them, using white distilled vinegar instead of laundry liquid. Let the washed items dry entirely under direct sunlight. The vinegar smell will disappear, and so will the unpleasant stale odour.” – the team from [TheHappyHouseCleaning.co.uk](https://thehappyhousecleaning.co.uk/)

Visit [MollyMaid.co.uk](https://www.mollymaid.co.uk/), [MerryMaids.com](https://www.merrymaids.com/), [QueenOfClean.blog](https://queenofclean.blog/), [TheHappyHouseCleaning.co.uk](https://thehappyhousecleaning.co.uk/)

and follow @MrsHinchHome on Instagram.

### *Inspired? Shop some of our favourite cleaning essentials below…*

 

 

 

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##### The Laundress, 



£18

 

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[#### Bicarbonate of Soda](https://www.ocado.com/products/dri-pak-bicarbonate-of-soda-302722011)

##### Dri-Pack, 



£1.75

 

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 ![Eco Friendly Fabric Conditioner from Kinn Living ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/vjp0PHzx53NkTqOY1W_jM0t46Ps=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F08%2Fkinnecofriendlyfabricconditionerps595.png?itok=UCEL33oP)

 

 

 

[#### Eco Friendly Fabric Conditioner](https://www.kinn-living.com/products/eco-friendly-neroli-fabric-conditioner)

##### Kinn Living, 



£5.95

 

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 ![Antibacterial Surface Cleanser Spray  from Dettol](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Wm8qiRs5zAFD5uNaqM2OWSP5EDg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F08%2Fdettol-antibacterial-surface-cleanser-spray-ps150.png?itok=BwTrG-oN)

 

 

 

[#### Antibacterial Surface Cleanser Spray ](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ZIVC7B6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00ZIVC7B6&linkCode=as2&tag=sheerluxe-21&linkId=67c2cc373a2dd1bfdb08673018b7afc5)

##### Dettol, 



£1.50

 

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 ![Microfibre Cleaning Cloths  from Amazon Basics ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rYB66BKVvMaEtIhWpzrlKQwkXmc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F08%2Famazon-basics-microfibre-cleaning-cloths-pack-24-ps1175.png?itok=phqiLmmx)

 

 

 

[#### Microfibre Cleaning Cloths ](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009FUF6DM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B009FUF6DM&linkCode=as2&tag=sheerluxe-21&linkId=19a5117a7bd7d5135efc9b466ec3771c)

##### Amazon Basics, 



£11.75

 

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 ![Window and Glass Cleaner Spray from Astonish ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/K8ektRIwkhLbwIMwjBfQIzx4maI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2021%2F08%2Fastonishwindowglasscleanersprayps139.png?itok=hjX945hl)

 

 

 

[#### Window and Glass Cleaner Spray](https://www.ocado.com/products/astonish-window-glass-cleaner-spray-68530011)

##### Astonish, 



£1.39

 

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