What's a life hack, you ask? By definition, it's a simple, resourceful, and often novel approach to a problem that makes one's life easier. I love to find simple fixes to challenging problems, so let's get to sharing. 1. Clean Your Wooden Cutting Boards with Coarse Salt and Lemon
If your cutting boards are wood, or you have butcher block counters, give this method a try. Liberally sprinkle coarse salt all over your damp surface. Then, cut a lemon in half, and use the cut side down, scrubbing while giving a light squeeze. Let the juice sit for about five minutes, then scrape off. The salt acts as an abrasive, and should release your most stubborn stains. 2. Clean Your Microwave without Harsh Cleaners
When the walls of your microwave become a mess, take a microwave safe measuring cup or a bowl and fill with water, then microwave on high for five minutes. Remove the cup, then use a towel to wipe the sides. The steam from the water loosens stuck on particles inside the microwave making wiping out easy without a lot of smelly chemicals. 3. Dust Your Lampshades!
Often forgotten, but always noticed! Dusting lampshades is super easy with a rolling lint remover. If you don't have one, pick up a lint roller for a few bucks at the dollar store. For lamp shades, both paper and fabric, roll both the sides and edges. This hint is really helpful if you have allergies since the roller traps the dust on the tape sheet. 4. Wash Your Pet Collars
The best way to get Fido's collar clean, assuming the collar isn't leather, is to pop it in the top drawer of your dishwasher.
Feel free to add in some of his favorite hard plastic and rubber toys too, for a good cleaning! 5. Freshen the Bed Pillows
Toss your bed pillows, feather or polyester-filled, in the washer to get them fresh. Don't overfill, the pillows need room to move around and use a good detergent.
To dry, set outside in the sun if you can. They will dry in the dryer, but will take a while. 6. Keep the Bathroom Smelling Fresh
If you're not a fan of the not so nice odors in the bathroom, but don't love the artificial smell of the sprays either, put a few drops of essential oil on the inside of your toilet paper roll. The scent will be subtle, but what an easy and inexpensive solution!
Try vanilla, citrus, or any other scent that fits you and whoever else uses the bathroom.
7. Get Sand Off Easily
If you and the kids are heading out to the beach this summer, or just playing in the sandbox in the backyard, keep baby powder on hand to make clean up easier. Sprinkle baby powder on your feet, your arms, the baby, your hair, or wherever sand is a nuisance. The powder pulls the liquid, and the sand will loosen easily.
Do you have any great tips and tricks to share? Leave a comment and let us know!
Rebecca Robertson is a Realtor in Houston, TX who loves efficiency and making things simple, like cleaning the house! She does the same thing when it comes to selling or buying a home, always with a mind toward as easy as possible! Drop her a note if you're thinking about a move, rebecca@righthouserealtor.com, she'd love to help!