6 Genius Cleaning Hacks That Really Work (and Save You So Much Time)

As you’re getting ready to tackle your cleaning checklist, it can be difficult to know where and how to start (especially if it’s been a while since you last cleaned). To help you get started, we talked to Sharon Garcia, a popular TikTok cleaning expert.

On the social media platform, she’s known for her videos and tips for creating a spotless home, so we asked her to share her favorite cleaning hacks that will be worth your time.

From daily habits that will help you avoid clutter over time to must-have products for a shinier home, read on to see what six tips you need to know.

Use an All Purpose Cleaner

When it comes to cleaning different surface areas, Garcia praises all-purpose cleaners because they can be applied to various materials without damaging them. Whether it’s corners or in tough spots, all-purpose cleaners can easily remove dirt or grease and save you a lot of time looking for the right product to get the stain out.

Garcia especially recommends Fabuloso’s all-purpose cleaner because it’s versatile enough to tackle all your challenging spots. She explains how this helps her avoid using multiple products like a disinfectant or polisher, since Fabuloso achieves the same spotless result with one product.

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Opt for a Microfiber Towel

Whether you’re wiping down your hardwood floors or glass mirrors, avoid any residue streaks by using a fresh microfiber towel, Garcia says. Especially if you want sparkly surfaces that will last for a while, it’s important to use a clean towel to buff out any tedious surfaces like glass or stainless steel, which are known to become foggy.

“Using a clean rag is essential because you don’t want to create a mess or see anything visible there,” Garcia says.

Try a DIY Cleaner

You may be surprised by how many at-home ingredients can be combined to create a natural cleaner or freshener. Garcia loves collecting her orange peels and placing them in a jar with some vinegar, which she strains through after a week into a spray bottle.

She uses this combination to deodorize any lingering smells; the vinegar gets rid of unpleasant odors, and the orange replaces them with refreshing zesty notes.

Don’t Forget to Read the Instructions

More often than not, Garcia witnesses people using products without first reading the instructions. This results in her clients using way more product than they need. Instead, some need to be diluted, and, if not, will lead to stickier and unpleasant messes.

Garcia advises against the “more is good” mentality since it could lead to more work for you in the end.

“You have to make sure you know what you’re using,” she explains. “It really does take more than just pulling out certain products and just using them.”

She encourages everyone to always be intentional and to be aware of what’s being used in their homes.

Set a Timer

Cleaning can become daunting over time if you wait until everything in your home becomes cluttered. Garcia suggests setting a timer for five to 10 minutes every day to tidy up a space. Whether it’s wiping down the shower glass doors or reorganizing scattered items, it can help you tackle cleaning a bit at a time, so you don’t end up with an overwhelming and endless list of chores at the end of the week.

It may also shock some people how much they’re actually able to get done when they focus on one task for a couple of minutes—this can make all the difference, Garcia says.

Sticking to a consistent routine is especially helpful for new homeowners, so they can feel good about their space if they’re not used to cleaning quite as often.

“Once you get into the habit of it, you won’t even need a time,” Garcia says.

Saturate Your Cotton Balls

After you’ve finally finished the last stretch of your cleaning itinerary, keep your space smelling divine long afterward by using Garcia’s favorite cotton ball hack. Garcia keeps her bathrooms smelling fresh and bugs away by dipping some cotton balls in cleaning products and placing them in garbage cans or window sills.

“It smells for hours,” Garcia says. “Someone could go into the bathroom hours after I’ve cleaned it, and it will smell good.”

This tip can be used in any high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms that need a long-lasting effect.

Some cleaning products may also include natural bug-repelling scents like lavender, Garcia says. Once Garcia began using Fabuloso’s lavender cleaning product for her cotton balls, she noticed an instant decrease in bugs when she moved into her first home. She quickly realized the lavender notes were naturally propelling the ants.