With cleaning, this definitely holds true. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve tried the weird laundry hacks, DIY soap dispensing tips, and I’ve definitely been guilty of purchasing one of those ‘magic,’ tiny mops from a social media ad. We’re human—and cleaning is a natural part of our lives—so it goes without saying that we’ll lean into whatever strange hacks, tips, and products promise to make the job easier. Here are a few of the most counterintuitive cleaning hacks out there right now… and what experts have to say about how and why they (actually) work. “Ketchup is one of those surprising items that will bring back the shine to your silver,” she says. “Simply pour ketchup into a plate and place the silver until it is fully submerged. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then you can remove and rinse the silver with warm water.” Another counterintuitive cleaning hack (for jewelry and silverware) is using banana peels. You simply create a paste from blended peels and scrub! Brad Roberson, President of Glass Doctor, offers a useful trick: “Use a small dab of toothpaste and a soft cloth to gently scrub away small scratches on windows and glass,” he says. However, you have to be careful about what toothpaste you use. “Be sure to use traditional toothpaste with gentle abrasive properties,” he says. “Not a gel paste.” Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Cracks You can also use a toothbrush as a cleaner for those hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. David Flax, Vice President of Window Genie, says that a dry, old toothbrush can clean areas like sliding door jams. “If necessary, sprinkle with a light dusting of baking soda, spritz with a mixture of vinegar and water, and leave for five minutes,” he says. “[Then you can] wipe up the solution and grime with a clean rag or paper towel.” You can also disinfect your home without any wipes or EPA-approved cleaners, she says. Her hack is using 70% Isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Or, she says, diluting bleach with a ratio of 1/3 cup of bleach to every gallon of water will do the trick, too. “Don’t reuse gloves,” Ornatov says, “They carry germs on them wherever you go! Instead, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.” Perhaps a no-brainer for some of us, it’s important to realize that while it may seem sanitary to cover your hands and use gloves to keep a barrier between your skin and your cleaning surface, it might not actually be as helpful as you think.
